Southern Caribbean cruise: Great places to visit in Curaçao

Many seasoned travelers consider Curaçao to be the happy medium when it comes to the three Southern Caribbean islands known as the ABCs (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). Aruba is heavily developed and urban, while rural Bonaire is one of the least-visited islands in this part of the world. Curaçao fits right in the middle. You can hang out in the bustling capital of Willemstad or explore some of the island’s picturesque forests and preserves.

The staff at CruiseExperts.com got together and discussed some of our favorite places to visit while in Curaçao. Here are a few of our top picks:

Christoffel National Park 

Christoffel is the largest national park in Curaçao. The 4,500-acre preserve is formed from three former 17th-century plantations. The main house on one of these properties, Landuis Savonet, is at the entrance to the park. It was built in 1663 and is now a museum on the colonial era and the Dutch West India Company.

There are eight hiking trails in the preserve, with difficulty that ranges from an easy stroll to a strenuous trek up to the top of Christoffel Mountain. Visitors can explore the park on their own or as part of a guided tour. One can expect to see wild orchids, barn owls and the Curaçao White Tailed deer.

Fort Amsterdam

For most of their existence in Curaçao, the Dutch never felt fully safe. From the 17th through 19th centuries, the island faced constant threats from Spain, France and England. In the 20th century, Venezuela became a problem. Over the course of decades, the Dutch built many forts in Curaçao to protect vulnerable points on the island.

One of the best preserved forts is known as Amsterdam and is now home to government offices. Evidence of long-ago battles can still be seen in many of the walls. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kura Hulanda Museum 

History lessons probably don’t come to mind when you’re thinking about a Caribbean cruise, but a trip to the Kura Hulanda Museum may have you reconsidering what these islands have to offer. This fascinating museum reveal’s the island’s diverse roots and its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Exhibits feature relics from West African empires and examples of art created by Curaçao’s native inhabitants.

A trip to the Kura Hulanda Museum is a deeply emotional but enlightening experience. Most visitors say that they were glad that they spent some time there.

Queen Emma Bridge 

Curaçao has a few bridges named for Dutch queens, but Queen Emma is arguably one of the most interesting and beautiful. It connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts of Willemstad.

If you’re looking for an entertaining, but relaxing way to spend a few hours on the island, take a seat on a wall along the channel that cuts through the city. Watch when large ships need to come through; the bridge swing open like a gate. You’ll often see pedestrians quickly hop from one side to another, so that they can continue on their way.

If you’re not adventurous enough to take a leap across a moving bridge, a public ferry will bring you to the other side.

Want more information on how you can cruise to the Southern Caribbean and visit Curaçao?

Call your CruiseExperts.com agent.  We are here to help you plan your memorable cruise to the Southern Caribbean, or any other  destination. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com. We also specialize in Alaska cruises and cruisetours, and European River Cruises.

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