Questions for ISA65 or anyone that lives in or knows Curacao

[lego7191]

Hi!
How much does it cost to spend a day at Blue Bay resort? is there an entrance fee? Prices for chairs, umbrella, etc? Thank you!

[bythree]

Hi Isa,
My husband and I are there on Thurs 4/25/13 from 8am to 11pm. We've been to Curacao before and we absolutely loved it! We're there for so long this time that we're trying to figure out what to do. We've already walked around and shopped, the jewelry is beautiful there, I bought a ring and I'm constantly getting compliments on it.
I was wondering if you had any ideas on how to fill in the day? We love to swim. I was wondering if you know of any cooking classes, sunset cruises, or half day deep sea fishing trips?
I know we'll walk around again and visit the casino outside of the cruise ship, hubby had good luck there last time. Thanks for all the great advice!

[I Love NC]

Where did you get your jewelry in Curaco? Can you describe it and price range? Thank you! I read somewhere that there is an artistic jeweler there??? Can't remember where I read that!

[bythree]

Originally Posted by I Love NC

Where did you get your jewelry in Curaco? Can you describe it and price range? Thank you! I read somewhere that there is an artistic jeweler there??? Can't remember where I read that!

I'd have to look to see if I still had the box, it's been a few years. My husband bought me a diamond anniversary ring, we were celebrating our 25th on that cruise and it was a special they were advertising on the cruise. It was only $399, we didn't think we'd get much for that little but it's gorgeous! It's been about 3 years and it still looks as good as the day we bought it.

[Isa65]

Originally Posted by bythree

Hi Isa,
My husband and I are there on Thurs 4/25/13 from 8am to 11pm. We've been to Curacao before and we absolutely loved it! We're there for so long this time that we're trying to figure out what to do. We've already walked around and shopped, the jewelry is beautiful there, I bought a ring and I'm constantly getting compliments on it.
I was wondering if you had any ideas on how to fill in the day? We love to swim. I was wondering if you know of any cooking classes, sunset cruises, or half day deep sea fishing trips?
I know we'll walk around again and visit the casino outside of the cruise ship, hubby had good luck there last time. Thanks for all the great advice!

WOW, you're one of the lucky ones to stay here for so long!

For cooking classes you can check out Angelica:
http://www.angelicas-kitchen.com/

For boating options, check the K-Pasa:

http://www.k-pasa.com/cur-boating.html

Have a wonderful cruise!

[bythree]

Originally Posted by Isa65

WOW, you're one of the lucky ones to stay here for so long!

For cooking classes you can check out Angelica:
http://www.angelicas-kitchen.com/

For boating options, check the K-Pasa:

http://www.k-pasa.com/cur-boating.html

Have a wonderful cruise!

I've been told that Angelicas is closed, she doesn't so cooking classes anymore.

[Isa65]

She had a cake & bake shop called Angelica's Delights across the street from her house and she closed that one. Send her an e-mail, you never know!

[izzydog]

Thank you for all the restaurant suggestions. I was wondering about dress codes for the one's mentioned. Are short's and t-shirts O.K. or should we plan to dress a little better.

[Isa65]

For all the outside restaurants, shorts and t-shirts (preferably no tank-tops) will be o.k.
The more formal dining venues (Bistro Le Clochard, Fort Nassau, The Wine Cellar, etc) are airconditioned and you should have pants and nicer shirts on.

[Momoftwobwzmandm]

Originally Posted by Isa65

I would do the downtown area (Floating Market, Synagogue, Slavery Museum) on my own.
If you're nature lovers I would get a cab/driver for the day to Shete Boka National park and then a beach on the Western side of the island. Beautiful photo ops at Westpunt Bay and Knip Bay.
Afterwards, pass the Willibrordus Lagoon for a glimpse (and picture) of the flamingo's.
Great photo op at Santa Martha bay.

If you're shoppers - then the downtown area (as well as the Riffort Village, where you dock) will have all you're looking for. Perfume and cosmetics I found to be the cheapest of all Caribbean islands I've visited.

Should you wish to snorkel and swim, I would head over to Cas Abao or Porto Marie beach and spend the afternoon there.

If you're young and into hip beach lounges, I would go to Papagayo Lounge Club for the afternoon + dinner or nearer the ship - Cabana Beach.

So many things to do and see....

Hi,

Looking at these posts, it seems you have been around and know your stuff. I have been on ships from Seabourn to Carnival but most recently on RCI Freedom of the Seas. We are looking at two trips on RCI for November 2013 with my husband and two sons. I am debating both the ships and the places they visit. One is the Jewel of the Seas going to Antigua, St. Maartin, St. Croix, St. Lucia and Barbados. The other is Adventure of the Sea which I see you have been on. It is going to St Thomas, St Kitts, Aruba, Curacao. We are big snorkelers, beach goers but prefer to stay away from the crowds whenever possible. I have never had my children on one of the smaller ships. Will that be fun for them?

Thanks so much for your help!

Heather

[Isa65]

Difficult question as I like both itineraries....

