Curacao Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Piers, and Getting Around

Curacao is a popular cruise destination due to its stunning natural beauty, ideal location, and vibrant culture. With pristine beaches and a unique blend of European and Caribbean cultural influences, it is the perfect place for both relaxation and exploration.

We’ll detail the Curacao Cruise Port in Willemstad so you can discover why it is one of the main gateways to the island nation’s various attractions.

Not only will we provide an in-depth guide to navigating the port itself, but we will also highlight some important travel information and nearby amenities so you can enjoy a seamless and memorable visit to this beautiful island paradise.

Curacao Cruise Port Location and Address

Curacao is an island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea. This tiny island is considered one of the Dutch Caribbean territories, roughly 40 miles from the coast of Venezuela. The Curacao Cruise Port is located within Willemstad, the island’s capital city, on the southern coast of the island. 

Willemstad is built around a harbor called St. Anna Bay, or Sint Annabaai in Dutch, which is where the cruise port is located. This natural harbor splits the city into two distinct areas: Punda and Otrobanda. Both areas are easily accessible from the cruise port’s two terminal locations. 

The main cruise terminal for Curacao Cruise Port is the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, or Mega Cruise Dock, which extends from the coast of Otrobanda into the Caribbean Sea. The second terminal, the Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal, is located along the St. Anna Bay inlet on the western edge of Otrobanda near the Koningin Julianabrug Bridge, which connects the city’s two sides. 

Addresses for the Two Cruise Terminals

1. Mega Pier Cruise Terminal: 4335 V82, A.H. Maduro Wharf, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
2. Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal: 4358 H4Q, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao 

Terminal Layouts and Number of Piers

As mentioned, the two terminals that make up the Curacao Cruise Port. They are located in different parts of the city and differ in size. To make things simple, here’s a basic breakdown of the two: 

Mega Pier Cruise Terminal

Number of Cruise Ship Berths: Two 

As you may have guessed, the terminal takes its name from the enormous pier designed to accommodate larger cruise ships. The pier extends directly into the Caribbean Sea and has a T-shaped design that allows cruise ships to dock with ease. This design also makes it easier for passengers and crew to board and depart from the docked ship and helps with cargo operations.

While the pier is impressively large for a relatively small island nation, it only has a single berth for full-sized cruise ships. However, its location west of the St. Anna Bay entrance allows ships to come and go much faster.

A secondary C-shaped pier to the immediate west of the Mega Pier also leads to the same terminal facilities. This secondary pier features a passenger pontoon bridge that connects it to the terminal. 

The location of the two piers allows ships to dock more easily and allows visiting passengers to access the city’s attractions quickly. 

Mathey Wharf Cruise Port

Number of Cruise Ship Berths: Two

Unlike the Mega Pier, the Mathey Wharf does not extend into the sea. Instead, it is designed to allow cruise ships to dock directly along the channel of St. Anna Bay.

While the terminal is technically smaller than the Mega Pier Terminal, it can still accommodate a full-sized cruise ship because cruise ships can continue north along the St. Anna Bay Channel, then turn around in Schottegat Bay before heading back out to open water.

Terminal Facilities and Services

The Mega Pier Terminal is the larger and more frequently used of the two terminals and is outfitted with better facilities. That said, both terminals offer everything required for a seamless visitor experience. 

The Mega Pier’s facilities include a fast-track security and customs desk, several multi-language information booths where passengers can receive complimentary maps and general assistance, a tented area featuring various souvenir stands, and food and drink vendors. 

Taxis are available on site from a sheltered taxi stand, and there is also a designated area for tour operator pickups and drop-offs.

The Mathey Wharf Terminal also has a streamlined security desk for visitors and a single tourist information booth. There is also a basic convenience store where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and a few basic souvenirs. 

Both terminals allow visitors to connect for 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi, after which point credit card details are required for further access. 

