Reviewers Rating: 
Excellent
We went to Curaçao from Nov. 23-29. I would highly recommend this destination. We flew ALM from Miami and had heard horror stories; however we were very pleased with the service and on-time flights we had received both from Miami/Curaco and Curaçao/Bonaire. We arrived at the airport and there was a taxi driver there waiting outside for us sent by the Princess Beach Hotel, where we were staying on the "Family Fun" package. This package included airport transfers, a free T-shirt, free city tour, free shuttle bus to Willemstad, free welcome drink, and $10 worth of casino chips for $5.
The hotel was beautiful. Our room was in the Ambassador Wing, and had a huge balcony with a great view of the beach and the city lights of downtown Willemstad. There are 2 restaurants there, and both are good. There are also good restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Although the hotel had 2 pools, we preferred to snorkel/swim/dive in the Caribbean. The underwater park starts right behind the hotel, and the coral and fish there are amazing. The visability was great. The hotel has a dive shop on the premises, and you can get unlimited shore diving package for $60 for 3 days. Well worth it. We saw sting rays, green moray eels, and all kinds of coral and fish.
The shuttle bus has 2 trips into Willemstad each day. Punda, is the shopping area, with charming Dutch builings, and the floating market where the boats come in from Venezuala to sell fresh fruits and fish. The pontoon bridge to Otrabonda (the other side) is really pretty marvelous. The Mikve Emmnauel Synagogue is the oldest "in use" synagogue in the Western Hemisphere since the 18th century. It has sand floors and is absolutely beautiful. We went to Westpunt with Tabor Tours for $20 that we booked right in the lobby of the PBH. We stopped to do some snorkeling at Cas Abao, a gorgeous, pristine beach with sand rather than rocks. We also stopped at Knip Beach, another sandy beach, favored by the locals. We saw a slave hut, and went to some caves. It was a great way to spend a day.
We also took a day trip to Bonaire booked through Tabor. It's a 15 minute flight to Bonaire from Curaçao. Again, a guide was at the airport to meet us. We went to the salt ponds, a lake where the flamingos breed, and travelled throughout the various plantations. After lunch at the Plaza Hotel, we used the beach facilities to do some snorkeling. This was absolutely the most pristine reef, and clearest water I have EVER seen. The tour guide picked us back up and dropped us off to do some shopping before returning to the airport to go back to Curaçao.
We have travelled quite a bit, and this was one of our best, if not the best vacation we have ever had. Everywhere we went, the people were friendly and helpful.
Shar
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