Cruising the ABC Islands: Curacao

If you’re cruising to The Caribbean, the ABC islands, comprised of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, should be a top choice for your vacation. Recently on Chasing the Sun, we featured “A Guide to Aruba” and “A Guide to Bonaire” as part of a 3-part blog series on Exploring the ABC Islands of the Dutch Caribbean.  As we wrap up this series, we will focus on the last of the ABC Islands: Curacao!  

Where is Curacao Located?

Curacao is located in the center of the ABC Islands, with Aruba to the west and Bonaire to the east.  If you’ve seen pictures of beautiful Curacao, it is most likely of the Queen Emma pontoon bridge and the iconic colorful buildings lining the waterfront of the port city, Willemstad.

Things to Do in Curacao

With many beaches to visit and ways to explore the island, Norwegian offers many shore excursions to make sightseeing a breeze- a warm, tropical breeze, that is!  See the list below for a guide to exploring Curacao!

1. Willemstad Trolley Train

Board the family-friendly trolley train for a general tour of the island.  The activity level of this excursion is easy, and the tour is entertaining, educational, and fun.  You will see the sights of the famous pontoon bridge, colonial homes from the 1800s, and a floating farmers market where merchants sell produce and fish right from their boats.

2. See & Sea Island Tour

Have you ever wanted to see the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean's surface, but don't care to get wet?  Then this tour aboard the Seaworld Explorer, a semi-submarine, is a great choice for you.  You can relax in the air-conditioned vessel, see all of the tropical fish and coral, and then continue your tour on land without having to shower or dry off.  The second part of this tour will shuttle you all around the island, hitting all the major landmarks and attractions, including the Chobolobo Liqueur Factory, where Curaçao liquors are produced.  See & Sea- the best of both worlds!

3. Dolphin Swim

In Curaçao, Norwegian offers an excursion that allows you to swim with dolphins in a lagoon.  You will be allowed to pet the dolphins, and instructors will teach you signals to interact with the dolphins.  There are age and height restrictions on this activity.  For more information, see Norwegian's Dolphin Swim guide.

4. Coastal Kayak and Snorkeling

Discover the waters of Curaçao by kayak on this one-of-a-kind adventure.  You'll kayak past a fort as you make your way to the top snorkeling spot on the island, where you will have a chance to snorkel around a shipwrecked tugboat filled with marine life.

5. Fun Beach Express

If you would rather soak up the sun on a lounge chair, the west side of the island is calling your name.  This is where the best beaches in Curaçao are located.  And the best way to get there is by Norwegian’s excursion: Fun Beach Express.  You always want to book cruise shore excursions directly with Norwegian, and this one will take you to and from the cruise port so you don’t have to arrange transportation.

Review the Top Things to Consider When Choosing Shore Excursions and our 10 Reasons to Book Your Shore Excursions with Norwegian for more information on how and why to book shore excursions directly with Norwegian.

Norwegian offers many cruise itineraries that visit all three of the ABC Southern Caribbean islands; Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.  You can search by destination to easily see the variety of options, or you can contact Norwegian directly to book your next cruise vacation.  It’s as easy as A-B-C!