If you want to avoid paying for Wi-Fi, a few cafés offer complimentary Wi-Fi, including a Starbucks location just 0.2 miles away on Baden Powellweg. 

Once you venture beyond the cruise port, there are also some well-marked free public Wi-Fi spots throughout Willemstad. The two terminals also feature well-maintained and accessible washroom facilities. 

Curacao Cruise Parking

Unfortunately, neither of the terminal facilities offers long-term parking. However, there are drop-off and pickup areas and designated taxi stands.

If you have decided to rent a vehicle and need somewhere to park while you explore the city, there is a large outdoor parking lot next to the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort and Mall. It is just a 0.2-mile walk from the Mega Pier and a 0.5-mile journey to Mathey Wharf. 

Single-day parking is complimentary, but those not staying at the resort must pay overnight rates, which vary depending on demand. You can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per night. 

Cruise Lines that Visit Curacao Cruise Port

Curacao is a busy cruise destination, and its port can handle some of the world’s biggest ships. For these reasons and more, it is visited by some of the most recognizable cruise lines in the world, including the following and more:

• Royal Caribbean International
• Carnival Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Costa Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• AIDA Cruises 

Distance from the Airport and Directions

Curacao Cruise Port’s two terminals are roughly 7.5 miles away from Curacao’s Hato International Airport (CUR). Driving between the two usually takes about 20 minutes, but this is heavily dependent on traffic conditions when you arrive. 

For those arriving in Curacao by air, there are plenty of options for traveling between the airport and the cruise port. Taxis charge approximately $25 to $35 for one-way travel, while complimentary shuttles are available through several cruise lines, hotels, and resorts.

You can also pre-book a private shuttle through Curacao Airport Shuttle Services, which costs roughly $15 per person. 

Driving Directions

If you have rented a vehicle at the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port yourself, directions are fairly simple: 

• Head east on Franklin D. Rooseveltweg for 7.1 miles
• Merge onto Nijlweg and continue until you see the turn for Baden Powellweg
• Watch for cruise terminal signs and arrive at your destination on Gouverneur van Slobbeweg 

Transportation Available at the Terminals

Visiting cruise passengers have several options for transportation to and from the cruise port. 

Shuttle Buses

Private shuttle buses are used as the primary method of transportation for shore excursions, but they can also be booked by groups for pre-arranged transit to various destinations.

While most excursions include transportation in their booking fee, private shuttle trips tend to run around $20 per person to most destinations in the Willemstad area. These shuttle buses will pick you up directly in front of the terminal where you arrived. 

Taxis

A taxi is the most popular way to get around Willemstad and the island. Taxis are also available at both terminals. They operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, and they can be obtained simply by waiting in line at either terminal’s taxi stand.

Not only do taxis provide quick and direct travel, but the metered fares are fairly reasonable, with most trips costing between $10 and $35 to anywhere within the city or to any of the nearby beaches or attractions.

If you are hoping to book a taxi from outside the cruise port, the two primary providers on the island are Friendly Taxi Curacao and Dushi Taxi. Both offer flat rates for travel within the four main areas of Willemstad, and they charge fares per taxi rather than per person, which is the case in some of the other Caribbean islands. 

None of the rideshare services are available in Curacao as of yet, so you cannot take an Uber or Lyft.

Public Buses

Public transit in Curacao is limited, but the options that exist are based around a system of minibuses called “konvoiis.” These have basic routes around the city and some lines that connect Willemstad to the smaller towns, like Sint Michiel and Tera Kora. 

The rate for one-way travel is roughly $2, but you must pay in Curacao’s local currency, the Antillean Guilder (ANG). While there isn’t a bus stop directly outside either terminal, there are well-marked bus stops throughout the city. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit Curacao?

Curacao’s tropical climate makes it a year-round travel destination; however, most visitors agree that the dry season is the best time to explore the island. In Curacao, the dry season runs from early January until early April, which is the busiest stretch for tourism.

