Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 6

Today was a great day to sleep in as we didn't arrive in port until 2pm.Exiting the ship we were held up slightly by the ships photographers looking for a photo opportunity. I know all cruise lines do this as people are walking down the gangway but what I don't understand is why? We are trying to get off the ship and get to shore excursions or visit the island - why do they cause a traffic jam at the exit? Why not just stick to pictures on the Pier, off the gangway? Okay, finished ranting now.

As we exited the ship we were welcomed by pouring rain. Fortunately we found shelter under some awnings where several islanders were selling their wares. They were several smart buys to be made here by the savvy shopper. We walked past the old fort that guarded the outlet of the river to the sea and which now a days houses some offices, restaurants and shops. Our attempt to cross the river on the platoon bridge was denied as the bridge was retracted to allow a cruise ship to leave.

 Fortunately there are three ways to get across the river to get into town. Since we didn't want to take a tour or a cab that went over the traffic bridge we waited and took the ferry across which was free. This ferry is not for the weak of heart. We were packed on together like sardines in a can , obviously the sign saying 150 people limit was a suggestion not a rule!
We arrived on the other side of the river and made our way to the floating market. I had heard a lot about the floating market but I was a little disappointed. The islanders bring their wares to sell up by boat and then have stalls on land on which to set up. Maybe it was because we were there late in the day but I was not impressed

We investigated many of the small shops and dealers and honestly we didn't find many bargains. Even though our ship was there until 11pm most of the shops still closed at 6pm local time . We did find a McDonalds much to my sons delight - one of his goals in life is to visit a McDonalds in every country.
We returned to the ship to eat dinner and afterwards ventured back out to see the island at night. If you wanted to sit and drink or eat and listen to music there were plenty of opportunities to do so especially the other side of the river. My concern would be crossing back over the platoon bridge. It has to open for every ship or boat and takes at least 45 minutes to open and close I think it only stayed open for about 10 minutes each time before it started closing again
Overall Curacao is a beautiful kaleidoscope of colourful buildings, all of them trimmed in white with the rest of the building painted in bright colours. You wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to see the platoon bridge lit up at night and the rest of downtown Curacao.