bup1224

On 6/20/2021 at 12:25 PM, cml9712 said:

Hi all:   Never been to Curacao.  What is a "must try" there?  Food, sight seeing, shopping, beach, etc.  Thanks for your feedback!

I live here in Curaçao. 

I recommend a half day tour that will give you some beach time.

Definitely make time to visit Punda (as suggested above).

On 5/26/2021 at 1:15 PM, CruisingSince1982 said:

We are in port form 6am - 2pm. Weird. Anyway, is there shopping or anything within walking distance of the port? 

Yes there is. Some stores will open at 9 am, some at 10 am.

You can go into the Rif Fort area and enjoy a coffee at Douwe Egberts and then walk over the Queen Emma Floating bridge into Punda. 

The Floating market is open again with local vendors.

Definitely worth seeing our downtown area.

When are you coming? The Millennium (soon to be Summit) is docking at our Mega Pier 1 slot.

Depending on how many shops are here depends where yours will dock.

Maybe a 15 minute leisurely walk. 

Please make the effort to walk across the Queen Emma Floating Bridge and visit Punda.

St. Kitts went into a lockdown which is why the itinerary was changed.

https://covid19.gov.kn/2021/06/11/statement-by-prime-minister-of-st-kitts-and-nevis-dr-the-honourable-timothy-harris-friday-june-11th-2021/

4 minutes ago, sofietucker said:

Ah. So I see that unfortunately Curacao too has recently experienced a spike https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/countries-and-territories/curacao/  But apparently, it's much better now! Currently the CDC travel notice for Curacao is "Moderate" while Aruba is rated "Do Not Travel."

Thankfully both islands are doing much better now.

3 minutes ago, sofietucker said:

Here ya go: they had curfews, a beach ban, gathering ban, bars and restaurants closed, boating restrictions (not to mention masking and distancing). Seems pretty "locked down" to me. https://www.visitaruba.com/traveling-to-aruba/entry-requirements-and-visas/aruba-travel-restrictions-covid-19/

I live in Curaçao and can assure you that Curaçao had the more severe restrictions than our sister island of Aruba.

15 hours ago, sofietucker said:

Right. And not only concerns about possibly infecting residents, but the islands' medical capacity, should someone have to be transported. The heavily touristed Outer Banks of NC were under lockdown for a long time as they only have four beds in their single ICU... Speaking of lockdown, Aruba was under lockdown until 11 days before they accepted their first ship on June 5th.

 

Sofia that is incorrect about Aruba. They were not under a lockdown. 

Perhaps you meant Curaçao?

On 6/10/2021 at 10:56 AM, Seany527 said:

Hello everyone,

 

We are in beautiful Curaçao today.
 

I’ll give some updates about the past few days. 
 

Tuesday evening an announcement was made that Sint Maarten would now require visitors to have a negative COVID test 48 hours or less, prior to disembarking the ship. 
Overall this is a non issue as most people would require a test anyway to fly back home, but it does show the ever changing environment.
 

Aruba was very normal. Other than the streets next to the port being practically empty and some of the stores permanently closed, the whole experience while visiting was very nice. 
 

Over the past few nights at dinner, we took advantage of sitting along the aft windows of the deck 4 dining room. I was disappointed to see they added an additional 5, two person tables out of no where. As you can imagine, it made what was once a quiet peaceful dinner, much louder and more chaotic.
 

Today we are in Curaçao and things seem to be a little more restrictive than Aruba. Our tour is required to stay in the “bubble.”  Hand sanitizing before we enter the bus each time. 
We are at Mambo beach and cruise passengers are in a sectioned spot of the beach, which is very nice, with plenty of room. We are not allowed to approach the bar or grill. Everything will be brought to us. 
We have to wear masks at all times unless we are in our beach chairs or in the water. If someone from the cruise ship needs to use the bathroom, the bathroom is closed to other guests, we are allowed to use it and then it is cleaned. 
 

Things are much less restrictive than Barbados, but a little more locked down than Aruba. 
 

Life on board the Millennium continues to be amazing. 

Sean that definitely is strange in Curaçao.  I live here and that is not a Curaçao requirement (there is no a masks on the beach or outside requirement on my island) at all for anyone. Nor was the requirement for cruisers to be in the bubble. 

My guess is because of all the last minute changes,  the cruise sponsored excursion(s) chose to keep the bubble requirements.

On 11/16/2020 at 12:54 PM, Midwifelife7 said:

Beach/snorkeling, off the beaten path stuff.  But I know incorporating a toddler into it can be challenging! 