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

If you want to travel outside of these months, here is a basic breakdown of seasonal weather conditions on the island: 

• Winter (December to February): Temperatures between 75° and 84°F with relatively dry conditions.
• Spring (March to May): The temperatures rise to 80° to 86°F. Relatively low rainfall makes it a good time to enjoy the outdoors.
• Summer (June to August): The temperature averages 83° to 86°F, and high humidity levels can make it uncomfortable to be outside. Increased rainfall and a higher risk of storms can also be an issue.
• Fall (September to November): Temperature averages drop slightly to the 80° to 85°F range, while rain showers remain fairly common. 

Keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November in Curacao, but the island does sit outside the Caribbean’s main hurricane belt, so direct hurricanes and storms are relatively rare. 

Beaches Near the Cruise Port

Curacao is famous for its pristine beaches. Luckily, you won’t have to travel far from the cruise port to enjoy some of the best the island has to offer: 

Mambo Beach (3 miles from the port)

Also known as Aquarium Beach due to its proximity to the Curacao Sea Aquarium, Mambo Beach is the closest to the cruise port. 

This man-made beach has an entry fee of $3.50 USD, but it is well worth the price of admission. It features public restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and other amenities. Covered beach loungers and huts are also available for rental at $4 per day.

The turquoise waters are protected by a man-made outcrop of boulders, making it a great family-friendly spot for water sports and swimming. Plus, the beach is lined by the Mambo Beach Boulevard Boardwalk, which features plenty of stores, bars, and restaurants. 

Blue Bay Beach (10 miles from the port) 

Blue Bay Beach, also known as Blauwbaii, is a popular destination for many shore excursions, as the crystal-clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The white sand beach is also shaded by palm trees, and the loungers provide beachgoers with a great view of the Caribbean Sea. 

Although the beach is quite far and charges fairly steep $12 entrance fees to those not staying in the nearby resorts, it remains a popular option. 

Kokomo Beach (3.5 miles from the port) 

Kokomo Beach is one of the most popular options near Willemstad. There is no entrance fee, and daybeds cost $3.50 to rent for the entire afternoon. The beach also features a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive shop where visitors can rent snorkel equipment and more.

It can get a little bit crowded because it is nearby and doesn’t charge an entrance fee, but it’s a great spot to spend a few hours. You can also grab a stunning picture on the submerged swing set with a sign that says Kokomo, Curacao above it.

Worth Reading: Aruba Cruise Port – Piers, Getting Around and What’s Nearby

What to Do Within Walking Distance of the Port

For those in port for a brief port of call visit, there are plenty of attractions that don’t require booking an excursion or traveling far. Here are just a few of the many highlights: 

Queen Emma Bridge

Only half a mile from the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, this large pontoon bridge connects the Otrobanda and Punda sides of the city by stretching across St. Anna Bay.

Built in 1888 and known to locals as the “Swinging Old Lady,” this floating bridge has a fun bounce as you walk across. It is fun to cross and provides a practical crossing point for those looking to explore the other side of Willemstad. 

Rif Fort

Only a 0.3-mile walk from the port, the historic Rif Fort was built in 1828 to protect the Dutch colony from pirates and rival settlers. Today, the fort functions as a museum, where visitors can learn about the various stages of the famous outpost’s past, including when it was used to protect the island during World War II.

If you decide to visit, you can walk directly from the Mega Pier through part of the Renaissance Mall to get there, making it easy to shop before or after your visit to Rif Fort.

There are even several restaurants and food vendors just outside the fort, including the Royal Dutch Cheesery, where you can try various traditional Dutch dishes.   

Kura Hulanda Museum

Another historical site less than a mile from the port is the Kura Hulanda Museum, which features interactive exhibits highlighting the island’s ties to Africa and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Learn about the history of Curacao and its people in one place. Guided tours are available in English, Dutch, French, and several other languages. The museum is located so close to Breedestraat, one of the city’s main dining roads, that you can combine a visit to the museum with a delicious meal. 

