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The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Key West, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Celebrity Cruises offer as many 25 shore excursions, Holland America lists 21 tours and Oceania Cruises organizes 7 shore excursions in Key West cruise port. The good news is that on the larger beaches you will find all sorts of watersports, renting of chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddle-boards. But you should expect shallow waters and, depending on the season, sometimes rocky and with seaweeds. If your cruise ship is the only one in port - which happens quite frequently - this will be most probably where she will dock.
Mallory Square
If the tour is too pricey for you, there are two free exhibits and a self-guided garden tour for free. You should also take time to visit the Presidential gift shop on the premise. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is fascinating, featuring artifacts from shipwrecks and treasures discovered by famous shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher. You can see artifacts like jewels and gold from the 1622 Spanish galleon Atocha. The museum has interactive exhibits explaining the challenging process of shipwreck salvage.
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Explore the narrow streets and the history found at every turning point. The water itself is not always conducive for swimming but activities such as boating; snorkeling can be fun to explore. Unlike Smathers beach, Higgs beach has shallow waters which can be fun if a nice dip is what you are looking for. These Spanish vessels offer tourists a chance at exploring sunken treasures.
Take a Rum Tour
Additionally, for those disembarking at the Navy Outer Mole pier, a Conch Train and trolley service is available to transport visitors to the town. The house showcases a captivating mix of period furniture and personal artifacts, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the 33rd President. The street is lined with charming shops that sell a wide range of souvenirs, local crafts, and one-of-a-kind finds. In mid-July 2020, to the November ballot was added a referendum (3 proposed amendments) to limit the number of big-sized cruise ships calling at Key West. Around 11 miles off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico and one the most popular cruise ship port in the Caribbean.
No visit to Key West is complete without a stroll on Duval Street, in particular, along the charming six blocks between Greene Street and Petronia Sreet. Be aware that Duval Street crosses the Old Town - north to south - and it is 2 miles long ending at South Beach, which is a small strip of sand dominated by the homonymous cafe. After all, it's almost impossible to find cruise passengers that have been in Key West who will have anything but words of praise for this port of call. This guide covers everything from the best times to visit to booking your cruise and preparing for your journey. Over the years, the port has evolved to accommodate the growing cruise industry, transforming into a modern facility that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
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KEY WEST'S CRUISE SHIP CONTROVERSY RETURNS TO CITY - Florida Keys Weekly
KEY WEST'S CRUISE SHIP CONTROVERSY RETURNS TO CITY.
Posted: Mon, 15 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For more thrill, take up the haunted tours walk, where you will get to learn about the most outrageous stories of Key West, Florida. The ride is about 90 minutes tops and has three main stops, the station depot, where you can shop till you drop. The Truval Village stop where you can taste the exquisite cuisine of key west and the Ernest Hemming ways home as well as a stop at the museum. However, it’s only actually the second southernmost point but this detail rarely matters due to the inaccessibility of the true southernmost tip. It is brightly marked by red and yellow colors and is only 90 miles away from Cuba.
Pub crawls down Duval are famous here, giving travelers a true sense of how fun the Key West nightlife can be. The Truman Little White House and the tourist trams are both within an easy walking distance from Mallory Square. President Harry S. Truman made 11 trips to this old home at the Key West Naval Station and often used it as a place to get away in the winter to work and avoid the weather in Washington, DC. It's an interesting place to visit for those who love learning more about the U.S. presidents and politics. If fitness and breath-taking vistas are your things, then climb up the 88 steps of Key West’s Lighthouse for a beautiful bird’s view of the entire island and great turquoise waters. Learn the island’s history on your way to the top and enjoy the stunning views.
What's to do within walking distance and sightseeing
By far the easiest (and the least expensive!) thing to do in Key West is take a simple walking tour. Before getting to things to do, it’s helpful to have a lay of the land. While you can explore the whole island, many of the most famous landmarks and things for cruise passengers are on the western quarter of the island.
