20th January 2026.

Another warm morning, 25°C  again with occasional heavy showers and a predicted high of 28°C

08.27 hrs

Today marks the completion of half of this 35 night voyage.  Afternoon tea in Madeira feels a lifetime ago. Yet, this almost halfway stage seems (like Christmas!) to have crept up quickly and unexpectedly.

Two ships are in port today, Queen Victoria and Caribbean Princess.  

11 14 hrs  Time to explore.

I could spend a week or three here.  I have been before and much of what I see now is familiar. However, I don’t remember the canons.

Exploring the terminal and its surroundings, I came across the Steak and Ribs Restaurant offering perfect sea views, and of any ships in port or at sea.  

I enjoyed the onion soup despite difficulty negotiating the molten cheese covered oversized croutons. 

Quite why I chose Caesar Salad when there was a choice of magnificent steaks and other meat dishes, I don’t reallyknow.  Was I trying to save a dollar or two?  The salad was excellent however with copious amounts of cheese chicken and croutons.  There was no point being in a hurry.  Service was (shall we say) casual!  The roar of the waves crashing against the rocks below did not cease, and made a far better soundtrack than the inane melodies played on a loop.  There’s a strong wind which keeps the 28°C comfortable. 

I rather think that I am doing something a little different today.  Firstly it was my first lunch not on board ship.  That was splendid.  Next, I walked across the floating bridge which can open to let vessels pass. This can happen with people walking across who obviously have to wait until the vessel is clear and passage reset. 

Curacao is colourful, friendly and like all these places I have enjoyed seeing again, noisy, with street bands and cafés and restaurants vying for business.  Unlike St. Vincent (if I understand correctly), Curacao seems to attract daily cruise ship traffic. Thus the city thrives on continuous tourism, during the season, that is. The pastel shades of many of the buildings adds to this joyous party ambience.

I have been around the island on at least one previous occasion. 

It’s 17.24 and I still haven’t ventured beyond the city.  The latest on board time is 21.00 hrs leaving enough time for a quick trip if the opportunity presents itself.  Sitting in the confines of the R.I.F. Fort, somewhat developed with cafés restaurants and shops, I do wonder if I will pass this way again.  

18.05 hrs

I’m back on board now, complete with an authentic Curacao car numberplate from 2007! I should be in time for the sunset.

I did make it to Deck 9 in time for the sunset.

Soon it was time to change for dinner. I joined table companion Bruce for the show which I left shortly afterwards, joining Chris and Jackie in the Yacht Club on Deck 10.  I then adjourned to the open decks where at level 9 a band was just finishing its spot. I had missed a great night out here!

I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Willemstad.

Many thanks for reading, David 00.27 hrs 21/1/26 in his stateroom.