Willemstad, Curaçao – A nude cruise ship docked in Willemstad, Curaçao this week, bringing with it a group of passengers seeking sun, sea, and optional clothing. One passenger, a journalist traveling with the group, recounted an experience with a local taxi driver that highlighted potential pitfalls for tourists and raised questions about the economic realities facing the island nation.
The journalist, who requested anonymity, detailed joining a group heading for a tour of the island after disembarking the ship. They were approached by a taxi driver offering transport for $10 per person, with an additional $20 per hour for the ride. Initially, the group considered this a reasonable offer. Curaçao, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, retains strong ties to Dutch culture and governance, a fact visible in the island’s architecture, and signage.
During the ride, the journalist spoke with members of a Pennsylvania-based band who were performing on the cruise as part of a promotional arrangement. The band had traveled with their bus from Pennsylvania to Florida to join the ship, receiving the cruise in lieu of payment for their three onboard performances. The journalist noted the unusual nature of the cruise, and the band’s enthusiasm for the experience.
The taxi driver, identified as Mickey, initially presented a friendly demeanor, pointing out landmarks including a dilapidated Dutch fort near an industrial harbor. Mickey, like many Curaçaoans, holds a Dutch passport due to the island’s colonial history and diverse population stemming from African, Arab, Portuguese, and German ancestry. He explained that the island’s economy has historically relied on trade, including the slave trade, and now increasingly depends on tourism, with cruise ships contributing approximately 25 percent of its revenue.
But, the atmosphere shifted when Mickey abruptly increased his fare demand to $20 per person per hour, threatening to involve the harbor police. This sudden change, the journalist observed, appeared to be a deliberate attempt to exploit tourists. The incident underscored the potential for deceptive practices targeting visitors.
Upon returning to Willemstad, the journalist described experiencing “sea legs,” a disorienting sensation of movement even on solid ground. The heat and humidity also proved challenging. The historic center of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, features colorful Dutch colonial architecture. According to UNESCO, the historic area encompasses 86 hectares, with an 87-hectare buffer zone.
Back on the ship, the journalist encountered Perry, a 73-year-old passenger from Kentucky who had taken 29 nude cruises, including six on this particular line. Perry reportedly expressed regret over the election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, citing concerns about economic inequality and deportation policies. The conversation highlighted the intersection of personal experiences and political views among cruise passengers.
Flights from Willemstad to Nassau, Bahamas, a destination mentioned in connection with the cruise, currently start at $238 one-way and $436 round trip, according to Expedia. Kiwi.com lists flights starting at £289 (approximately €334) with airlines including Bahamasair, Avianca, and Copa Airlines. Skyscanner also shows flights from Curacao (CUR) to Nassau International (NAS) starting at $297.