Guide to visiting Curaçao from a cruise ship

Posted on 21. Feb, 2011 by admin in Caribbean

The colourful island of Curaçao is found just 42 miles to the east of Aruba and was first settled by Spanish merchants in 1499. But it was subsequently conquered by Dutch forces in 1634, who established the capital city as Willemstad as its capital, with Jewish and Dutch traders bestowing a distinctly north European feel to the island.
 
According to early legend, an early governor was so plagued by migraines that he passed a decree that every single house must be decorated pastel shades to avoid the usual bright white aggravating his condition. Whatever the true cause of the muted colours, approaching the port with a wonderful array of sea blue and candy-cotton pink buildings is a fairytale experience. (more…)