Willemstad Cruise Shuttles

Along the shores of Curaçao Island, the capital city of Willemstad is a unique Dutch-colonial haven of architecture and culture. Arrive to the Willemstad Cruise Terminal all smiles when the boat docks, looking forward to the relatively quiet west side of town before getting truly immersed in the city. Public transportation includes a trolley that winds through the historic quarter, while an abundance of promenades offer walker-friendly tours. Private rentals are best for seeing things with all the freedom one could need, whether it be through a simple sedan perfect for getting places at any pace, or a spacious chartered bus/SUV that can carry big families to sprawling beaches on the far east side. And for those interested in the most convenient option, reserve a meet-and-greet service ranging from the simplicity of taxis best for drop offs throughout the old walled-in city of Otrobanda, to local personal drivers that can share the Curaçao perspective.

Start the day by exploring what’s close to the cruise port first, an easy way to do so being through the riverfront setting of St. Anna Bay, a narrow strait of water lined with exhibits like the Kura Hulanda Museum and its sad tales of slavery, as well as the Curaçao Maritime Museum’s views of the isle’s centuries history starting at the region’s Dutch colonization. Cross the epic Queen Emma Bridge to see what rests on the east side of the bay, looking forward to the towering interior steeples of Fort Church as well as an array of local vendors sharing their personal recipes at Old Market. By the end of the afternoon, take a stroll across the region’s historic Pietermaai District, a colorful neighborhood filled with Baroque buildings and brightly painted facades. Another cool way to end the day is through sunset across various beachfronts, whether it be through the west side’s Parasasa Beach or the extra tourist-friendly poolside cabanas and special catering at Mambo Beach.