Caribbean cruise with Carnival – travel diary – Day 5: Curaçao
Day 5 of our Carnival Caribbean cruise took us to Curaçao. A look back at a full day on the island, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Willemstad to the sunset on the west coast.
In 2018 we sailed through the Caribbean on the Carnival Horizon and docked in Curaçao on Day 5. The question that still comes up: Is the stop really worth it, or is Willemstad just a pretty photo op for an hour? Short answer: Curaçao is one of those ports where you should take your time because the island is more than its postcard facades. Here’s our look back at the day, plus what has changed since then.
- At 444 square kilometers, Curaçao is the largest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) and has been an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2010.
- The Carnival Horizon docks right in Otrabanda, and you can walk across the Queen Emma Bridge to the historic Old Town Punda in ten minutes.
- The pastel houses of Willemstad have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997-not just an Instagram backdrop.
- If you want a beach, drive 15 minutes to one of the beach clubs on the west coast; the late sunset here is a real argument for a long layover.
- Languages spoken include Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiamento, making the island culturally richer than most of its neighbors.
Otrabanda, Punda, and the Famous Pastel Houses
Curaçao is located approximately 65 kilometers north of Venezuela and, along with Aruba and Bonaire, belongs to the so-called ABC Islands. With a good 444 square kilometers, it is the largest of the three. Around 153.000 people from more than 50 nations live on the island, making its linguistic landscape equally diverse: The official language is Dutch, complemented by English, Spanish, and Papiamentu, a Creole language with African, Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch roots.
The Carnival Horizon docked directly in Otrabanda. This offers a practical advantage: you disembark right in the heart of town and, after just a few
Good to Know
▸How long does it take to get from the ship to Willemstad’s Old Town?
The Carnival Horizon docks in Otrabanda, right in the heart of the city. You can walk across the Queen-Emma Bridge to Punda-the historic center with its famous pastel houses-in about ten minutes. No taxi or shuttle needed to reach the very pulse of Willemstad.
▸Is a beach day on Curaçao worth it during a cruise stop?
Absolutely, especially since many ships linger in Curaçao until late. The beaches sit roughly 15 minutes from Willemstad, often tucked into small bays with crystal-clear water and reefs right at the shore. Budget a few euros for beach-club entry and don’t miss the sunset along the west coast.
▸Is Curaçao part of the Netherlands?
Since 2010, Curaçao has been an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, no longer part of the dissolved Netherlands Antilles. Dutch is the official language, but in daily life you’ll hear English, Spanish, and the Creole language Papiamentu.
▸Does the Carnival Horizon still sail to the Caribbean?
Yes. The Carnival Horizon remains in service and currently operates 6- to 8-night Caribbean itineraries out of Miami. Starting May 2027, the ship will relocate its home port to Galveston, Texas. Exact ports of call vary by season.
