I spent a week on Curacao, ask any questions you'd like!

[ckrobyn]

Hey Glen,

 

No...we were actually staying at Breezes Curacao for the week. This trip was not a cruise, it was a land vacation for us.

 

A taxi from the port to Breezes will likely cost you about $10-15USD, which is not too bad at all.

 

Enjoy !

[glentally]

thanks for the input. When it comes to these smaller less known ports the info you provide makes a big diffferance.

 

Ok I'm probably gouing to rent a car in St. martin. All that said give me your best guess what it will cost me to rent a cab from the port to the brewery, then to the ostrich farm whereever that may be, and then back to the port.

 

Don't worry, I won't hold you to it!!

 

Considering how many stops I'll be making I think I'm better off taking a cab to breezes, rent a car,drive back to the port and pick up the group. When you say breezes is a $10-$15 ride, how far is that from the port?

 

 

Glen

[KellyGreen963]

Robyn, did you happen to SNUBA or snorkel while in Curacao?

 

If so, do you have beach or tour company recos? -Kelly

[ckrobyn]

thanks for the input. When it comes to these smaller less known ports the info you provide makes a big diffferance.

 

Ok I'm probably gouing to rent a car in St. martin. All that said give me your best guess what it will cost me to rent a cab from the port to the brewery, then to the ostrich farm whereever that may be, and then back to the port.

 

Don't worry, I won't hold you to it!!

 

Considering how many stops I'll be making I think I'm better off taking a cab to breezes, rent a car,drive back to the port and pick up the group. When you say breezes is a $10-$15 ride, how far is that from the port?

 

 

Glen

Hi Glen,

 

I'm happy that you find this thread usefull! :)

 

The cab ride from the port to Breezes is about 10-15 minutes. While we stayed at the resort I took a cab downtown ( port area) several times and it was always a short ride and never more than $15.00.

 

I still have no clue where the ostrich farm is :confused: I haven't heard about it at all.

The Brewery, like I said is basically in the middle of the island....you really can't miss it and can see it from almost anywhere on the island ( the smoke stacks make sure of that!)

 

If you plan to make several trips from the port to around the island, you may in fact be better off renting a car or an SUV. We were able to rent a good SUV for about $60 USD for the day.......may be a good deal for you because those cab fares can really add up.

 

You will enjoy Curacao, it's not the most beautiful island I have ever seen, but it does have a certain charm....

 

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

[squidsroom]

Did you hear anything of the caves that you can tour? Also if you know of any good snorkelling beaches by the caves?:rolleyes:

[Larry Dymnd]

Ckrobyn

Everyone has been asking what to do during the day. Since my ship leaves port @ 1:ooAM what's to do at night?

Thanks in advance.

Larry

[ckrobyn]

In terms of what there is to do at night on Curacao, that really all depends on what day of the week your ship docks. I found that there is less going on during the week than on weekends. We went into town on a weeknight and there were very few shops and/or restaurants open. I'm not sure if the town stays open "later" when the ship(s) are in.

 

If everything is open, there is quite a lot to do. There are several nice seaside restaurants and some pretty good shopping as well. The entire downtown area is surrounded by water is very pretty and quaint.

 

I hope this helps, enjoy your holiday!

[Larry Dymnd]

Thank you very much

[E. Lee DeGolyer 3rd]

The Hato Caves are over by the airport. There are other caves near the water, but they're a ways off by auto. There are no snorkling beaches near those caves.

 

There are other beaches with plenty of good snorkeling. The famous tugboat wreck is in 10 feet of water and can be easily snorkeled. I believe the tugboat wreck is near Spanish Water, but check with a guidebook to make sure.

[lmmn]

Did you do any snorkeling? We are planning to rent a vehicle and plan to do some snorkeling and go to a beach. In a past thread which I'm unable to locate, someone mentioned Caracas Beach Resort as being a great place to snorkel. Have you ever heard of it? If not, do you have any recommendations as to where to go for the best snorkeling?

[ckrobyn]

I haven't heard of Caracas resort....you sure that isn't in Venezuela? :confused:

 

The island is fabulous for snorkeling, lot's of coral and tropical fish everywhere! We went to the beach Cas Abou and found it incredible for clarity of the water and for snorkeling. The beach is not very easy to find......we had a map, but there are a lot of small obscure exits, so be careful you don't miss the one for this beach! In addition, there is a lovely snack bar as well as washroom facilities.

 

Good Luck! :)

[lmmn]

Thank you for your reply on a good snorkeling beach. Do you know if they had snorkeling equipment for rent?

[ckrobyn]

I believe they rent snorkel equipment, but please don't hold me to that!

