SHORE EXCURSIONS

Snorkel the turquoise waters off Blue Bay Beach and relax however you please on this beautiful stretch of sand. You will likely see an ever-changing parade of marine life, which is just one of the reasons that this is one of Curaçao’s most popular snorkeling sites. You may spot brightly colored queen triggerfish, red-striped squirrelfish and brilliant blue tangs. Spiny lobsters are often seen hiding among the coral reefs and on occasion hawksbill turtles swim by. The biodiversity is spectacular with marine species ranging from large white-spotted eagle rays to the teeniest of sea horses. It will be easy to find a comfortable depth for snorkeling because the sea floor slopes gently from the beach. If you wish to rest while snorkeling, feel free to lounge about the beach and stroll along the shore.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Behold the underwater wonders while snorkeling off Blue Bay Beach.
• Marvel at the marine biodiversity, the schools of colorful fish and perhaps even a sea turtle.
• Relax on Blue Bay Beach as an alternative to snorkeling the entire time.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a tour through the historic section of Willemstad in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and the city lights are wonderfully radiant. First, during your scenic drive, stop at an amazing viewpoint overlooking the city near a historical fortress for some great pictures and a toast with a Blue Curaçao, a sweet liquor, made from Laraha oranges grown on the island. Then, continue with a nice and cool evening walking tour and meander along and pass a collection of colorful, Dutch-inspired homes overlooking the canals. This colonial architecture and the district’s European-style layout earned Willemstad a UNESCO World Heritage site designation. Even so, the architectural highlight may well be Fort Amsterdam as it was constructed in 1634 and a cannonball from a conflict with England is still lodged in one of the walls. You will also walk on the unique 19th-century Queen Emma pontoon bridge whose colorful arched lights shine brilliantly on the water at night. Finally, stop for a fun photo at The orange Dushi sign, which is another icon; the word means “sweet” in Papiamentu, the official language of Curaçao. For those who like to stay longer for a nice drink or dinner, you’ll have the option to be dropped off at a nice local bar and restaurant area.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Willemstad’s atmospheric Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. .
• Snap photos at Fort Amsterdam, the Queen Emma Bridge and the iconic Dushi sign.
• Enjoy the nighttime ambiance when the lights of Old Town shine radiantly.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a panoramic drive around Willemstad with stops to see how Blue Curaçao liquor is produced and to spend hours relaxing at the beach. Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage site acclaimed for its colonial architecture and European-style layout, and you will see many of its attractions. Among them are the Queen Emma pontoon bridge and High Street Otrabanda, a former neighborhood of stately homes that wealthy Jewish merchants built in the 1800s. The island’s namesake liqueur is made from a variety of orange only found on Curaçao, and you will see how it’s made at Landhuis Chobolobo. Natural beauty becomes the focus just east of Willemstad as you pass the rocky cliffs of Caracas Bay before spending a few hours of free time at Mambo Beach. Besides being one of the most spectacular stretches of sand on the island, the beach is lined with an array of restaurants and shops, so there is truly something for everything.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle in for a scenic drive through Willemstad and view some of the defining landmarks.
• Pause at Landhuis Cholbolobo to see how orange-flavored Curaçao liqueur is made.
• Spend time relaxing at Mambo Beach and browse its shops and restaurants, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Travel through Dutch-influenced Willemstad on foot and by bus and pause along the way for photos of the most revealing landmarks. From Rif Fort, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the harbor with the option of standing atop the 19th-century defensive walls. A vantage point nearby will present a different perspective of Willemstad and a tasting of sweets that will complement the local liqueur that you will be offered at the fort. Stop at historical attractions such as the oldest synagogue in the America's and the "wedding cake building" in the historical "scharloo"; home to the first "nouveau riche". It’s the unusual street art that makes this outing even more special. You can expect to see rainbow-colored stairs, a two-story mural of a naked chicken and the iconic sign that simply says Dushi, a Dutch and Papiamentu word that means anything from “good looking” to “delicious” to “nice.” Afterwards, you will have time to shop. How dushi is that?

