Cruise Traveler FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Private Sailing Tours in Curaçao

Curaçao is one of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise destinations, known for its colorful architecture, clear turquoise water, coral reefs, and warm hospitality. When your ship docks in Willemstad, you have a limited number of hours to explore the island - which makes choosing the right activity very important.

For many cruise passengers, a private sailing tour becomes the highlight of their entire cruise. But before booking, travelers often have questions about timing, transportation, safety, snorkeling, logistics, and what to expect.

To make planning easy, here is the ultimate FAQ for cruise guests considering a private sailing experience with Maxie Sailing Curacao.



Ultimate FAQ for cruise guests considering a private tour with Maxie Sailing Curacao

1. How far is the sailing departure point from the cruise terminal?

2. Will I make it back to the ship on time?

Yes - private tours are ideal for cruise passengers because timing is flexible.

Maxie Sailing;

• Provide 3 different departure times
• Adjusts departure times around your ship’s schedule if necessary
• Returns with plenty of buffer time
• Has  taxi drivers experienced with cruise arrival and departure times

Your return time to the port is always planned carefully, so you never need to worry about rushing - this is Curacao!

3. Can you customize the sailing tour for cruise hours?

Absolutely. Private tours can be adapted to almost any cruise schedule.

Examples:

• Morning arrival = morning or midday sail
• Afternoon arrival = afternoon sail
• Short port days = condensed experience
• Long port days = full half-day or extended trip

As long as your ship is in port, your sailing tour can be designed to fit your available hours perfectly.

4. Is a private sailing tour better than a cruise excursion?

For most cruise guests, the answer is yes, and here’s why:

Private sailing offers:

• Personalized schedule
• Total privacy
• No crowds
• Calm, quiet snorkeling spots
• Direct attention from the crew
• More comfortable seating
• Space to relax
• A peaceful, luxurious atmosphere

Instead of sharing a boat with 40 people, you enjoy an exclusive, handcrafted experience designed around your preferences.

5. What do we do on a sailing tour?

That’s the best part - Maxie Sailing got you covered with all-inclusive private tours, designed especially for you

Most cruise guests want:

• Sailing along Curaçao’s coastline
• Snorkeling in clear, calm water
• Swimming in secluded bays
• Relaxing on deck with drinks
• Romance at sunset
• Exploring Fuik Bay
• Taking photos
• Enjoying a peaceful escape
  
  

You can do a little of everything or focus on one activity - the itinerary is yours to enjoy to the fullest.

6. What are the best snorkeling spots for cruise travelers?

Two of the most popular locations for cruise passengers are:

Tugboat Beach - easy accessible by taxi

• Perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers:
• Colorful fish
• An iconic sunken tugboat
• Note: Mostly busy whit group charters
• Note: Waters can be choppy close to shore
  
  

Fuik Bay - only accessible on water

• Ideal for travelers who love serenity and peaceful scenery
• Calm waters and small beach sides
• Protected mangroves formations
• Lots of marine life (nursery room)
• Fewer crowds, especially on weekdays

The crew chooses the best spots that day, based on conditions - an advantage group tours don’t have.

7. What should I bring on the tour?

Most essentials are included on a worry-free Maxie Sailing tour, from reef-safe sunscreen to food, drinks and towels for everyone.

But here’s a simple checklist:

• Hat or sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Camera or phone
• Light clothing for after the swim
• Cash or card for taxi rides
• Cruise ship ID
  
  

If you forget something, the crew often has extras on board.



8. What’s included in the private charter?

While every privately owned operator is different, Maxie Sailing Curacao is one of a kind - and typically includes:

• Cruise Dock Transfers (in 'Shore Excursions' only)
• Delicious food platter or lunch depending on start time
• Drinks - water, soda, juice, hard seltzers, beer, wines (no liquors)
• A comfortable 48ft sailing vessel
• Knowledgeable owners as your captain and crew
• A beautiful, attractive route
• Calm bay with tiny beach and snorkel spot
• Plenty of shade and seating
• Bathroom and towels on board
• Sunscreen, snorkel masks and floaties
• Safety equipment

Optional extras can include celebration decorations, or special requests. Dietary requirements on request.

Important Note: We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 18 years old and above. Minor travelers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.

9. Is a private sailing tour worth it for cruise visitors?

Yes - and cruise travelers consistently say it was the best decision of their day in Curacao.

Here’s why:

• You escape cruise crowds immediately
• You get the best snorkeling with the least people
• The experience is peaceful, luxurious and relaxing
• You receive personalized attention
• You enjoy the Curacao waters and coastline from the best possible viewpoint

It’s both an adventure and a perfect way to unwind during a busy cruise itinerary.



10. What if our cruise ship arrives late?

No problem - exclusive tours offer flexibility.
If your ship’s arrival is delayed, Maxie Sailing Curaçao can adjust or reschedule your departure time when possible/available, depending on the port schedule and weather. This flexibility is something large group excursions cannot guarantee.

11. How far in advance should cruise travelers book?

Private sailing fills up quickly — especially on popular cruise days and during high season (December–April).

To guarantee availability, book:

• As early as possible
• Ideally 4–8 weeks in advance
• Even earlier for large groups or holidays



Last-minute bookings are sometimes available, but not guaranteed.

Final Thought: A Private Sailing Tour Is the Best Way to Experience Curaçao as a Cruise Traveler

Whether you're visiting for a few hours or an entire day, private sailing allows you to see the absolute best of Curacao — without stress, crowds, or rigid cruise excursion schedules.

It’s peaceful.
It’s beautiful.
It’s exclusive.

And it’s one of the most memorable experiences you can have during your Caribbean cruise.