Which Royal Caribbean cruises go to Curacao?

Why Royal Caribbean Includes Curaçao in Select Itineraries

Curaçao is part of the world-famous ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Unlike some sailings that focus on closer or more familiar Caribbean ports, itineraries that include Curaçao tend to be more premium, longer, and oriented toward cultural exploration.

Why Curaçao Is a Popular Royal Caribbean Destination

Curaçao has everything travelers love: vibrant culture, European flavors, easy exploration, beaches, and marine adventures.

1. Its Location Makes It Perfect for Southern Caribbean Sailings

Situated off the coast of South America, Curaçao sits much further south than islands like St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. Only specific itineraries travel far enough to include it.

2. Curaçao Is Outside the Hurricane Belt

A major scheduling advantage. Royal Caribbean loves ports that offer reliable weather year-round.

3. Unique Dutch-Caribbean Culture

Curaçao blends:

• Dutch heritage

• African influences

• Latin American flavors

• Caribbean island life

This makes it stand out among cruise ports.

4. Picture-Perfect Capital: Willemstad

The colorful Handelskade waterfront is one of the most iconic sights in the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean guests often describe Curaçao as an island straight out of a postcard.

5. Great for Active Travelers

Curaçao offers:

• Excellent snorkeling

• Clear-water diving

• Cave exploration

• Boat tours

• National park visits

This variety matches Royal Caribbean’s adventure-focused vibe.

Which Royal Caribbean Cruises Go to Curaçao?

Royal Caribbean ships sail to Curaçao mostly on Southern Caribbean itineraries and on extended Caribbean voyages. These itineraries often include the ABC islands, making them some of the most desirable Caribbean routes Royal Caribbean offers.

Below are the key ship classes, departure ports, and itinerary types that include Curaçao.

1. Southern Caribbean Itineraries (Most Common)

Southern Caribbean cruises make up the majority of Royal Caribbean routes that visit Curaçao. They often include two or all three ABC islands.

Common Royal Caribbean ships that frequently visit Curaçao include:

• Explorer of the Seas

• Adventure of the Seas

• Rhapsody of the Seas

• Vision of the Seas

• Jewel of the Seas

These ships are typically deployed on longer Caribbean routes that have the sailing range to reach the Southern Caribbean comfortably.

Typical Southern Caribbean Ports Along with Curaçao

A classic itinerary including Curaçao may feature:

• Aruba

• Bonaire

• Curaçao

• St. Lucia

• St. Kitts

• Barbados

These itineraries usually depart from:

• Miami

• Fort Lauderdale

• Tampa

• San Juan (most common for ABC island routes)

2. ABC Island Itineraries

One of the most beloved types of Royal Caribbean cruises is the full ABC island itinerary, where travelers visit:

• Aruba

• Bonaire

• Curaçao

These cruises are popular because they include three of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and culture-rich islands.

Ships often offering ABC itineraries include:

• Jewel of the Seas

• Explorer of the Seas

• Rhapsody of the Seas

• Vision of the Seas

3. Extended Caribbean Itineraries (9 to 12 Nights)

Some longer Caribbean voyages, especially 9-night, 10-night, 11-night, and 12-night cruises, include Curaçao as part of a broader route.

These may include:

• St. Maarten

• St. Thomas

• Aruba

• Curaçao

• Bonaire

• St. Croix

These extended routes offer more sea days and a more relaxed pace.

4. Seasonal and Repositioning Cruises Including Curaçao

During ship redeployments or seasonal shifts, Royal Caribbean sometimes adds Curaçao to specialty itineraries.

Examples include:

• Ships moving to or from South American regions

• Winter Caribbean adjustments

• Holiday voyages

These routes typically include premium ports and longer sailings.

What to Expect When Royal Caribbean Stops in Curaçao

Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, has one of the most attractive cruise port areas in the Caribbean. When your Royal Caribbean ship docks, you’re immediately greeted by colorful Dutch architecture, calm turquoise water, and cobblestone streets.