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain an understanding of the local culture by walking and driving through Willemstad.
• View landmarks such as the Scharloo street, wedding cake building and the oldest synagogue in the Americas.
• Admire a slew of street art that includes murals, rainbow-colored stairs and the Dushi sign.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Meander through one of Willemstad’s finest open-air markets as a prelude to a liqueur sampling and a tropical lunch made with local ingredients. Along the way, you will pass the Queen Emma pontoon bridge and the Governor’s Palace, two attractions that reflect the prominent Dutch-influence on the island. While walking through the market and the adjacent Marshe Bieuw food court, you will see locals’ food shopping and dining on signature dishes. Curaçao is also known for its namesake liqueur, which is made from an orange only found on the island. You can sample it at Landhuis Chobolobo, a 19th-century estate and distillery. You will delve even deeper into Curaçao’s cuisine during lunch at the Greenhouse, a local favorite restaurant that overlooks Mambo Beach. Chances are, you will have seen many of the ingredients in your meal at the market and food court.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse an open-air market and food court full of signature Curaçao foods and dishes.
• Pause at Landhuis Cholbolobo distillery for a taste of orange-flavored Curaçao liqueur.
• Dine on tropical cuisine at the Greenhouse restaurant overlooking Mambo Beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore a cave with terraces that indicate eons of different sea levels and relax on a beach that rims a beautiful stretch of sea on the other side of the island. Hato is Curaçao’s largest cave and features several tiers, the highest of which you will reach by climbing 49 steps. Once inside this elevated marine limestone cave, you will see seemingly endless stalactites and stalagmites that are illuminated for dramatic effect. Many of them are named for their shapes, including the Sea Tortoise and the Sleeping Giant. You may also spot petroglyphs that the indigenous Arawaks carved in the rocks about 1,500 years ago. Upon emerging, you will head for the south side of Curaçao to enjoy free time on Mambo Beach. One look and you will instantly know why this stretch of sand is so popular. It is an idyllic seaside setting with a collection of shops and restaurants as a backdrop.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvel at the geological formations within the limestone Hato Caves.
• Stretch out in the sun on Mambo Beach and take a refreshing swim in the Caribbean Sea.
• Take advantage of the fine shopping and dining at Mambo Beach, if you choose.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Walk through the most historical district of Willemstad on your own, with your local guide. All of the attractions are near the beautiful waterfront in an area that UNESCO declared a World Heritage site for being an outstanding example of a colonial trading settlement. See Fort Amsterdam, which the Dutch built in 1634. The Dutch influence will be apparent most everywhere you walk, including lush Queen Wilhelmina Park. Named for the Netherlands’ longest reigning monarch, the park offers a wonderfully serene setting. Jo Jo Correa Square is another popular gathering place, especially for those wanting to relax while shopping.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Take a ride to one of the local beaches of Curaçao to cruise to Turtle Bay and snorkel its crystalline waters where sea turtles are frequently spotted. On the way there, the crew will describe the characteristics of Curaçao’s three most commonly seen turtles – loggerheads, hawksbills and green turtles. Although these species are endangered due to factors such as loss of nesting habitat, pollution and poaching, sea turtles are relatively abundant off some of Curaçao’s beaches. Snorkeling near one of these magnificent creatures as it gracefully swims by is an experience that you will not soon forget. The crew will offer instruction on how best to behave in the water when close to a sea turtle. The waters are also teeming with tropical fish, many of them incredibly colorful.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Snorkel the waters off Curaçao and look for loggerheads, hawksbills and green sea turtles.
• Listen to commentary from the crew explaining the threats to these endangered species.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a selection of wine and cocktails thoughtfully paired with Dutch cheeses along with an intriguing tour of the historic section of Willemstad with, a UNESCO World Heritage site acclaimed for its colonial architecture and European-style layout. The guide will point out landmarks along the way and elaborate on their historical significance. At the first venue, which is a beautiful historical mansion with an amazing Oceanview, you will be served three wines, each with its own characteristics. The wines will be chosen to complement the selection of hors d’oeuvres, which will likely include well-known favorites such as Edam and Gouda. At the second historical venue that has a beautiful view on the harbor, you will sample a favorite local cocktail rather than wine. After a demonstration of the of the cocktail making, you will receive a recipe and it will time for some tasting. You can expect to be served a different selection of local bites which will nicely be paired with the cocktail, which will enhance your appreciation for Dutch-influenced products.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Enjoy an enlightening tour through Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Sample wines and a cocktail paired with hors d’oeuvres, such as Dutch cheeses.
• Discover a bit about the historical venues that have been chosen for the tastings.

