Friday, March 20, 2026

Wandering Through the Otrobanda District of Curaçao

We cross the Queen Emma [pontoon] Bridge from Punta back to Otrobanda, where our ship is docked inside the pontoon bridge in St. Anna Bay, while the large cruise ships are docked outside.

Crossing Queen Emma bridge back

Returning to Otrobanda

Large ships outside the bay

We walk along the water to Rif Fort, built in 1828 to protect the St. Anna Bay harbor entrance.  The fort is now a waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment complex.

Looking back at Punda

Entering Rif Fort

Inside the [repurposed] fort

Leaving the fort, we wander through Otrobanda, admiring the colorful shops and streets.



Shops and streets of Otrobanda

Soon, it is time for us to leave and we return to the ship and stay on deck as the Queen Emma Bridge opens to allow us to depart the bay (with the help of a few tugboats).

Final view of Punda from the ship

Queen Emma Bridge opening

Fully open

Our tugboat helpers

Passing by Otrobanda

Heading out to sea

Raising the sails and departing

We've had a great day and now it's time to sail away!






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