Caribbean cruise - Curacao - March 2022

 The ship docked in the Mega Pier cruise terminal while in Curacao. It was a short walking distance from the city center and the main attractions in Willemstad downtown. Just like Aruba visit, we had a long stay in Curacao from 7:00am to 10:00pm. We took a taxi to tour both sides of the island: Otrobanda and Punda.

Chichi's statue on the top in the background

The Queen Juliana bridge connects Otrobanda and Punda

Santa Familia Church

Flamingo Sanctuary

View of Willemstad from Queen Juliana Bridge

A stop at the Curacao Liqueur Distillery

A neighborhood street in Willemstad

Wilhelmina Park - downtown Willemstad
DUSHI means "Sweetie"

Hendrikplein Z/N - The oldest surviving temple/synagogue in America.

Former Floating Market - Willemstad city center

Vegetable stands at the floating market

Fish stand at the floating market

WILLEMSTAD : is the capital city of Curacao. The city center, historic old town has its unique architecture and harbor entry, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We crossed the Rif Fort and walked on the pontoon/swinging bridge called Queen Emma Bridge to Willemstad's city center from the ship terminal. 

Rif Fort

Love Lock at the beginning of the Queen Emma Swinging Bridge

Queen Emma Swinging Bridge, also a floating bridge

Historic Old Town of Willemstad

Pastel-colored colonial architecture - Waterfront of Willemstad 

Curacao Willemstad Governor's Palace

Waterfort Arches

Artist Alley

Artist Alley

Artist Alley

Molenplein 12-19 Curacao Monument -Former merchant house built in about 1750

Caribbean Cruise - Aruba - March 2022

 After a few cancellations on cruises since the Covid pandemic, we decided to take our first cruise to the ABC islands of the Caribbean. It was a nine day round trip from Ft. Lauderdale. Our ship was the Celebrity Equinox. We got an upgrade to a "balcony" cabin as the ship sailed half full. It was very nice.!

Bonaire was not open to tourism at this time and our itinerary now included: Aruba, Curacao, Jamaica and Nassau.

ARUBA:  After two sea days, our first "port of call" was Aruba. The ship docked near the business downtown of Oranjestad. We had a long stay in Aruba from 8:00am to 11:00pm. Ed and Jan, a couple we met on the ship went in with us to share a taxi to tour the island.

Coming to Aruba at dawn

First stop on our island tour - Casibari Boulders

Casibari Boulders - With Ed and Jan

Alto Vista Chapel - First church on the island

California Lighthouse in Aruba

Promenade along Oranjestad downtown

Shops along main street in Oranjestad

View of Aruba Port 

Commemoration of Free Masonry in Aruba

Museum of Industry

Registro Civily Censo

Main Church in Oranjestad

Public art project - Paardenbaai (Horse Bay)

Marina at night