Key West Florida Cruises

Arriving in Key West

Depending on the ship’s size and the number of ships scheduled to arrive, Key West Florida cruises may dock at one of several places in Key West. Smaller ships can pull right up to Mallory Square, the tiny island’s shopping center, or the Hilton Resort’s Pier B. Larger ships or those arriving when the nearby docks are full stop at the Outer Mole pier on the U.S. Navy Base. For security reasons, tourists are not permitted to travel on their own through the naval base, and frequent complimentary shuttle busses and trolleys are provided to transport individuals to Mallory Square. In fact, many of the shuttles are manned by knowledgeable guides and passengers are often treated to tidbits of Key West lore and history before reaching the Square.

Necessary information about Key West:

• It is still a part of Florida (which many passengers overlook), making English the official language and the U.S. dollar the official currency.
• Key West is the southernmost city in the United States.
• The island operates on Eastern Time, not cruise ship time which other ports may accommodate. This means that if your ship arrives before 9 a.m., most stores, restaurants, and attractions will not yet be open.

Cruise Ship Shore Tours in Key West

Key West is a unique enclave of American brevity coupled with Caribbean flair. Many shore excursions explore the island’s distinctive lifestyle such as historical tours, bike tours, and trolley tours offering different perspectives. Sailing, snorkeling, golfing, fishing, and glass bottom boats are other popular excursions.

Key West Florida Cruises: Sightseeing

Key West is a tiny island, only four miles long and two miles wide, making it easy for more adventurous souls to explore without supervision. Because it is still part of the United States, there is less cultural confusion, and both bikes and motor scooters are available for rent.

Key West’s most popular attractions include:

• Duval Street: World-renowned for its prolific bars with outrageous themes, passengers can easily cruise this crowded avenue for shopping, refreshments, and entertainment.
• Southernmost Point: Appropriately named, this landmark is located at the end of Whitehead Street at the edge of the naval base. A colorful, oversized marker offers a unique photo opportunity.
• Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: A landmark bar in the heart of Duval Street, this attraction offers tacky souvenirs along with great drinks and signature foods.
• Hemingway House: For literature aficionados, a tour of this historic home is a scholarly treat. For biology buffs, the main attractions here are the dozens of polydactyl (many-toed) cats, descendents of Hemingway’s pets.
• Key West Aquarium: This site was the first tourist attraction built in Key West and features an extensive touch tank for visitors to interact with starfish, conch, and sea urchins. The Aquarium is often included with assorted ship tours.
• Key West Cemetery: Though not a typical tourist attraction, the cemetery is renowned for whimsical tombstones, including “I Told You I Was Sick” and “At Least I Know Where He Is Sleeping Tonight.” The 21-acre cemetery is located along several blocks of Olivia Street.
• Harry S. Truman Little White House: This vacation home of the thirty-second president is carefully preserved in 1940s style. The hour-long tours are thorough and well worth the minimal charge.
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: Conveniently located near Mallory Square, this educational attraction gives visitors a glimpse into sunken treasures recovered from numerous Spanish galleons.
• Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe: Not a well-known destination, this colorful store offers the island’s widest variety of signature key lime treats, including taffy, hard candy, fudge, pies, juice, jelly beans, cookies, and novelty souvenirs.

Key West Florida Cruises: Necessary Precautions

Because of Key West’s proximity to the mainland, the island is afflicted with higher temperatures and humidity than other Caribbean islands. Guests should take extra care to drink enough water and relax their pace in order to avoid heatstroke or overexertion, particularly on bike tours or when walking between attractions. Also remember that if your ship arrives early (before 9 a.m.), many bars, restaurants, stores, and attractions will not be open. Organized shore tours may leave early, however, particularly snorkeling or fishing excursions.

Key West is one of very few United States ports of call frequented by a variety of cruise lines. With eclectic architecture, blended culture, and a festive atmosphere, it is the perfect location for kicking off a memorable cruise vacation.