Shopping Near the Key West Cruise Port
Pose for a memorable photo with the buoy against the backdrop of the azure sea, and enjoy the fact that you’re standing at the country’s southernmost point at just 90 miles (145 km) north of Cuba. It is generally advised to come earlier, as the place tends to get crowded later in the day due to its popularity. The street comes alive with the aromas of local eateries and cafes, inviting you to indulge in the island’s culinary delights. From seafood shacks serving up fresh catches to cozy bistros offering a taste of Key West’s diverse flavors, Duval Street is a foodie adventure waiting to be explored. Aside from the sunset celebrations, Mallory Square is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal place to explore and unwind. So while you’re here, grab a refreshing drink, try some local cuisine, or browse through the unique boutiques that line the square.
Below, we cover a ton of things that are all within a short distance of the port and available to do during the day while the ship is docked. U.S. cruise homeports, Florida west coast ferry ports, city of Key West and Monroe County. The National Historic Monument dates back to the Civil War and houses the world’s largest collection of Civil War weaponry. Beyond its historical significance, Fort Taylor is the southernmost state park in the continental United States. Most snorkeling excursions will provide all necessary gear and a knowledgeable guide. The coral formations and sea life you’ll encounter are truly world-class.
Within walking distance of the port, cruise ship passengers will discover historic homes, tropical gardens, art galleries, shops, gourmet dining, funky bars & of course fishing, diving & swimming. Key West is famous for its party culture, and that includes a number of bars that are well-known. Spots like Sloppy Joe’s, Green Parrot, and Hog’s Breath Saloon are all within walking distance of the cruise ships. While things will be fairly tame during the day, they are still cool places to grab a drink and hang out a bit while you soak in the history of these spots that are synonymous with the island. Passengers on these cruise lines can expect to enjoy a wide range of amenities and activities onboard, including swimming pools, spas, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Locals love to repeat the line about never knowing if the guy beside you at the bar in flip flops and a tank top is a millionaire or a former merchant marine -- or both. Rich retirees rub elbows here with those who work two and three jobs to be able to call Key West home. Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S., is the last in a chain of tiny tropical islands -- the Florida Keys -- scattered off the mainland. Dubbed the "Conch Republic," Key West is a very popular destination on Western Caribbean itineraries -- and is easily one of the funkiest and fascinating ports of call in all of cruising.
Locals will serve you fresh coconut water by drilling a straw hole into one of the green fruits that come from the island's palm trees. While federal agents were trying to stymie drug smugglers, Keys residents decried the roadblock as a tourism disaster as well as disrespectful to its people. But Key West's mayor and his supporters failed to sway a federal court in Miami to lift the roadblock. Soon after, he read a proclamation at Mallory Square declaring the Keys no longer a part of the U.S. and demanding $1 million in foreign aid. Start your day in Key West with a cortadito, cafe con leche, or Cuban coffee.
Mel Fisher was a dreamer and a visionary who discovered the remains of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita, the Spanish Armada ships. My favorite place to indulge in this treat in Key West is at the Key Lime Pie Company. You will want to make sure this is on your itinerary for your day in Key West.
No matter the reason, Key West offers a convenient — and free — bus route that makes a loop around the western half of the island. So you can ride it from the cruise ship and get to all the famous landmarks like the Hemingway House, the Southernmost Point and more. World famous for its laid-back lifestyle, the island is much more than just a place to party (although you can certainly do that). From beaches to history to food, there’s something for everyone in Key West when you visit on a cruise. The Port of Key West is a major economic engine for the city and local businesses, resulting in an economic impact annually of $85 million (pre-pandemic). The port provides 1,250 direct and indirect jobs to the 25,000 citizens of Key West, while contributing 6 percent of the city’s total general tax revenue.
Surprisingly, there are quite a few museums showcasing the Key West’s rich history and culture. Many of the museums are among the most popular attractions in Key West. After clearing customs, you’ll exit right onto Mallory Square or Duval Street, depending on your pier. This puts the island’s top attractions and eateries immediately at your footsteps, allowing you to maximize your Key West vacation.
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