Overview:
One of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets, Curacao is one of the tiny “ABC Islands” –Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. The island was discovered in 1499 by the Spaniards and taken over in 1634 by the Dutch. Curacao is rich in heritage, both European and African, representing more than 50 nationalities.
You will hear Dutch, Spanish, and English – as well as a local language, Papiamentu, a colorful Creole dialect. Locals and visitors mingle in harmony-don’t be surprised if someone waves and tosses a friendly “Bon Bini!” (Welcome!) or “Kon ta bai?” (How’s it going?) your way.
The official currency there is the Netherlands Antillean Florin, but nearly all vendors and shops take U.S. dollars. Curacao is located 12 degrees north of the equator which means it is sunny and warm year round; the average temperature is mid 80’s. Curacao offers some of the best diving in the world. The local flora is unique; they have ingenious mechanisms allowing them to weather the dry, desert climate, scant rainfall, and the ever-present tradewinds.
Willemstad, the lively capital 
and one of just six UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Caribbean, joining the ranks of Old Havana, Old San Juan, and Colonial Santo Domingo. Willemstad is a great walking city, featuring sidewalk cafes, museums and shops and vibrant architectural touches, such as gables and arches.
Willemstad is split into two main districts by the Santa Anna Bay, a deep but narrow channel, Punda is on the east side and Otrobanda is to the west. Connecting the two sides of the city is a floating pedestrian bride, Queen Emma Bridge.
Where you’ll dock:
There are two main docking spots, one for newer, larger cruise ships and a second for small cruise ships. Whichever harbor your ship docks in; you won’t be far from the attractions of downtown Willemstad.
Most cruise ships will dock in 
Otrobanda, at the Curacao Mega-Pier in West Willemstad, just a few minutes from downtown. The aptly named Mega Pier is located in West Willemstad, just a few minutes walk into downtown.
If you arrive at the Curaçao Cruise Terminal, you’re within walking distance of the Queen Emma Bridge, which connects to Willemstad’s main shopping and business areas.
Once on land, visitors to both ports will be greeted by information officers and tour guides, who can prove helpful in deciding which parts of the island to see. Getting around on foot after coming ashore is easy and good way to see the city and its historical sites. The Queen Emma Bridge connects the two sides of the city and is a tourist attraction within itself. It is known as the Swinging Old Lady by the locals. It swings open sometimes 30 times a day to allow for ship traffic. If the bridge is open you board a passenger ferry for free to get to the other side.
Other ways to get about the city include taxis, buses, and trolleys. Taxis are available at both cruise terminals, be sure to agree on a fare before you head out to your destination.
What to do:
– Explore Willemstad : Stroll along the
winding streets, extremely pedestrian-friendly, with more walkways than many other Caribbean cities, Willemstad offers easy access to everything you need. Shops and restaurants are usually closed on Sunday however sometimes exceptions are made when cruise ships will be in town on Sunday.
–When the Dutch captured the island from Spain in 1634, the Punda district was born. The new leaders began to build a fort, Fort Amsterdam, to protect their settlement and soon the city began to grow. Today, the Fort serves as the seat of the Government. There is a great one hour and 15 minute trolley ride, which allows a little different way to enjoy site seeing. It starts in historic Fort Amsterdam.
–Visit the anthropological museum, Museum Kura Hulanda, focuses on the predominant cultures of Curacao. It offers a world-class chronicle of the Origin of Man, the African slave trade, West African Empires, Pre-Colombian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art. The museum (located in Otrobanda) is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.
–Mikve Israel-Emanuel is the oldest 
synagogue still in use in the New World and recently commemorated its 350th anniversary. The Jewish Historical Museum onsite occupies two buildings which date back to 1728. The two buildings, reconstructed in their original colonial style, provide a fitting background for the great variety of priceless ceremonial and cultural objects collected during the over 350 years of Jewish life on Curaçao: you’ll find artifacts like a Torah scroll, brought to the island by the first Jewish settlers, and hand-wrought, centuries-old silver items once used in religious ceremonies.
–The Curacao Sea Aquarium
showcases species of marine life, in natural seawater aquariums, native to Curacao’s waters. Throughout the day there are several tours and presentations where you can watch and touch the animals and learn more about them. For some real fun, you can snorkel or scuba dive and hand-feed stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and many other colorful tropical fish at the Animal Encounters or enjoy the activities at the Dolphin Academy
–You can take a guided tour of the Amstel Brewery, which produces the only beer in the world made from distilled seawater (You’ll need to phone ahead for tour hours). Tours of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery are also available.
–For the sun worshipper, Curacao has
more than her share of beaches for you to choose from. Seaquarium Beach (located near the Sea Aquarium) offers white sand and palm trees, as well as convenient facilities. There are shops, bars, water sports vendors and restaurants, making it ideal for families. Playa Porto Mari has a unique double coral reef, where you explore one, swim over it and find another. Equipment rental, bar and restaurant are nearby. Curacao’s newest park, the Caracas Bay Island, is geared to divers, nature buffs, families and explorers. Located on the Caracas Bay peninsula, options include mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, banana boat rides and snorkeling tours. The Cas Abao Beach on Banda Abao has a white-sand beach, palm trees and parasols.
Curacao will be included in Southern Caribbean Itineraries:
Click Here for Southern Caribbean Sailings February-December 2012
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