Curacao of the Netherland Antilles
Posted By admin on December 10, 2008
Located just 35 miles off the coast of Venezuela lay the island of Curacao. When Sailing to the island it is much more romantic and Curacao has its own charm. The island is 32 miles long and 2 ½ to 7 ½ miles wide in different areas. It is the largest of the ABC Islands of the Netherland Antilles, Aruba and Bonaire are the other two. Being located outside of the hurricane belt it is a sought after place to go if you are looking for warm weather during the holidays.
Temperatures are warm year around and daytime dress is casual. Upon your arrival, depending on the size of your cruise ship, you will dock at either the Mega Pier (newer larger ships dock here) in Willemstad or the Curacao Cruise Terminal (smaller yacht like ships dock here). Either way when you dock you will only be a short distance from the Queen Emma Bridge and then a short walk to the downtown area and business district. If you are not up to walking taxi stands are available outside the terminals, but do agree upon a price with the driver before you leave the curb.
If your time ashore permits Willemstad is a great city for walking, the city’s architecture is beautiful and painted in bold vibrant colors that would envy any of those found in a crayola box. The museums are a must to visit and so are the sidewalk cafes that are outside and buildings with touches of gables and arches that are painted in pastels colors. Restaurants serve local dishes as well as international fares such as fish, chicken, shrimp and burgers and by all means wash down that lunch or dinner with the locally brewed Amstel beer.
Downtown shopping has become known as some of the world’s best, with each store being painted in the beautiful colors of the Caribbean and each one brighter and prettier than the other. The warmth and charm that you will receive from each shop owner standing inside as you enter in only ads to the feeling of being welcomed. Curacao is less humid than most other Caribbean islands but sunscreens, sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended. One visit to this tropical paradise will have you coming back again and again.
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