Discover the historic sights in and around Willemstad and visit Curacao’s popular Seaquarium in this fun filled half-day tour. You will drive through the Otrabanda section of Willemstad, crossing the new Queen Juliana Bridge for a picturesque view of the city and harbor. Then continue past the Franklin D. Roosevelt House, the residence and offices of the United States Consul General, en route to Chobolobo, a colonial mansion where the original Curaçao Liqueur is distilled in 100-year-old barrels. You will have an opportunity to sample this delicious local product. Then you’ll pass the island’s delightful residential section as you make your way to the Curacao Museum . Finally, you’ll visit the island’s fascinating Seaquarium, featuring aquariums filled with tropical fish. Other exhibits include many of the island’s 440 different species of marine creatures, such as sharks, lobsters, turtles, coral and even sea lions.

Combine Curacao’s countryside with some of the island’s most interesting attractions for a unique perspective of this Dutch island. From the pier, you’ll travel into the country- side through traditional Curacao villages on your way to the north shore of the island for a guided walking tour of the Hato Caves. Deep within the cliffs, this dramatic collection of grottos is filled with stalactites, stalag- mites, and crystal-clear pools, all centuries in the making. Continue on to the Curacao Museum in Otrobanda. Founded in 1946, the museum combines contemporary art with an exhibition of life in the 19th-century Curacao. Crossing the Queen Juliana Bridge 200 feet above Willemstad, you’ll take in magnificent views of the capital as your guide points out major points of interest. A short stop will be made at the Negrita’, an 84-foot large replica of the sailing schooner originally built in the 18th century. The Negrita is docked in the Waaigat and has a tasting room for the Blue Curacao Liqueur and the Ponche Cuba. Here you can enjoy a sample of the tasty liqueur before heading back to Punda and the pier, where you can be dropped off to shop or return to the ship. If you choose to stay in town, you would be responsible for your own transportation back to the ship.

Come aboard the Willemstad Trolley Train for a guided tour of this historically fascinating city with its distinctive Dutch architecture. Starting in Scharloo, the former residential neighborhood, the train will pass by such interesting places as the Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. You will visit Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 and today converted into the Governor’s Palace; a beautiful Protestant church is situated in the rear of its courtyard. The tour ends at the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge on Handelskade. You’ll then have the option to stay in town or be taken by taxi back to the ship. If you decide to stay in town, you would then be responsible for your own transportation to the pier.

This safe and exciting underwater adventure lets you encounter sharks, turtles, stingrays and many other Caribbean fish. A short taxi ride will take you to the Seaquarium, where you will fill out the necessary forms, be fitted with your scuba gear and receive a brief overview on feeding the rays and sharks (both lemon and nurse). You’ll then receive a personal fish pouch for your approximately 45-minute scuba dive in the Seaquarium Animal Encounter area, a natural- like protected lagoon. Once in the water, you’ll be able to hand-feed the rays and, behind the safety of a plexiglass barrier, feed the sharks through small holes in the plexiglass. You’ll also have a short time to look at the many marine displays and tanks. You may opt to stay at the Seaquarium; you would then be responsible for your own return to the ship. This is a great photo opportunity and an experience of a lifetime!

Board your air-conditioned transportation and drive to the island’s west coast. Your first stop is the Labor House, now a museum displaying art and artifacts from the island’s post-slave days. Continue to Boka Tabla, where the sea has carved a natural arch out of Curaçao’s volcanic coastline. Travel past small villages and see the statue at Westpoint Church that is said to protect the island’s fishermen. Head for the UNESCO-designated Knip Beach, a natural white-sand beach surrounded by volcanic hills. See the Willibrordus salt flats, where flocks of pink flamingos make their home. Pass by the house of Jan Kok, the home of a legendary Dutchman famed for his amorous adventures.

Board your air-conditioned transportation and drive through Willemstad’s Otrobanda district. Cross the new Queen Juliana Bridge for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Travel past the Franklin D. Roosevelt House, home to the U.S. Consulate, en route to the largest ostrich farm outside of Africa. Tour the farm by safari jeep, help feed the ostriches, see the ostrich dance, and learn about the life cycle of these fascinating animals. Then head for the Aloe Plantation of Curaçao. Your guide offers a tour of the plantation and explains this plant’s miracle healing powers.

After a short guided walk from the ship, arrive at a restored mansion that is over 100 years old. Meet the chef and enjoy some tea or coffee and a delicious local pastry. After the refreshments the chef will begin to demonstrate how to prepare a variety of Caribbean and local dishes. After the demonstration you and your team will prepare the same dishes while the chef offers assistance as required. When everything is prepared and cooked, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by the appropriate wines. After lunch, receive all the recipes of the dishes you prepared prior to making the short walk back to the sh

Board your air-conditioned transportation for the scenic drive to the kayak starting point. Pass over the Queen Juliana Bridge that affords a magnificent view of Punda and Otrobanda. Continue on through Salinja, the second-largest commercial center of Curaçao, finally arriving at Jan Sofat. A safety briefing and kayaking instructions will be provided, then follow the guide as you paddle through the Spanish Waters Lagoon on the way to Barbara Beach. Pull your kayak on the pier and enjoy a relaxing swim. Paddle back to the starting point at Jan Sofat and change into dry clothes prior to your return to the ship.