Port: Willemstad

Language: Papiamento but English spoken throughout the island.

Currency: Dutch Guilder or florin- US Dollar is accepted

Shopping: Curacao has one of the most colorful shopping areas in the Caribbean, but in most cases, the prices are no lower than in U.S. discount stores. Main shopping streets are Heerenstraat, Breedestraat, and Madurastraat. One of the most well known shops is Penha and Son, right at the foot of the Queen Emma bridge.

Port Facilities: The pier is located on the Otrabanda, (other side) of the harbor. To get downtown is just a short walk across the Queen Emma bridge or a ferry ride across if the bridge is closed

Transportation: Taxi drivers have an official tariff chart, but confirm before getting in. Taxis are available to meet every cruise ship.

Beaches: Curacao is not fringed with long, powdery stretches of sand as other islands, instead there are tiny bays marked by craggy cliffs, and exotic trees. There are excellent facilities at the Princess Beach Hotel and another option is the beach at the Curacao Seaquarium.

Points of Interest: The tiny Queen Emma Floating Bridge swings aside to open the narrow channel. Pastel gingerbread buildings on shore look like doll-houses as you enter the harbor. FDR /US Embassy, the Seaquarium, Chobolobo, Brievengat, Hato Caves, the synagogue, Seaworld Explorer and the recently opened Ostrich Farm.

EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS/SEAQUQRIUM

Duration: 3 _ hrs. Transport: Buses

A fully comprehensive excursion covering all of the island’s principal points of interest. Chobolobo, Brievengat, and of course the Seaquarium.

OSTRICH FARM

Duration: 3 hrs. Transport: Buses

Visit the Caribbean’s only Ostrich Farm with hundreds of these creatures in all stages of development. A stop is also made at a truly interesting herb garden.

Optional Activities: An exclusive coastal cruise to the beach near the Seaquarium is available, scuba, snorkeling, and a dive with the animals at the Seaquarium.

………Know Before You Go!!!!!……….

One of the most colorful towns of any island. The town itself is easily reached on foot and one of the oldest synagogues in the Caribbean is located downtown, but to fully appreciate the island, the Island Highlights is the best way to see the principal sights and will drop you off downtown at the conclusion. The Seaquarium is an expertly designed facility, highlighting hundred’s of species of marine life. Snorkeling and diving packages are available for the water enthusiast.