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Curacao / Special Interests / Cruise

By Sara Macefield

Curacao is known as the melting pot of the Dutch ABC islands with a bigger population and more of a cosmopolitan ambience than its sisters Bonaire and Aruba. For visitors, and particularly cruise passengers disembarking from ships that moor nearby, the focal point of the island is the picturesque capital Willemstad, popular for its duty-free shopping. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks in part to its beautifully-preserved colourful 17th and 18th century Dutch colonial houses. Some of its traditional buildings line the waterfront, providing a distinctive backdrop for visitors arriving by sea, and a number house typical Dutch shops. The vaults of the old fort have also been turned into small shops and restaurants.

Other interesting sites include the floating market where locals sell their produce and the Mikvah Israel Synagogue, the oldest in the New World. These can be seen, along with other sights, on a “Trolley Train” tour of the city. Further afield are attractions such as The Butterfly Garden, Christoffel Park, the island’s largest natural park known for its hiking trails and birdlife; the Curacao Liqueur Factory where the island’s famous blue drink is concocted; the Curacao Sea Aquarium and the Hato Caves.

Cruise ships moor close to Willemstad, about a 15-minute walk from the city.
 

Cruise on Curacao

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Curacao weather

Curacao weather chart

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

  1. Meander around Willemstad UNESCO World Heritage Site
  2. Scuba dive or snorkel off Klein Curaçao
  3. Spot as many of the 168 bird species as you can

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