What Else Can You Do in Curacao?

If you are willing to travel beyond the immediate area surrounding the port’s two cruise terminals, Curacao offers numerous exciting attractions, each providing visitors with an opportunity to see what makes the island’s culture and natural beauty unique. Here are just a few of our recommendations: 

Curacao Sea Aquarium

This fun, educational, and interactive aquarium allows visitors to learn about local marine life, including sharks, seals, stingrays, and more. There is even an area where guests can feed flamingos or put on snorkels and pet stingrays.

Not only are there plenty of exhibits to explore, but it is one of the most unique aquariums in the world because it uses an open-water system, meaning that it is connected directly to the Caribbean Sea. 

Since it’s only about 3 miles from the port, it’s easy to get there by taxi. 

Hato Caves

Although these unique limestone caves are nearly 7 miles away on the airport side of the island, they are still well worth visiting. In fact, they are one of the most popular tourist attractions on the entire island, which is due to their natural beauty and the fact that humans inhabited them as long as 1,500 years ago!

Take a guided tour of the cave system and view preserved cave drawings, learn about how runaway slaves hid in them, and see stalactites and other natural features formed millions of years ago.

Christoffel National Park

This stunning and incredibly biodiverse park is the largest on the island. Although it is nearly 18 miles away and is only accessible by vehicle, it can be a major highlight of your entire cruise vacation if you are a hiking and nature enthusiast.

You can fully explore Christoffel Park on foot by hiking the trails alone or taking a guided walking tour. You can also opt for a safari-style tour, where a local guide will take you around the park in an open-top Jeep! 

Dining Near Curacao Cruise Port

Willemstad offers plenty of culinary delights. Like the island itself, the food scene blends several different cultures, allowing visitors to sample European, African, and Caribbean dishes all in one place. 

For a unique fusion of Dutch and Caribbean cuisine, we recommend dinner at Gouverneur de Rouville. Located just half a mile from the port, this stunning restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. It also offers an outdoor dining area with views of St. Anna Bay.

If you want to try some of Curacao’s famed seafood, The Pen is another great option. The relaxed atmosphere and freshly caught seafood dishes are worth the 0.7-mile walk from the port. Open-air, beachside seating makes it an incredibly memorable place to enjoy a meal. 

If you want something a little more casual and even closer to port, The Pancake Sensation offers traditional Dutch pannenkoeken, waffles, American-style pancakes, and much more. It’s a fun place for breakfast, but it also serves food throughout the day. Since it takes less than 10 minutes to walk from either terminal, it’s an easy spot to check off your list. 

Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port

While the terminals do not offer the same level of shopping opportunities at most Caribbean cruise ports, Willemstad offers plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts that don’t require you to travel far. 

The Renaissance Mall near Rif Fort is less than half a mile away and offers a range of designer stores, souvenir shops, and dining options. Its uniquely historical setting also creates the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of shopping.

Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge will find various stores and duty-free shops on the Punda side of St. Anna Bay. The area is considered to be one of the island’s best areas for premium shopping, and it is only a 0.5-mile walk from either port terminal.

With everything from craft and souvenir vendors to international jewelry and designer goods retailers, this area has something for everyone. For duty-free shopping, visit Penha Duty-Free Curacao, which has existed since 1708! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Curaçao walkable from the cruise port?

Yes, both of the port’s cruise terminals are located on the perimeter of Curacao’s capital city, Willemstad, which is very walkable. There are also plenty of attractions that are easy to walk to from the terminals. 

Where do cruise ships stop in Curaçao?

Cruise ships stop at Curacao Cruise Port in the capital city of Willemstad. Ships dock at one of two cruise terminals: Mega Pier Terminal or Mathey Wharf Terminal. 

What is the closest beach to the cruise port in Curaçao?

Mambo Beach is the closest beach to the port, approximately 3 miles away.