I haven't been on the Adventure of the Seas, but if you're considering Jewel OTS -- we've been on the Brilliance this past summer and loved it. Some people find this class to be too small, but for our family it was perfect. Our 10-yr old absolutely loved Adventure Ocean on a smaller ship.

As far as snorkeling - you can't go wrong with any of those ports. So I'm not much of a help, I'm afraid...
Beautiful snorkeling on St. Thomas (or St. John's) and also on Curacao. I live in Curacao and am extremely biased. It is a charming, wonderful island.

[Momoftwobwzmandm]

Originally Posted by Isa65

Difficult question as I like both itineraries....

I haven't been on the Adventure of the Seas, but if you're considering Jewel OTS -- we've been on the Brilliance this past summer and loved it. Some people find this class to be too small, but for our family it was perfect. Our 10-yr old absolutely loved Adventure Ocean on a smaller ship.

As far as snorkeling - you can't go wrong with any of those ports. So I'm not much of a help, I'm afraid...
Beautiful snorkeling on St. Thomas (or St. John's) and also on Curacao. I live in Curacao and am extremely biased. It is a charming, wonderful island.

Thank you for your thoughts. We went ahead and chose the trip to Curacao and Aruba! If you don't mind answering one more question, I would love to know what you would suggest that we do on Curacao that is away from the cruise ship crowds. Any wonderful locals spots, things we absolutely can't miss?

Thanks for your advice!

[Isa65]

Originally Posted by Momoftwobwzmandm

Thank you for your thoughts. We went ahead and chose the trip to Curacao and Aruba! If you don't mind answering one more question, I would love to know what you would suggest that we do on Curacao that is away from the cruise ship crowds. Any wonderful locals spots, things we absolutely can't miss?

Thanks for your advice!

Sure, there are enough spots where there are no (or hardly any) tourists.
What day of the week and what time are you in port? Then I can give you some suggestions.
You made a great choice!

[NitaBcruising]

Originally Posted by Isa65

I would do the downtown area (Floating Market, Synagogue, Slavery Museum) on my own.
If you're nature lovers I would get a cab/driver for the day to Shete Boka National park and then a beach on the Western side of the island. Beautiful photo ops at Westpunt Bay and Knip Bay.
Afterwards, pass the Willibrordus Lagoon for a glimpse (and picture) of the flamingo's.
Great photo op at Santa Martha bay.

So many things to do and see....

Any idea how much a taxi/tour is to go to the west side to see these places? We're in Curacao from 8 am to 11 pm, so time isn't an issue, but price might be! Do most of the drivers speak good English?

Or, are there any tours that include these places?

Thanks in advance!

[Isa65]

Hi Nita,

If you get a private driver, you can tell him/her anywhere you need/want to go. They charge by the hour with a set minimum of hours and guests.

I would say all drivers are fluent in English, so that will not be a problem.
Should you wish to arrange the trip before you get here, you can get in touch with a number of private drivers and set the rate.

There is Natasja Gibbs - https://www.facebook.com/#!/Du****axi?fref=ts

Tio Nelson - http://www.tiotaxi.com/transportation_services.html -

Leo Plaate - ragcuracao@hotmail.com

You can also call (via Skype is cheaper) to:

TSA (Thirty Steps Association Taxi) - 599-9-561.3030
or
Taxi Association Sinusta - 599-9-569.5555

[NitaBcruising]

Originally Posted by Isa65

Hi Nita,

If you get a private driver, you can tell him/her anywhere you need/want to go. They charge by the hour with a set minimum of hours and guests.

I would say all drivers are fluent in English, so that will not be a problem.
Should you wish to arrange the trip before you get here, you can get in touch with a number of private drivers and set the rate.

There is Natasja Gibbs - https://www.facebook.com/#!/Du****axi?fref=ts

Tio Nelson - http://www.tiotaxi.com/transportation_services.html -

Leo Plaate - ragcuracao@hotmail.com

You can also call (via Skype is cheaper) to:

TSA (Thirty Steps Association Taxi) - 599-9-561.3030
or
Taxi Association Sinusta - 599-9-569.5555

Thank you so much! I've read many threads on this board, but most take the east side tour, or go to the beaches.
I'll contact these to see what the charge is, and how many minimum. I know of one other couple on our roll call who are interested in this.
Again, thanks!

[58Piano]

We are in port 2-10 Plan to do Irie Tours. They end up at Sea Aquarium Beach. Is this a nice lovely safe beach to see the sunset? Where should we go for dinner afterwards?

[Isa65]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1793610

You'll do fine. Prepare for a wonderful day.

[stefanny28]

Hi Isa65;

We are booked on a cruise that stops in Curacao in X-Mas day, from 2:00PM-11:00 PM.
What are your suggestions? Will most of the shops be closed?

Should we just go to a beach? How about the restaurant and bar at the beach, will they be opened?
And how about taxi from the pier? Will it be difficult to find one on X-Mas day?

I have heard of Cabana Beach club and Blue Bay. Which one is closer to port or easier to get to?
We are a family of 3 with a teenager girl. It is too bad that shopping is out of the question.

Thanks for your advices.