If beach is your main priority,  Mambo beach area is fun and has very calm water.

7 hours ago, Midwifelife7 said:

We will be in Curacao in 2022 (I know its a long way away).  We are a family of 8 and our kids will be 18, 13, 12, 11, 10 and 14 months old.  What do you suggest that would hopefully entertain everyone but not super expensive?

 

Thanks

 

What activities do you like?

2 hours ago, TTEllis said:

Via email I spoke last night with Rob Debekker, General Manager of the Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort. Explained to him I was trying to get back to the island next year, he said it was highly unlikely the resort will be open next year.  

It's going to be another 12-18 months minimum before they open up.

A serious bummer for those of us trying to plan another trip back to Curacao. I told Rob I would get back with him after the new year to see if things had changed but for next year the Santa Barbara doesn't look good. 

Yes, this was reported here in Curaçao a few months ago.

Keep in mind this resort was having financial problems before the pandemic. 

On 8/17/2020 at 11:25 AM, FraudBroad said:

Does anyone have a recommendation on a Catamaran/Snorkel Excursion? Will be our first time in Curacao and we are looking to snorkel.

 

Thanks so much!

Look up Irie Tours.  I live here and they are very reputable.

On 7/16/2020 at 3:34 PM, TTEllis said:

Any new information in reference to the unrest on the island?

Couldn't be any worse than what's happening here in the states. 

With that being said it's certainly not something I want to run into on my cruise vacation, I'm trying to get back to this island.

Any new info for better or worse about the current state of affairs on Curacao would certainly be appreciated. 

Thank you Todd

Todd all is continues to be calm here as of today.

On 6/27/2020 at 6:39 PM, radiojw said:

It's getting really bad there -- so much that the government has imposed a couple of curfews.

 

I feel bad for the people there and everywhere else -- perhaps a wakeup call to rely on other industries versus tourism.

All is and has been calm here for the past 4 days. 

No curfew at all now (we only had an evening curfew for 2 evenings).

20 hours ago, Yanicka24 said:

I'd like a beach day, my mom would like to go parasailing.  Any beach clubs offer this? 

We do not have parasailing in Curaçao at this time. 

33 minutes ago, Heidijobuck78 said:

Hi Thanks! April 22nd on Carnival Horizon. As far as the tour companies they were all saying not a problem booking it at that time until one of the tour operators wrote back laying out the time line and than what time the park closed. Up to him messaging me the possible timeline and the parks closing time I had no idea there might be an issue. Also if you live there how long is the drive to shete boka from the cruise port? I find it odd though that Carnival has that excursion as an option at that time so that’s why I was thinking the park allowed maybe a little later entrance into the park when a ship was in port?! Thanks again!!

With absolutely no traffic it's about 25-30 minutes. 

The closing time is the closing time,  regardless of a cruise ship being here.

4 minutes ago, l2f said:

 

bup1224 - Is the Floating Market ever re-opening?  Or is it closed permanently?

 

Thanks

At this time, permanently closed. Hopefully if the situation in Venezuela changes, it can be reopened. 

36 minutes ago, Heidijobuck78 said:

We are coming into port in the afternoon (carnival says 1:30) & would like to go to Shete Boka National Park & Snorkel with the turtles. Our cruise ship offers an excursion that does just that but I’d rather book our own private tour. I have contacted a couple tour companies. Most are saying yes we can do that but others are saying that the time might be 230 island time. With that said it’s an hour drive to Shete boka & it looks like it may close at 4:30 according to their website. One of the tour companies told me it closes at 4.  Not a whole lot of places offer the afternoon Shete Boka & I’m going to guess because of this reason. Has anyone ever came in on an afternoon cruise & went to Shete Boka? How do I know which time we come if it’s island time or ship time? If it is 1:30 we would have time to see Shete Boka. If it’s 2:30 that might be pushing it?  Maybe the park closes entrance gates at 4? Or 4:30? And than you can still stay as long as you wish? As I said Carnival does offer it so unless they get some special privilege to get in after it closes they would be cutting it short on time to get there as well. Any help from anyone who has done in the afternoon would help!! TIA

I live here so happy to help. 

What date are you coming so I can check the time for you.

If your ship gets in on time (which the past few months the Carnival afternoon arrivals have been later than scheduled), you would have possibly have maybe an hour to 2 hours at Shete Boka if that, it closes at 4 pm and you have to leave by 4:30, no you can't stay in there after that.

The private tour companies know what they are talking about regarding this.

19 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

Thanks for the info.

You can also visit the Blue experience in Punda for a "shorter" version.

