Rare Alphen Posted August 25, 2014 #1 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Holland America Line ships visiting Willemstad Curacao What is the usual place where the Holland America Line ships visiting Willemstad Curacao are docked? In town or at the cruise terminal a little bit more out? Last time we visited, there were 2 ships, of which the Zuiderdam got the more favorable spot in town, the other ship (non HAL), was docked at the terminal. If there is more than one ship, will the HAL ship be in town or at the terminal? Would like to know your experience. :confused::confused::confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted August 25, 2014 #2 Share Posted August 25, 2014 We have been to Curacao on HAL ships at least 7 or more times and have docked in town, at the oil tank and at Mega Pier. My favorite is Mega Pier but the downtown pier is also fine. The once we were at the tanks wasn't so great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Alphen Posted August 25, 2014 Author #3 Share Posted August 25, 2014 We have been to Curacao on HAL ships at least 7 or more times and have docked in town, at the oil tank and at Mega Pier. My favorite is Mega Pier but the downtown pier is also fine. The once we were at the tanks wasn't so great. Thanks for the info, we will be there with two, so it is either the terminal or downtown, which we prefer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted August 25, 2014 #4 Share Posted August 25, 2014 We were there in 2010 and 2013 and both times were docked in town. That area of the city is not the most appealing from the ship, but walking is pretty decent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted August 25, 2014 #5 Share Posted August 25, 2014 We have docked many times at the Mega pier in Curacao -- even when we were the only ship there. Only once in the last 14 years have we docked in town (Zaandam). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermeulT Posted August 25, 2014 #6 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I've been twice, both on HAL. Once (10 day panama) we were at the mega pier. The other time (7 day southern) we were downtown. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Copper10-8 Posted August 26, 2014 #7 Share Posted August 26, 2014 It's hard to tell ahead of time; the Vista's and Signatures usually get the Mega Pier while the "S" & "R" class and the PRDM can get the Mega and/or go up the Sint Anna Baai channel to either the Mathey Werf (close to the Wilemstad Havendienst ferries), the West Werf (still on the "inside of the Koningin Juliana Bridge) or the least desirable, the Motet Werf around the corner and out of view of the colorful buildings. (Motet is basically an oil tanker terminal for Curoil company; it reeks, has nada aesthetically pleasing assets and is out of the way; besides that, it's an awesome dock ;)) Keep your fingers crossed you'll get Mega, Mathey or West Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted August 26, 2014 #8 Share Posted August 26, 2014 It's hard to tell ahead of time; the Vista's and Signatures usually get the Mega Pier while the "S" & "R" class and the PRDM can get the Mega and/or go up the Sint Anna Baai channel to either the Mathey Werf (close to the Wilemstad Havendienst ferries), the West Werf (still on the "inside of the Koningin Juliana Bridge) or the least desirable, the Motet Werf around the corner and out of view of the colorful buildings. (Motet is basically an oil tanker terminal for Curoil company; it reeks, has nada aesthetically pleasing assets and is out of the way; besides that, it's an awesome dock ;)) Keep your fingers crossed you'll get Mega, Mathey or West How far ahead do Captains usually know to which dock they are going? Is it more than a few days at most? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Copper10-8 Posted August 26, 2014 #9 Share Posted August 26, 2014 How far ahead do Captains usually know to which dock they are going? Is it more than a few days at most? Usually at least prior to leaving Port Everglades on that particular voyage, but it can change the day before Willemstad arrival Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted August 26, 2014 #10 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Thanks. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjw869 Posted August 26, 2014 #11 Share Posted August 26, 2014 The last time we were in Curacao on the Zuiderdam, we were docked at the Mega Pier, while Pullmatur's Ocean Dream was docked downtown. The Ocean Dream was the Carnival Tropicale in the early 80's and is now the Peace Boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScriptOhio Posted August 26, 2014 #12 Share Posted August 26, 2014 (edited) For those that haven't been to Willemstad before (see map below), and YES the Motet Wharf (#3) is the least desirable location. 