HELPFUL HINTS:
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfies in Willemstad, the charming capital city of Curacao. Your Selfie Experience will start at Shete Boka Park. Here, the waves pound against the coral rock formations and the saltwater splashes high into the air. Walk to cliff-like coves of the sea and experience the shooting sound of Shete Boka Park. The tour then goes to Hato Caves, which is the biggest and most prominent cave on the island. Once inside the cave, we will have a walking time on this natural wonder, that makes perfect backdrop to take your selfies. After Hato Caves, we will be in Scharloo, Willemstad’s youngest colonial district, in this historical neighborhood you’ll enjoy a panoramic walk around the the Street Art Skálo and admire life-size murals.

Your walking expedition takes you to the Punda side of Willemstad, to discover the Handelskade, a picturesque stretch of pier you've seen on every Curacao postcard. Colonial Dutch buildings painted in brilliant pinks, blues, green and yellows that line the waters of St. Annabay. Your selfie experience will end at the Floating Bridge, no island getaway is complete without seeing gorgeous scenery you'd never ever see at home—and Willemstad’s floating bridge is spectacular for photo taking! Walk back to your ship with spectacular selfies of this remarkable destination.

Take some memorable selfies in front of stunning backgrounds while getting historical, architectural, cultural and fun facts about Curacao!

Selfie Spots:

Shete Boka Park

Hato Caves

Scharloo District

The Handelskade and Floating Bridge

Punda District

Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended. Active participation from guests is required. Guests in wheelchairs and others with limited mobility should not select this tour. Tour sequence may vary.

The Discover Island Tour combines an interesting look at the countryside of Curacao and the city of Willemstad and a visit to three of the major attractions of this Dutch island.

Drive past the salt flats and flamingoes before proceeding to the spectacular Hato Caves, a dramatic collection of grottos filled with stalactites, stalagmites and crystal-clear pools, centuries in the making.

From the Hato Caves you continue to the Curacao Museum in Otrabanda. The museum combines contemporary art with an exhibition of life in Curacao during the mid-nineteenth century. Cross the Queen Juliana Bridge and enjoy a magnificent view over Punda and Otrobanda, the 2 sides of our natural harbor, St Ana Bay.

Enjoy a taste of the world famous Blue Curacao Liqueur at the Chobolobo Liqueur Factory. Next, your guide will point out major points of interest as you drive through Punda in the heart of Willemstad. If you wish to stay in town, you may leave the tour at this point; otherwise it is a short five-minute drive back to the ship.

Board the Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water. View sea life through large windows and see tropical fish such as Yellowtail Snapper, Sergeant Majors, Parrotfish and Queen Angelfish, as well as delicate colonies of coral. Watch through your private window as a diver is surrounded by hungry fish that he feeds by hand.

Once back on land, you'll cross the Queen Juliana Bridge for a view of Willemstad from 200 feet above the town- a magnificent vista of the capital and the famous Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which provides a pedestrian link between the Otrobanda and Punda districts. From there, continue to the Chobolobo Liqueur Factory for a taste of the world famous Curacao Liqueur. Next enjoy a drive to the Punda district in Willemstad where your guide will point out the major landmarks - you've seen them on postcards and now they're right in front of you. You may choose to stay in town and return to the ship on your own.