Curacao

[MM2U2]

I came across an article about Curacao which is a stop on the Repositioning Cruise. It has the largest floating pontoon bridge in existence. It takes 30 minutes to open to allow cruise boats into the harbor. For more information on Curacao try:
www.curacao-tourism.com
See you on the east bound cruise Aug. 20. -Sept. 3, 2005!

 

[ivanova]

Cool!! Sounds like I'll be up early that morning too (to watch the bridge from the deck).

 

[justmestace]

We spent 10 days in Curacao in 2001. It is a really neat sight to see. The cruise ship looks huge in their tiny harbor.
We stood on the bridge one day as it opened and closed. It does this periodically to let other ships in, also....like Naval & Coast Guard.
The downtown area where the cruise ship docks is fascinating.

We would go back in a heartbeat. Anyone that would like more detailed info is welcome to PM me.

Stacey

 

[izzinmac]

One thing I did notice looking at that website-it states US and Canadian citizens with ongoing travel arrangements only need a birth Certificate and Photo ID.. Saw a lot of talk earlier that passports were required here. Now who is right???

 

[Luv2Dream]

Thanks so much for the informative link. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see the island.

 

[kajohn]

We had a stop at curacao on our Adventure of the Seas cruise this past February. It is a great island. It is different than the ports further north, when we were there there was only one other small ship docked at the island that day. Much different than St. Thomas, ST. Marteen, Cozumel etc. The island is also much bigger, with some industry, major roads, etc.

The ship we were on did not go through the pontoon bridge. There is a large dock before the bridge where we docked. The bridge opens and shuts several times a day, so it is easy to see. The bridge is the main walkway between the parts of the city, it is fun to walk across.

If anyone has any questions feel free to post or send me a PM.

 

[justmestace]

Originally posted by izzinmac
One thing I did notice looking at that website-it states US and Canadian citizens with ongoing travel arrangements only need a birth Certificate and Photo ID.. Saw a lot of talk earlier that passports were required here. Now who is right???

We have passports, so that's what we used. I think either is fine.
What ever you use to get on the ship will work in Curacao.
I have never thought that carrying your birth certificate around was a good idea.

 

[RobinMarie]

Thanks!

 

[Bmwdsny]

I am looking at the map of Curacao and where in Curacao does the ship dock??

That is one island that i look forward to...I heard it is very pretty.

 

[wdw1972]

I was in Curacao on a Panama Canal cruise this past March. The floating pontoon bridge is really cool, and it'll move even if you're still standing on it (a bell rings to warn you it's going to open, but it's up to you to get off or stay there). Once it's open (along the side of the canal/river), there is a free ferry boat shuttling people from one side to the other.

The buildings in Curacao are gorgeous from a distance, thanks to the colors they're painted. Up close though, it's your typical caribbean island, trash on the streets, cheap touristy merchandise in the shops, etc.

Our ship docked at a dock across the canal/river from the shopping area. We got off the ship and walked 5-10 minutes to reach the pontoon bridge, then crossed that to be in the shopping area. I was on a Holland America cruise, and one thing that happens only for HAL is Curacao puts on a big fireworks display for us as we sail out of port - because Curacao & HAL are both dutch. I was expecting a few shells - no big deal, but it was actually VERY nice, and it was so cool being on deck of my beautiful ship watching those fireworks as the band was playing & we were sailing out of port after dark. That was one of the highlights, but unfortunately it won't happen for DCL ships.