Critical Timeline

Estimate from Aruba to Willemstad

At a steady 18 knots (fuel-efficient cruising speed), based on available sources/data, the ship would have arrived off Curaçao between ~4:20 and ~4:50 a.m. This leaves a short waiting period offshore before the 5:00 a.m. docking and clearance.

Table showing transit time and estimated arrival times for different distances measured in nautical miles, with travel time at 18 knots and estimated arrival times from 1:00 a.m., attributed to @MissingAmyBradley.
Satellite map showing the coastline and urban area of a city with an inset aerial photo of ships docking at a port. There is red text indicating the arrival time of the ship 'Rhapsody of the Seas' from 4:20 to 4:37 a.m.

(According to available navigational charts”, “approximate location”, “based on ship’s scheduled path.)

A detailed timeline of events aboard a cruise ship, including departure, security checks, searches, and the ship's departure from Curaçao.

The timeline presented here is based on publicly available sources, witness reports, and navigational estimates. Some times, locations, and events are approximate and subject to change if more reliable data comes to light. This material includes hypotheses and inference; readers should understand that not all statements have been independently verified by official investigative authorities.