1. Prins Hendrik Wharf 2. Oranje Wharf 3. Motet Wharf 4. New Wharf 5. West Wharf II 6. West Wharf I 7. Mathey Wharf 8. Batipanja Bay 9. Kleine Wharf, Grote Wharf, Jan Baardakade 10.Admiral Brion Wharves 11.Brion Noord 12.Mega Cruise Terminal 13.Dry-Dock Wharves 14.Container Terminal 15.Isla Jetties 16.Royal Netherlands Navy Base Edited August 26, 2014 by ScriptOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innlady1 Posted August 26, 2014 #13 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Alphen, Copper is correct. We have been to Curacao several times (a dozen perhaps) and if we've been on the Maasdam or Ryndam, we've docked in town...third ship away from the Swinging Bridge so not such a great location. Many times on the Noordam...and, then, always at the Mega Pier. I happen to prefer the Mega Pier. Bought some wonderful smoked gouda to bring home this past February...and over the years, lots of nice things in the shopping area at the Mega Pier.I There are lots of shops and restaurants at the Fort just outside the Mega Pier...and a good Internet connection. It should fulfill your needs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Alphen Posted August 26, 2014 Author #14 Share Posted August 26, 2014 It's hard to tell ahead of time; the Vista's and Signatures usually get the Mega Pier while the "S" & "R" class and the PRDM can get the Mega and/or go up the Sint Anna Baai channel to either the Mathey Werf (close to the Wilemstad Havendienst ferries), the West Werf (still on the "inside of the Koningin Juliana Bridge) or the least desirable, the Motet Werf around the corner and out of view of the colorful buildings. (Motet is basically an oil tanker terminal for Curoil company; it reeks, has nada aesthetically pleasing assets and is out of the way; besides that, it's an awesome dock ;)) Keep your fingers crossed you'll get Mega, Mathey or West Thank you for the info John, I myself was on Zuiderdam, either on Oranje werf or the one next to that in 2012, with the other ship (non HAL) on the mega peer outside. I am being met by a former colleague with a rental car, so was wondering where he would have to pick me up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellair Posted August 26, 2014 #15 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Holland America Line ships visiting Willemstad Curacao What is the usual place where the Holland America Line ships visiting Willemstad Curacao are docked? In town or at the cruise terminal a little bit more out? Last time we visited, there were 2 ships, of which the Zuiderdam got the more favorable spot in town, the other ship (non HAL), was docked at the terminal. If there is more than one ship, will the HAL ship be in town or at the terminal? Would like to know your experience. :confused::confused::confused: This was on the Maasdam and a very easy walk into town. Regards Bellair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellair Posted August 26, 2014 #16 Share Posted August 26, 2014 (edited) Holland America Line ships visiting Willemstad Curacao What is the usual place where the Holland America Line ships visiting Willemstad Curacao are docked? In town or at the cruise terminal a little bit more out? Last time we visited, there were 2 ships, of which the Zuiderdam got the more favorable spot in town, the other ship (non HAL), was docked at the terminal. If there is more than one ship, will the HAL ship be in town or at the terminal? Would like to know your experience. :confused::confused::confused: This was on the Maasdam and a very easy walk into town. Check out the Southern Caribbean cruise video link below Maasdam S.Caribbean Apr'12 Regards Bellair Edited August 26, 2014 by Bellair added Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Alphen Posted August 26, 2014 Author #17 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Usually at least prior to leaving Port Everglades on that particular voyage, but it can change the day before Willemstad arrival I do not remember the moment when he told it beforehand but captain Turner announced before we went to Curacao, that we would get the spot in town, instead of the Mega pier. In fact, we were the 2nd ship arriving and still got the spot in town, which captain Turner was proud of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted August 26, 2014 #18 Share Posted August 26, 2014 It sounds like the simple answer is, you'll find out when you get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Alphen Posted August 27, 2014 Author #19 Share Posted August 27, 2014 It sounds like the simple answer is, you'll find out when you get there. Good answer, but if you read OP, that was not the (complete) question! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cashew14 Posted August 27, 2014 #20 Share Posted August 27, 2014 This was on the Maasdam and a very easy walk into town. Check out the Southern Caribbean cruise video link below Maasdam S.Caribbean Apr'12 Regards Bellair Great video, I really enjoyed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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