It's not the distillery but gives most of the same info.

On 2/4/2020 at 6:25 PM, thinkink27 said:

That place looks amazing.   

Was Blue Bay all inclusive?

Blue Bay is not all inclusive at this time. 

4 hours ago, CntPAcruiser said:

I suspect the straw market/art market vendors along the canal will still be there, restaurants and bars will be open, and of course many of the sights are there to be seen by just walking around: the fort, the waterways, the floating bridge, and the lovely buildings in town. Oh, and the giant Curacao sign!

 

Some of the vendors along the canal on the Otrobanda side are usually there. 

The Marshe Nobo (round market) on the Punda side is closed on Sundays.

10 hours ago, jlocole said:

Continuing my search for a beach visit.  I think Mambo looks too busy. Blue Bay - maybe.

I have found mention of the 2 beaches in my subject line.

Are they far from the port?  Easy to get to via taxi?

Is one better than the other?   Prices?

I don't want to go on a 4 - 7 hour tour. Just want a couple hours at a nice beach, then wander around what ever is walkable from the port at Willemstad.

Any info / advice is appreciated.

A taxi to Porto Mari is $50 each way, $90 each way to Grote Knip. 

Porto Mari has an entrance fee and a chair rental fee, Grote Knip no entrance fee but a chair rental fee.

I would suggest renting a car (much cheaper and you can beach hop) or stick to Blue Bay. 

4 hours ago, whitford said:

Took a HAL tour, nice tour guide and look at the country side. Cave minimal but still fun.  Back to city center and the main center park. Nice but the place is really messy, cups, papers and garbage most every place. Much more noticeable that any other island in our cruise. The island needs to hire someone to pick up the trash. Huge shopping area, which was nice. Floating market is done due to embargo from US on Venezuela, sad for many reasons. Lots of negative impact from the embargo on the locals. Had the best lunch, local, see picture, you must go, 1 1/2 grouper, beans, rice, plantains and a baked something for $10 US. Great do not miss lunch place next to the "new market" round building. The floating bridge is nice, as are the locks. The shopping is local across the bridge and corporate by the ship. All the history is across the bridge. Fun place. Ship left at 11 pm so we got to see all the late comers running to the ship, great sport, they all made it.

Glad you enjoyed our island. 

The Floating Market has been closed for over a year (sadly). While there is a negative impact, our locals have adjusted as needed.

In Punda (the city center as you call it), our trash company picks up trash daily (Monday-Friday) in the afternoons typically. I know as I work in Punda on most cruise ship days. There are also employees who do "clean up the steets" on a daily basis there as well.

10 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

From the New York Times Travel Section coming this upcoming weekend, they will have this headline: “36 Hours in Curaçao” with these highlights: “Turquoise waters, delicious seafood, colorful snorkeling and white sand: There are a lot of places in the Caribbean that have all these wonderful things, but Curaçao is one place you might not have discovered. Sandwiched between Aruba and Bonaire, and a short boat ride from the Venezuelan coast, Curaçao is bigger than its island neighbors and packed with memorable treasures for enterprising travelers to discover. Of the Dutch West Indies, Curaçao may very well be the most Dutch; the island’s capital, Willemstad, looks like a colorful mini Amsterdam, and Curaçao’s currency is the guilder, the former currency of the Netherlands (though United States dollars are readily accepted across the island). Restaurant menus often feature both bitterballen (fried Dutch meatballs) and kabritu stoba (Antillean goat stew), and when the Dutch soccer teams play, the bars are packed with orange shirts drinking Heineken and speaking Papiamento, the local language. Amid this blended culture is a beach hopper’s dream, and the best way to enjoy everything the island offers is by renting a car and roaming the island’s roads until you find the perfect blue cove.”

 

Many options and potential are outlined in this profile.  There is an interesting interactive map, plus a wide range of visuals, place for dining, etc.  Brings back nice memories from our fun on this interesting island.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/06/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-curacao.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 228,885 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

This 36 hours article,  I must say, has some inconsistencies. 

First the local language is Papiamentu,  a large majority of our lodging is not concentrated in Pietermaai, Pirate's Bay is not in Otrobanda,  and quite frankly,  I'm not sure what type of vehicle the author was driving to get from point A to point B so quickly (locals can't even drive to those places in that order as quickly) or what kind of "speed service " she was getting in the places she ate to move around on that timeline. 

21 hours ago, Hoosierpop said:

On Thursday. Based on one site, we are the only ship that 

If you are renting a car, maybe Cas Abou won't be as crowded