Currency
Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)
Language
Dutch, Papiamento, English
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit
Nov–Apr
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
From $321 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Willemstad's colorful colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and vibrant Dutch Caribbean culture make it a premier Caribbean cruise destination.
Cruises that visit Willemstad
- cruises to Willemstad
- Willemstad sailings
- Willemstad cruises
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 8-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 8-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 9-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 9-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
Build Your Day in Willemstad
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Queen Emma Bridge
Lots of activities take place right at this location.
Temporarily closed
Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort
Plenty to do and see and much of it for little to no cost.
Cas Abao Beach
Be prepared for a small entrance fee of $6 USD and $3 USD for chair rentals.
Kokomo Beach
Free admission and cheap chairs.
Mambo Beach
The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Curaçao Cruise Terminal
Lots of things to do but be prepared to do a lot of walking.
Sambil Curacao
You have a variety of international brands and were very affordable.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Mambo Beach Boulevard
Lots of shopping, some high end, restaurants, beautiful views of the ocean
Open · Closes 11 PM
Playa Porto Mari
Beautiful beach with easy snorkelling and diving.
Brisa Do Mar
Truly magical experience with some of the best food we've had on the island.
Landhuis Chobolobo
Gen in the workshop made it a really fun interactive experience.
Hato Caves
Nice to see something different and nature's work.
Closes soon · 3 PM
Grand Café 'Gouverneur De Rouville' Curaçao
Some of the best food we had the whole time we were in Curaçao!
Pasawá Box Eatery
Delicious local food with an laid back atmosphere
Curaçao Ostrich Farm
Fun and educational experience about an unusual topic.
Playa Grandi
This is the place to go and relax and swim with turtles and other sea life.
Shete Boka National Park
The blow hole, bridge and cave are cool in their own unique way.
Playa Lagun
Water is stunning and crystal clear for snorkeling 🤿.
Kome
The most delicious meal we have had on our trip to Curaçao by far
La Bohème Curaçao
It'd be worth coming to Curaçao for their ceviche.
Fort Nassau
One and only restaurant with the best view in Curaçao.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Van Gogh Specialty Coffee & City Roastery
The food and the coffees were delicious, the servers were so kind!
Closes soon · 3 PM
Museum Kura Hulanda
The African art exhibit was top notch!
Zuikertuin Mall
A newer shopping area with limited stores, with modern selections.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Sea Side Terrace
We loved the laid-back, friendly, local atmosphere with great food.
Fort Beekenburg
I explored all the little rooms and tunnels, feeling like a real adventurer.
Jaanchie's Restaurant
They food was delicious loaded with local flavors and style of cooking.
De Heeren @ sea
Outstanding shrimps, truffle fries, carpaccio, chicken satay!
Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen
Great rooftop with good vibes, good drinks and a beautiful view of the city.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Mangrove Beach Resort swing
Beautiful waters, clean and all around pleasant experience
MosaCaña Bar & Kitchen
Amazing food, fantastic staff and atmosphere here in Curaçao.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Number Ten Curaçao
Friendly staff, great coffe, delicious food and a great ambiance.
Closes soon · 3 PM
Maira's Kitchen
Service is slow like on most of the island, but the food really stood out.
24 Hoogstraat
Mambo Beach Club
Well protected swimming areas, shops and amenities are good.
Tugboat Beach
Short drive, but spectacular snorkeling and a really great little beach bar.
The Green House
The food is delicious, service was exceptional and such a fun environment!
Rozendaels Original Cuisine
Local dishes, prices are reasonable.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Wet & Wild Beach Club
Top view, nice people and a cool bar
Kas di Piskado Purunchi
Local fish restaurant with great atmosphere and delicious food.
La Curacao
Lots of products and good deals
Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Soi95 Restaurant | Curaçao
Best food we had this week on Curaçao, fresh, creative and nice ambiance!
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Curaçao Sign
Many options for food, shopping, and art.
Open now
Curaçao Activities
Loved activities and music pairing!
Netto Bar
Cocktails between 7 and 8$ are delicious
The Curaçao Museum
Great local museum highlighting the history and art of the island.
The Don Street Restaurant Curaçao
The vibe is really nice, the food was delicious, and the portions were huge.
Mar & Tierra 91
This establishment offers by far the best cuisine and service in Curacao.
Promenade Shopping Center
Nice small shopping mall with some restaurants around.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Sal the kitchen
This was by far the most incredible dinner service we’ve had in curaçao.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Bodega Siete Gotas
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM
The Pen Restaurant & Terrace
Dine-in
La Reina beach, food, coffee and lifestyle
Amazing food, great WiFi not cheap but lovely interior and staff!
Brass Boer Curaçao
Breathtaking spot, amazing culinary experience and exceptional service.
Swinging Old Lady Brewery
Good vibe, good beer, good food, and friendly staff!
Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park
We learnt a lot while having fun and a peaceful relaxing time!
Penha Duty Free Curacao in Punda
A good selection of niche, and, designer fragrances.
Open · Closes 8 PM
BKLYN
Dine-in·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Esty's Brasserie
Dine-in·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Downtown by 5999
Upbeat ambiance, and amazing food to go along with the stylish decor.
One Vibe Bar & Terrace
Good vibes, good food, good prices.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Haven Curaçao - Restaurant, Lounge & Bar
Great food, including several gluten free options.
Cruise Pier Curaçao
Unique floating bridge that swings to let vessels into inner harbor.
Open now
5 O'clock Somewhere Curaçao
Delicious cocktails in a beautiful setting!
Café Copacabana
Excellent Relaxing spot for a drink Excellent Service!!!!
Restaurant X
Dine-in·No delivery
Kandela Bar & Grill
Good fresh quality food, nice people and a excellent vibe!
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Mr Porter
Good music, great patio, fantastic food, and super friendly staff!
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Santa Anna Curacao
The pasta dishes were cooked to perfection, and the pizza was simply divine
24 Handelskade
Free Walking Tours Curaçao
It is a free tour, and they work for tips.
Café George Curaçao
The staff were incredibly welcoming and the food was amazing.
The Lemon Tree Curaçao
We went for a 7 course chef’s table and were blown away by the food.
Punda Beach Curaçao "Playa Marichi"
The water is beautiful and crystal clear!
Cabana Beach Curacao
There are places for cocktails, lounging, swimming and dancing.
Bloempot Shopping Center
At Bloempot Shipping Center, we had a Cozy & relaxed shopping experience.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Reefs Cafe & Co
Always friendly staff and delicious gluten free bread.
Blue Mall Shopping Centre
A very nice place where they sell jewelry, hair plus good products.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Roses Café Bar Restaurant Curaçao
Nice open setup, interesting food and appealing presentation, kind service.
Rilèks Beach Bar & Rooftop
Beach-side, some of the best service on the island for drinks and snacks
GAZE Bar & Lounge Curaçao
Affordable drinks, amazing staff with great music.
Closed · Opens 8 PM
The Nomàt Bar
Great coffee, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Fri
Van Gogh Grab & Go
Cozy atmosphere, very friendly service and great coffee.
Dushi Walks (Otrobanda)
Highly recommend the combo tour art/history.
Churchill Plaza
Nice places to shop ans eat ans have fun
Open now
Island Treasures
The place to go for all your island souvenirs!
Open · Closes 6 PM
Bar de Copa 26
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Blastbar qrasow
Great vibes, great views and delicious drinks.
WAGYU CARTEL
Prices are affordable, steak amazing!
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Willemstad
Willemstad, the colorful capital of Curaçao, is a vibrant Caribbean cruise destination served by nine major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and others. While primarily a port of call, this Dutch Caribbean island welcomes over 500 cruises annually, with most itineraries featuring 7-night voyages that explore neighboring ports like Cartagena, Oranjestad, and the Panama Canal. The port enjoys strong traffic year-round, with peak seasons spanning November through March.
When your ship arrives in Willemstad, you'll step ashore into one of the Caribbean's most distinctive and walkable ports. The UNESCO-listed downtown waterfront enchants visitors with its iconic pastel-colored colonial architecture and bustling harborfront atmosphere, while the nearby beaches and local markets offer authentic island experiences. Whether you're seeking cultural exploration, shopping, or relaxation, Willemstad delivers memorable shore excursions within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
When your ship arrives in Willemstad, you'll step ashore into one of the Caribbean's most distinctive and walkable ports. The UNESCO-listed downtown waterfront enchants visitors with its iconic pastel-colored colonial architecture and bustling harborfront atmosphere, while the nearby beaches and local markets offer authentic island experiences. Whether you're seeking cultural exploration, shopping, or relaxation, Willemstad delivers memorable shore excursions within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
Cruise Lines at Willemstad
- Royal Caribbean International (211 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (78 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (63 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (54 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (36 cruises)
- Silversea (20 cruises)
- Virgin Voyages (19 cruises)
- Emerald Cruises (13 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (11 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Willemstad
Cruises Visiting Willemstad
Ship Schedule at Willemstad
Willemstad Location
Other Cruise Ports in Curaçao
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willemstad known for?
A historic port city in Curaçao with two halves, Punda and Otrobanda, connected by the Queen Emma Bridge.
What are the two districts in Willemstad called and how do they differ?
Punda is the lively shopping and market area; Otrobanda features winding streets and colorful Dutch-influenced architecture.
How can visitors cross Santa Anna Bay?
By car over the Juliana Bridge, on foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge, or by a free ferry when the pontoon is open.
When did Willemstad develop and what is notable about its architecture?
Dutch settlers arrived in the 1630s; the city preserves original red-tile roofs and Dutch-influenced designs.