Which Royal Caribbean cruises go to Curacao?

Curaçao (pronounced kyur-uh-sow) is part of the ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—located in the southern Caribbean, outside the main hurricane belt. This geographic advantage makes it attractive year-round for cruise lines.

Key reasons Royal Caribbean includes Curaçao on its itineraries:

• Reliable weather with low hurricane risk

• Excellent deep-water port at Willemstad (Mega Pier)

• UNESCO-listed historic city center

• Strong infrastructure for cruise tourism

• High guest satisfaction ratings for beaches, snorkeling, and culture

According to publicly available cruise deployment data, Royal Caribbean regularly features Curaçao on Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Overview: Royal Caribbean Cruises That Go to Curaçao

The Short Answer

Royal Caribbean cruises to Curaçao typically operate as part of:

• Southern Caribbean itineraries

• 8- to 14-night sailings

• Departures primarily from Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico

Not all Royal Caribbean ships visit Curaçao, and it is not usually included on short (3–5 night) cruises.

Royal Caribbean Ships That Commonly Visit Curaçao

Based on recent and historical deployment schedules published by Royal Caribbean International, the following ships commonly sail to Curaçao, though availability varies by season and year.

Royal Caribbean Ships Known to Visit Curaçao

Ship Name	Class	Typical Departure Port
Explorer of the Seas	Voyager Class	Miami / San Juan
Adventure of the Seas	Voyager Class	Orlando (Port Canaveral)
Vision of the Seas	Vision Class	San Juan
Rhapsody of the Seas	Vision Class	San Juan
Serenade of the Seas	Radiance Class	Miami
Jewel of the Seas	Radiance Class	San Juan

Important note:Royal Caribbean frequently redeploys ships. Always confirm current itineraries directly on royalcaribbean.com.

1. Miami, Florida

Miami is Royal Caribbean’s largest homeport and a common departure city for 10- to 12-night Southern Caribbean cruises.

Advantages:

• Extensive flight options

• Modern cruise terminals

• Ideal for longer itineraries

2. Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida

Some Voyager-class ships sail from Port Canaveral on extended itineraries that include Curaçao.

Best for:

• Families combining Orlando theme parks with cruising

3. San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is one of the best ports for Curaçao-focused itineraries.

Why it’s ideal:

• Shorter sailing distance to the ABC Islands

• More port-intensive itineraries

• Often includes Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao together

Southern Caribbean Cruise Routes

Most Royal Caribbean cruises to Curaçao follow a Southern Caribbean route.

Common Port Combinations

• Curaçao + Aruba + Bonaire

• Curaçao + St. Lucia + Barbados

• Curaçao + St. Maarten + Antigua

• Curaçao + Trinidad + Grenada

1. Curaçao cruises are typically longer sailings.

Duration Breakdown

Cruise Length	Availability
3–5 nights	Rare to none
6–7 nights	Uncommon
8–9 nights	Limited
10–12 nights	Most common
13–14 nights	Seasonal

Why longer cruises?

Curaçao is farther south than most Eastern or Western Caribbean ports, requiring additional sea days.

Best Time of Year to Cruise to Curaçao with Royal Caribbean

Peak Season: December–April

• Dry weather

• Comfortable temperatures

• Higher cruise fares

Shoulder Season: May–June

• Excellent value

• Fewer crowds

• Warm water for snorkeling

Off-Peak Season: September–October

• Lowest prices

• Curaçao remains outside the main hurricane belt

• Some itineraries reduced due to ship redeployment

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center and NOAA, the southern Caribbean—including Curaçao—experiences fewer direct hurricane impacts than the northern Caribbean.

What Makes Curaçao a Standout Cruise Port?

Willemstad: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, is known for:

• Dutch colonial architecture

• Floating Queen Emma Bridge

• Colorful Handelskade waterfront

Top Cruise-Friendly Activities

• Snorkeling at Playa Kenepa

• Beach clubs near Mambo Beach

• Curaçao Sea Aquarium

• Christoffel National Park

Royal Caribbean shore excursions often include guided cultural tours, beach escapes, and snorkeling trips.

Step-by-Step: How to Find Royal Caribbean Cruises to Curaçao

Step 1: Visit Royal Caribbean’s Official Website

Go to royalcaribbean.com

Step 2: Use the Cruise Search Tool

• Select Destination: Southern Caribbean

• Filter by Ports of Call: Curaçao

Step 3: Adjust Duration Filters

• Choose 9+ nights for best results

Step 4: Compare Ships and Prices

• Review ship class

• Check sea days vs. port days

Step 5: Verify Port Details

• Ensure Curaçao (Willemstad) is listed—not just nearby islands

Curaçao vs. Other Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Comparison Table

Feature	Curaçao	Bahamas	Cozumel
Cruise Length	Long	Short	Short–Medium
Cultural Depth	High	Moderate	High
Hurricane Risk	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Beaches	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Snorkeling	Excellent	Good	Excellent

Health, Safety, and Travel Considerations

Health Guidance

According to CDC.gov and WHO, Curaçao:

• Requires no special vaccinations for most travelers

• Has modern healthcare facilities

• Has low risk of mosquito-borne illness compared to other regions

Always follow Royal Caribbean’s onboard health protocols and consult official guidance before sailing.

Expert Tips for Booking the Best Curaçao Cruise

• Book early for winter sailings

• Choose San Juan departures for fewer sea days

• Check ship size—smaller ships dock closer to town

• Plan shore excursions in advance during peak season

Travel experts cited by Consumer Reports recommend prioritizing itinerary quality over ship size for port-heavy destinations like Curaçao.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Royal Caribbean go to Curaçao?

Yes. Royal Caribbean regularly includes Curaçao on Southern Caribbean itineraries, especially on longer cruises.

2. What is the best Royal Caribbean ship for Curaçao?

Voyager- and Radiance-class ships are commonly used and offer a good balance of amenities and port access.

3. Are there 7-night cruises to Curaçao?

Based on publicly available information, 7-night Curaçao cruises are rare with Royal Caribbean.

4. What port does Royal Caribbean use in Curaçao?

Ships dock at Mega Pier or Mathey Wharf in Willemstad.

5. Is Curaçao safe for cruise passengers?

Yes. Curaçao is considered one of the safer Caribbean destinations for tourists.

6. Do Curaçao cruises include Aruba?

Often, yes—especially on Southern Caribbean routes.

7. What is the best month to cruise to Curaçao?

February through April offers the best weather, while May provides strong value.

8. Can I explore Curaçao without an excursion?

Yes. Willemstad is walkable, and taxis are readily available.

9. Is Curaçao good for snorkeling?

Absolutely. Curaçao is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling destinations.

10. Are Curaçao cruises family-friendly?

Yes. Royal Caribbean offers family-oriented shore excursions and onboard programming.

Final Thoughts: Is a Royal Caribbean Cruise to Curaçao Worth It?

If you’re seeking a cruise destination that blends culture, beaches, history, and reliability, Curaçao stands out—and Royal Caribbean offers some of the most well-rounded itineraries to the island.

While these cruises require more time than short Caribbean getaways, the reward is a richer travel experience with fewer crowds, better weather stability, and exceptional ports.

For travelers who value depth over speed, a Royal Caribbean cruise to Curaçao is absolutely worth considering.

Sources & References

• Royal Caribbean International (official itineraries and ship deployment)

• CDC.gov – Traveler Health Notices

• WHO.int – Caribbean regional health data

• NOAA & National Hurricane Center

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre

• Consumer Reports – Cruise travel insights