Central American Cruise - Curacao Slideshow

Curacao

Arriving in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao.

View from the balcony of our suite.

View from the balcony of our suite.

View of the dockside welcome area from the balcony of our suite.

View from the balcony of our suite.

Completed in 1888, & renovated many times since, the Queen Emma Bridge or "Koningin Emmabrug" is a pontoon bridge in Willemstad connecting the Punda & Otrobanda districts across St. Anna Bay. Using a system of propellers, the bridge can swing around parallel to the bank to allow large ships to pass. When this occurs, two free ferries are used for pedestrains. Pedestrian only since 1974

Although the islands were originally dutch, to me this has more of the look of Copenhagen in Denmark than, say, Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

This is the "train" that took us on a tour of Willemstad. An interesting tour though fumes from the engine could get a little overpowering.

The "Three Little Birds". Large metal bird sculptures in the Punda district.

A traditional Dutch style canal lifting bridge

There seems to be a lot of murals in and around Willemstad. We especially liked this trompe-l'œil-ish painting of foliage on this house.

Beautiful house in the Scharloo district.

Built in 1916, this wonderful building now serves as the National Archive

The house is known as the "Wedding Cake House" as it appears to be covered in white "frosting".

Another colorful building in Willemstad,

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Willemstad, also known as Pietermaai Cathedral. Built in 1870 with an ochre exterior and white trim, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to Dr. José Gregorio Hernández. Click on the image for an interior view.

Queen Juliana Bridge or Koningin Julianabrug, is a bridge across St. Anna Bay. It opened on 30 April 1974 and, at its maximum, is 56.4 meters (185 feet above the water allowing large ships to pass. It comprises 4 lanes of traffic.

The "Monument to the Fallen". Situated on De Ruyterkade on the Waaigat waterfront, it commemorates 129 local prople killed in the 2nd World War. Sculpted in bronze by Federico Carasso in 1957, the sculpture is 11 meters (36 feet) tall. Memorials on Aruba & Bonaire include the same 129 names.

Decorated wall on a small alley in Willemstad.

Walking along Columbusstraat looking for somewhere to buy throat lozenges. Finally found a shop!

Looking across the Queen Emma Bridge from the east side of St Anna Bay to the west.

Brightly colored building fronting Saint Anna Bay.

Walking back to our ship through the Renaissance Mall.

Night view of Willemstad from our balcony.

The dockside welcome area at night.

Arriving in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao.

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