Bridge in Curacao?

[39august]

I would ask this on the ports of call board, but those are dead. Can anyone tell me how long a walk is the bridge from the port over to Williamstad in Curacao?I want to just wander around in town, but we are getting to the age that we don't want to walk a long way. 

[cruisestitch]

There are two or possibly even three places that Celebrity might not. One is almost adjacent to the floating Bridge the other two are quite a bit further to walk.

[Baron Barracuda]

On the half dozen times we called at Curacao aboard Eclipse and Equinox the ship always docked outside to the left of the harbor  entrance near the ball field.  From there it's a modest 10 minute walk past the casino and fort to the floating bridge.  Most of the path is shaded and there are benches to rest.  

[mahdnc]

I doubt that M-class or S-class ships would dock at the pier adjacent to the bridge. I have only seen the smaller ships dock there.  

 

We have been to Curacao 3 times and have docked at the two piers with cruise ships in the photo below (there is a scale at the lower right hand corner):

 

[Charles4515]

31 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

There are two or possibly even three places that Celebrity might not. One is almost adjacent to the floating Bridge the other two are quite a bit further to walk.

 

If not at the terminal inside the floating bridge I would not say it is quite a bit further to walk. I would call it a bit further to walk. I think it is worth the walk. At the further away docks have in the last few years added a couple of malls..

Edited June 23, 2021 by Charles4515

[Charles4515]

19 minutes ago, Baron Barracuda said:

On the half dozen times we called at Curacao aboard Eclipse and Equinox the ship always docked outside to the left of the harbor  entrance near the ball field.  From there it's a modest 10 minute walk past the casino and fort to the floating bridge.  Most of the path is shaded and there are benches to rest.  

 

I agree it is a modest walk. 

Edited June 23, 2021 by Charles4515

[Charles4515]

17 minutes ago, mahdnc said:

I doubt that M-class or S-class ships would dock at the pier adjacent to the bridge. I have only seen the smaller ships dock there.  

 

We have been to Curacao 3 times and have docked at the two piers with cruise ships in the photo below (there is a scale at the lower right hand corner):

 

 

I have been docked at the berth inside the floating bridge on large ships,  New Amsterdam and Westerdam. Also on Celebrity Summit. I think S class would have to use the farther away berths.

Edited June 23, 2021 by Charles4515

[rucrazy]

If memory serves: Depending on where you dock, it's is not a long walk and most of it is on a fairly level path, there may be one or two slightly elevated spots.. but by taking you time and enjoying the scenery you should do fine. I am somewhat mobility impaired not to the point of needing assisted devices but still have trouble with inclines and distance.. I did fine

[Tatka]

Curacao was our pre-New year 2020.

It is a nice walk. We returned to the ship from the beach and then walked back to the city.

 Port area is very beautiful and then it is about 5 minutes from there.

[WestLakeGirl]

I have docked next to the bridge on Celebrity Constellation

[mahdnc]

1 hour ago, Charles4515 said:

 

I have been docked at the berth inside the floating bridge on large ships,  New Amsterdam and Westerdam. Also on Celebrity Summit. I think S class would have to use the farther away berths.

 

1 hour ago, WestLakeGirl said:

I have docked next to the bridge on Celebrity Constellation

 

Then let's hope for 39august's sake that the cruise is on an M-class ship!

[cantstopingcruising]

There are two docks further away. We have done both on Celebrity.

 

If you are lucky,, you get the first one. If not, there is a free train(like the kiddie ride!) that will shuttle you closer). One time, we were in town and I wasn't feeling well and we easily found a taxi back to the ship.

[micheleata]

I would say just to get to the bridge is 15 to 20  minutes.   Head towards the casino/hotel, go thru the castle and then down to the bridge.    

 

You definitely want to see it open and close, even if you do not walk all the way there.   

 

The first time we were there it was so hot.   We walked to the casino, then played a little bit.   Then walked to the bridge and sat down on a bench.     We decided it was too hot to cross and turned back.  Then next time it was much cooler and we walked across the bridge into town.

 

 

[39august]

Thanks so much for all the information. Sounds doable for us. Love the "kiddie train" idea.

[marieps]

If just walking around, don't miss the fish boats docked where they are cleaning and selling the day's catch.  Very interesting.  The shopping is also very good.  

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

It's definitely a hike to the Queen Emma Bridge from where the S class ships dock.  Once upon a time, we docked inside the bridge on the Connie, but the people calling there now on the Millie report that they are docking at the outside docks.  So who knows how that decision gets made.  Perhaps it costs more to dock inside the Queen Emma Bridge.

[gerelmx]

4 hours ago, 39august said:

I would ask this on the ports of call board, but those are dead. Can anyone tell me how long a walk is the bridge from the port over to Williamstad in Curacao?I want to just wander around in town, but we are getting to the age that we don't want to walk a long way. 

 

Which bridge, The Queen Emma (Floating Bridge) or The Queen Juliana ?

 

 

Edited June 23, 2021 by gerelmx

[Fouremco]

From the Mega Terminal, where you will undoubtedly dock, to the beginning of the Queen Emma bridge, is under 800 yards. It's an easy walk, one we've enjoyed many times, and we are in our 70s. This photo was taken from the upper level at Rif Fort, half way along the walk. 

 

[bup1224]

When are you coming? The Millennium (soon to be Summit) is docking at our Mega Pier 1 slot.

Depending on how many shops are here depends where yours will dock.

Maybe a 15 minute leisurely walk. 

Please make the effort to walk across the Queen Emma Floating Bridge and visit Punda.

[tallyho8]

I was just there 2 weeks ago on the first sailing of the Millennium and we docked at the Mega cruise dock. Neither of us can walk very well or very far. It was a beautiful walk down a newly designed area on a red brick walkway along the waterfront with great photo opportunities of the ship. Very nicely decorated and lots of places to sit and rest if needed. Anyone who walks at a normal speed could make it in 10 minutes. An interesting walk and I am glad I did not miss it.

[ClevelandCruisin]

This bridge?

[Charles4515]

33 minutes ago, ClevelandCruisin said:

This bridge?

 

No. That is the Queen Julliania bridge. We are refering to the Queen Emma bridge.....also known as the floating bridge. The floating bridge is on floats and swings open and closed to let boats an ships in. It connects to the Punda district which is a must see in my opinion.

Edited July 4, 2021 by Charles4515

[Fouremco]

The Queen Emma Bridge:

 

Closed

 

 

 

Open

 

 

Closed