Curaçao Port Experience for Royal Caribbean Travelers

The cruise dock is within walking distance of iconic sights, making Curaçao one of the easiest islands to explore independently.

1. Walkable Cruise Port

Royal Caribbean passengers can explore many attractions directly from the ship:

• Floating Queen Emma Bridge

• Handelskade waterfront

• Rif Fort area

• Willemstad shopping streets

2. Long Time in Port

Royal Caribbean often schedules extended port days in Curaçao. Some itineraries stay until late evening, allowing:

• Sunset beach time

• Dinner ashore

• Night tours

3. Royal Caribbean Excursions in Curaçao

Popular choices include:

• Snorkeling at Tugboat Beach

• Scuba diving

• ATV and off-road adventures

• Visiting Hato Caves

• Beach hopping tours

• Willemstad sightseeing

• Shete Boka National Park

4. Best Beaches for Royal Caribbean Guests

• Mambo Beach — fun, lively, modern

• Playa Kenepa (Kenepa Grandi) — one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

• Playa Porto Mari — famous for its double reef

• Blue Bay Beach — resort-style day passes

Why Curaçao Is a Top Royal Caribbean Destination

Curaçao stands out because it blends history, beauty, nightlife, culture, and adventure—all within a compact, easily navigable island.

Top Reasons Travelers Love Royal Caribbean Cruises to Curaçao

1. Dutch-Caribbean Culture Like No Other

Curaçao’s colorful buildings and European vibes create an unforgettable experience.

2. Fantastic Weather and Calm Seas

Because it lies outside the hurricane belt, Curaçao offers reliable conditions year-round.

3. Marine Diversity for Snorkeling and Diving

Crystal-clear waters, reefs, and shipwrecks make Curaçao a diver’s paradise.

4. Ideal for Photography

Willemstad’s bright colors and beaches provide endless Instagram-worthy photos.

5. A Mix of Adventure and Relaxation

Whether you prefer caves, cliffs, beaches, or historic sites, Curaçao has it all.

Tips for Choosing the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise to Curaçao

If you’re planning a cruise specifically to visit Curaçao, these expert tips will help you pick the best itinerary.

1. Choose Southern Caribbean Itineraries

These are the most reliable for including Curaçao.

2. Look for ABC Island Routes

Aruba + Bonaire + Curaçao = the ultimate Caribbean trio.

3. Depart from San Juan for More Port Days

Sailing from Puerto Rico means:

• Less time at sea

• More time on the islands

• More ABC island combinations

4. Select Longer Itineraries

9 to 12 nights give you the best mix of ports, relaxation, and adventure.

5. Voyager, Radiance, and Vision Class Ships Are Ideal

These ships are smaller, allowing access to ports with tighter spaces and more scenic routes.

6. Travel in Winter or Early Spring

Calm seas and comfortable temperatures create perfect sailing conditions.

7. Book a Balcony Cabin

Approaching Curaçao from the sea offers stunning views of colorful Willemstad.

Examples of Royal Caribbean Itineraries That Include Curaçao

To help you visualize what a Curaçao-including cruise looks like, here are sample itinerary patterns.

Example 1: 7-Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Departure)

• Day 1 – Depart San Juan

• Day 2 – Sea Day

• Day 3 – Curaçao

• Day 4 – Aruba

• Day 5 – Bonaire

• Day 6 – St. Kitts

• Day 7 – Sea Day

• Day 8 – Return to San Juan

Example 2: 9-Night Southern Caribbean (Florida Departure)

• Curaçao

• Aruba

• Bonaire

• St. Maarten

• 3–4 sea days

Example 3: 10-Night ABC Island Cruise

• Bonaire

• Curaçao

• Aruba

• Barbados

• St. Lucia

Example 4: Seasonal Extended Itinerary

• Curaçao

• Panama region ports

• Aruba

• Southern Caribbean mixed destinations