BUSINESS CRUISE TRADE MISSION
BOARDING FROM CURAÇAO
FEBRUARY 21 TO MARCH 5, 2026
Sailing Toward Opportunity
Curaçao Business on Board
A First-of-its-kind Regional Trade Mission for Curaçao
From February 21 to March 5, 2026, Curaçao launches its first-ever Business Cruise Trade Mission. This ambitious effort promotes trade, exports, and regional cooperation across the Caribbean. Taking place aboard the Corendon Ambassador Cruise Line, this 12-day voyage will bring together companies, government officials, and support institutions from Curaçao and the wider Dutch Caribbean to build new business opportunities and strengthen regional ties.
This mission is organized by the Curaçao Private Sector Association (VBC) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), Curaçao Investment and Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) , and the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB).
Why This Mission Matters
The cruise trade mission is designed to help Curaçaoan companies expand their reach into regional markets through structured business matchmaking and one-on-one meetings in multiple destinations. It will also create opportunities for dialogue with local chambers of commerce, trade promotion agencies, and regional government bodies.
The aim is not only to promote Curaçao’s export-ready companies and services, but also to explore shared challenges, discover relations (synergies) between sectors, and support greater Caribbean integration. The mission will also help build visibility for Curaçao as a hub for innovation, services, and sustainable development.
Who Should Participate
This mission is ideal for businesses that are ready to explore export markets or expand their regional presence. The delegation will include companies from a wide range of sectors, including ICT and FinTech, Tourism and Hospitality, Creative industries (such as music, film, and fashion), Maritime services and Blue Bio-economy, Medical and Wellness tourism, Sustainable Energy, Light Manufacturing, and Professional Services.
Participants will also benefit from the presence of government representatives, business support organizations, and export agencies who will be part of the mission.
Our Route Across the Caribbean
Over 12 days, the cruise will visit eight key destinations across the region. Each port will host a one-day program of business events, including matchmaking meetings, site visits, and, where possible, sessions with government or investment promotion authorities.
Shipping Schedule
| Day | Port / Activity | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Embarkation | –:– | –:– |
| 1 | Willemstad, Curaçao | –:– | approx. 22.00 |
| 2 | Day at Sea | –:– | –:– |
| 3 | Bridgetown, Barbados | approx. 14.00 | approx. 21.00 |
| 4 | Pointe-A-Pitre, Guadeloupe | approx. 14.00 | approx. 22.00 |
| 5 | Fort-de-France, Martinique | approx. 09.00 | approx. 18.00 |
| 6 | St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda | approx. 08.00 | approx. 18.00 |
| 7 | Philipsburg, Sint Maarten | approx. 08.00 | approx. 23.00 |
| 8 | Roadtown (Tortola), Britse Maagdeneilanden | approx. 08.00 | approx. 18.00 |
| 9 | Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis | approx. 08.00 | approx. 16.00 |
| 10 | Castries, Saint Lucia | approx. 09.00 | approx. 18.00 |
| 11 | Day at Sea | –:– | –:– |
| 12 | Willemstad, Curaçao | approx. 08.00 | –:– |
| 12 | Disembarkation | –:– | –:– |
What to Expect Onboard and Onshore
While at sea, participants will benefit from a rich onboard program, including business clinics, export readiness training, pitch coaching, and thematic discussions on regional trends. These sessions will provide valuable insights and peer learning before arriving at each destination.
During each stopover, participants will take part in business-to-business (B2B) meetings arranged with local companies and stakeholders. These sessions will be tailored to the sectors and interests of the Curaçao delegation. There will also be opportunities for pop-up displays, product demos, and informal networking events, depending on the local context.
What’s Included in Your Participation
The participation package includes the full cruise experience with accommodation, meals, and transfers at each stop. It also covers the organization of business events at each destination, onboard workshops, media exposure, and promotional materials such as branded polos and flyers. In addition, support will be provided for translation, local transportation arrangements, and coordination of meetings through local counterparts in each country.
The estimated cost per participant for the matchmaking component, in addition to the cruise ticket, will be communicated in due course. Potential financial support may be available through RVO’s Support International Business (SIB) instrument and private sponsorships. Information about the RVO application will be shared when the invoice is sent.
Important: Two Separate Payments
To participate in this mission, please note that there are two separate payments:
- Cruise Ticket (payment directly to Corendon)
- Covers the cost of the cruise itself.
- Prices and booking details are available through Corendon: [email protected] (please mention booking code: CBCruise2026#).
- Payment must be made directly to Corendon.
- Business Matchmaking Fee (payment to VBC)
- Covers participation in the business program, including matchmaking and all logistical arrangements in the host countries.
- Registration for this component is done through VBC.
- After registration, you will receive an invoice for the matchmaking fee along with RVO information.
In short:
- Payment to Corendon → Cruise ticket
- Payment to VBC → Business registration & matchmaking / RVO
How to Join
If you are interested in being part of this exciting trade mission, we invite you to register via the following link:
Those registered will receive information about the cruise and be contacted for additional details regarding the matchmaking sessions. The details provided in the registration form will serve as the basis for planning these sessions.
Spaces are limited, and participation will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Companies from Curaçao will be prioritized; however, expressions of interest from firms in Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba, the Netherlands, and other locations are also welcome.