 

Although this beach is designated "public" it is not a busy place at all. The day we were there, it was 90 degrees and sunny, there were about 25 people on the beach and it was heaven! The food at the snack bar was great, offering some pretty neat local snacks. :)

[MKKruiser]

I spent a week there in December 2003, stayed at the condos right next to the Sea Aquarium. Beach across the walk way is great with many places/restaurants to visit, though I remember we had a pass card and security was asking for it. Breezes was a bit down from there. But I would think that was maybe just for certain areas.

I made car arrangements from here as it was MUCH cheaper, automatic was not a problem. Driving is not difficult, but directions given by landmarks, as there are not many signs when off the big roads. I did a lot of driving being there for a week.

Some may think the Ostrich Farm is a bit tacky, but we had fun, I even got to ride one! The downtown area is delightful and a nice trolley type vehicle offers a nice view of the area and great history of the area.

I did see ships docked at two different locations.

I will be gone for a bit on a cruise, but will check this site before I leave and when I get back if I can answer any questions.

But, in general, make sure you have water shoes - a must anywhere on the island.

[DENIMITE]

First time ever cruiser - on AOS 2/6/05. I will be spending my 40th bday on this beautiful island and want to be sure to experience it to the max!!! Looking at two tours and want opinions of which is better. Has anyone done the "Beach Express Fun Bus" which goes to Playa Porto Mari or the "Day at the Beach by Boat" tour which goes to van der Valk Beach. My teen daughters are interested in the dolphin swim, but wondered if its really worth the $209 pp. Also are most tours scheduled to begin once you get to port. I can't seem to find any time schedules for any of the islands and we'd like to begin planning. Thanks for any and all info. :D

[lg rover]

Do you know if they let cruise passengers go to the Marriott for the day. I would want to use the beach, have lunch, gamble in the Casino. Thanks

[lmmn]

I haven't heard of Caracas resort....you sure that isn't in Venezuela? :confused:

 

The island is fabulous for snorkeling, lot's of coral and tropical fish everywhere! We went to the beach Cas Abou and found it incredible for clarity of the water and for snorkeling. The beach is not very easy to find......we had a map, but there are a lot of small obscure exits, so be careful you don't miss the one for this beach! In addition, there is a lovely snack bar as well as washroom facilities.

 

Good Luck! :)

 

Did you feel safe at the more remote beaches? We have rented vehicles, so we will not be with a tour group. Any areas to stay away from?

[MKKruiser]

Saw the program in both Nassau and Curacao. I thought it was better in Nassau than Curacao. If it is a once in a lifetime opportunity do it, but if you think you will have other opportunities elsewhere, I would save the money. Was that cost for one or two? If two, it is pretty good, if one I think it is rather over priced.

[ckrobyn]

Did you feel safe at the more remote beaches? We have rented ...vehicles, so we will not be with a tour group. Any areas to stay away from?

 

Yes, we felt very safe at this particular Beach....it was called Cas Abou, it's absolutely stunning!

[ckrobyn]

Do you know if they let ...cruise passengers go to the Marriott for the day. I would want to use the beach, have lunch, gamble in the Casino. Thanks

 

Lindy,

 

I'm really not sure if they have "day passes" for the Marriott? I know they have them for Breezes.

 

Have a great time!

[glentally]

Hello,'

 

 

Do you know of anyone who went on the brewery tour?

[Birdnutty]

I would like to go to the distillery and was wondering if there was anything else of interest in that area. We've been on a partial tour on the way to the Seaquarium, and so don't need to see the same stuff again. Would the best bet be to just find a cab to take us, or to get into a tour? If we just took a taxi, about how much would that cost?

[ckrobyn]

I would like to go to the distillery and was wondering if there was anything else of interest in that area. We've been on a partial tour on the way to the Seaquarium, and so don't need to see the same stuff again. Would the ...best bet be to just find a cab to take us, or to get into a tour? If we just took a taxi, about how much would that cost?

 

You can't miss the distillery, it's smack dab in the middle of Curacao! If you took a cab it may cost you about $10 USD.

Have fun! :)

[gizmo]

We'll be there on a cruise during the upcoming holiday season and are wondering where exactly is the floating market located?

 

The floating market is in the town. If you take the Trolley tour , it does go past it. You can also walk to it from the town. The vendors sell fish, fruit etc from the floating market.

[sixkristy6]

HI there. I posted an actual thread about this but I just saw this thread so I figured that I would post here as well. We are stopping in Curacao on our HM on our cruise. We're thinking of just getting a taxi and telling him to take us to the beach. What beach would you recommend? :D