tarheelmjfan

We are sailing on Celebrity to Willemstad, Curacao in Nov. I can't find a lot of info. on the port & haven't heard much about it. I'm looking for advice on what we should do. BTW, we're supposed to be docked from 7am to 6pm. DH & I would be happy lounging on the beach & playing in the water. However, if there is anything that is "not to be missed", we would like to know. We're mostly interested in things that are specific to Curacao or are only found in very few locations around the world. In other words, if we can only experience it in Curacao, we don't want to miss it. Thanks

Knowing

I won't suggest that you dive or anything like that then, but do go ashore and explore. You can hike, bike or climb in the 4,500 acre Christoffel National Park. There's also a lot of history and culture in the island's many museums and their landhuizens or plantation houses. Many people just end up strolling and shoppping through the shops downtown. The architecture on some date back to the 1600's. I really urge you to do more than that. AND, consider going back and doing a land vacation. Curacao is considered to be one of the better islands with the best food. We were truly impressed. The nightlife is also a good one.

StanKase

I would visit the first synogogue in North America. It is an experience regardless of your religion.The duty free in town is a "non-event". We spent 1/2 hour there.

If you can eat dinner or luch, if they are open LaRouse-French/Swiss cuisine is exceptional as is Avalon. Rut's Hut is pretty good as is DeHerren-but the later I think is dinner only.I realize you can eat on the ship but LaRouse is an experience. The owner/chef is most entertaining.
I would go snorkeling, but rent a car, do not go on a tour. The place is Klien Knip Beach and along the rocks on either side of this cove-type beach we found some snorkeling that almost rivals St.John.ENJOY!!

tarheelmjfan

Thanks for the suggestions. The national park & Klien Knip Beach both sound great. My husband drives the state all week & doesn't usually like to drive on vacation, but may make an exception & rent a car. We enjoy dining in local restaurants, & will definitely be in search of a great lunch. Unfortunately, we'll be leaving too early for dinner.

eileen

Have lunch at the Kura Hulanda complex if you can. The restaurants are great and the entire complex is very interesting -- it's all restored buildings and includes a museum. www.kurahulanda.com Curacao has a very interesting mix of culture and history, it's like Europe in the Caribbean.

skinholt

I agree with Eileen...go see the Slave Museum downtown. The shops downtown are full of junk for the most part...avoid them. If your husband does not want to drive DO NOT rent a I think you would be disappointed.

Tulips

Agree with Kura Hulanda; you can walk there from where you dock. Willemstad has some pretty houses, but the shopping is not very good.
Kura Hulanda has an excellent oriental restaurant, Jaipur. Another option for lunch is Le Clochard, which is right at the entrance of the harbour, with a great view of Willemstad.
Also nice for lunch is Gouverneur, close to Kura Hulanda, also with a view over Willemstad and the entrance to the Harbour.
The beach is called Klein Knip (small Knip bay, as opposed to large Knip bay!).