WILLEMSTAD - Currently cruise line corporations are seeking safe ports with the necessary facilities to moor their ships while waiting for the market to become operational again.

Through its extensive network in the cruise world, Curacao Ports Authority (CPA) was successful in ensuring that five ships of the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) could dock at the ports in Curacao for a long term.

The planning is for these ships to arrive in Curacao on Tuesday August 4. CPA was able to realize thanks to the close cooperation with the Harbormaster, Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK) and shipping agent Maduro Shipping. The ships 'Gem' and 'Pearl' fall under the 'Jewel' category of NCL and will dock at Piers 1 and 2 at Bullen Bay. These ships have a length of 295 meters and weigh 93,500 tons. The ships 'Sky' and 'Sun' fall under the 'Sun' category of NCL and will dock at Piers 8 and 9 at Emmastad. These ships have a length of 255 meters and weigh 78,000 tons.

The ship 'Insignia' falls under the 'Renaissance' category of NCL/Oceania and will dock at Pier 7 at Emmastad. This ship has a length of 180 meters and weighs 30,200 tons. These ships do not have any passengers on board but only a crew of approximately 100 persons.

During the period that the ships are docked in the ports they must comply with the protocols of the maritime security policy (ISPS) and the public health (Covid-19) prescribed by the port authorities and the government of Curacao.

The ships will use various services offered by local operators during their stay, which results in more activities in the port. This in turn results in a positive stimulus for the Curacao.