Table Of Content
Add the rambunctious pigs on Great Exuma Island and snorkeling among the reefs, and you've got more than enough fodder for an epic Bahamas vacation. The perfect island vacation means as little hassle as possible, and as much peace and relaxation as you can handle. That's what makes the Caribbean — particularly cruises to the Caribbean — so ideal for travelers looking to leave behind the daily grind. Hop on the world-famous Conch Train to get a lesson in Key West history and hear local legends while touring Old Town and some of the island’s most iconic landmarks. For example, if you’ve selected to sail on a bigger ship, don’t expect to be delivered right to unique, smaller ports. On a cruise, you’ll often travel with at least one other person, and come into contact with many other guests, bartenders, waiters, and tour guides.
Garden Party
One can start their exploration right from the vibrant Mallory Square located adjacent to the port, well known for its mesmerizing sunset celebrations and lively street performances. One of the top destinations on many cruise ship itineraries is the beautiful city of Key West. Located on the southernmost point of the United States, Key West offers a plethora of activities and attractions for cruisers to enjoy. The city is known for it’s vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife. One of the popular attractions in Key West is Sunset Key, a stunning 27-acre residential neighborhood and resort island located just off the coast of the main island.
About Cruising to Key West
It offers a tranquil and luxurious escape for visitors, with it’s pristine beaches and breathtaking sunsets. However, it’s important to note that this island is privately held among it’s residents and isn’t easily accessible to cruise ship passengers. Key West has a dedicated cruise terminal known as The Fisherman Wharf, which is also referred to as Mallory Pier or Mallory Square.
ACL-American Cruise Lines christens American Glory ship in Key West Florida
Get ready to step into a world of exploration, where luxurious amenities meet the captivating allure of Key West's rich history. Discover landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, soak up the sun at Smathers Beach, or indulge in the delectable flavors of local cuisine. The city famously appeals to all types of folks, and attracts artists, hipsters, foodies and beach bums along with cruise ships. 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.
We know how much time and effort go into planning your vacation, and we're sorry for any inconvenience caused by this. In the hours leading up to dusk, head to Mallory Square and watch as it comes to life with acrobats, dancers and performers.
Dry Tortugas National Park is Key West’s best spot for undisturbed tropical ecosystem with significant historic artifacts. It has bountiful sea life, colorful coral reefs, and legends of sunken treasures and shipwrecks. You should also visit the Fort Jefferson, which is a massive but unfinished coastal fortress. May people who take cruises to Key West are drawn to the impressive historical experience and world-class snorkeling. Key West is a fantastic destination, and one of the safest cities in the West Florida, and even the USA. Just walking down the quiet streets (or the loud ones) is an excellent experience in itself.
day Western Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Celebrity Reveals New Shorter Caribbean Cruises - Cruise Hive
Celebrity Reveals New Shorter Caribbean Cruises.
Posted: Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The itinerary change is a result of Key West residents voted to approve a limit on cruise ship traffic to Key West. You can catch all kinds of exotic fish in Key West’s tropical waters, so it’s no surprise that much of the local cuisine centers on fresh seafood. Be sure to try some conch fritters and the iconic key lime pie, of course.
When it comes to bars, you’ll find no shortage along lively Duval Street. With reasonable rates and multiple tours leaving all day long, there isn’t much of a reason not to try this Key West excursion. We offer marine life exploration, romantic sunset cruises, and many other activities that can make your cruises to Key West unforgettable.
Best Diving and Snorkeling in the Caribbean for Cruisers - Cruise Critic
Best Diving and Snorkeling in the Caribbean for Cruisers.
Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Carnival Cruise Line has recently announced changes to it’s itineraries for upcoming sailings in January and February 2022, and as part of these adjustments, Key West has been dropped as a destination. This decision has raised questions among travelers as to whether Carnival will continue to visit Key West in the future. Cruise ships usually dock at either Pier B, near the Truman Annex, or the Navy-owned Outer Mole pier, near Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. If docked at the latter, a tourist trolley shuttles you off the base into town.
Rich retirees rub elbows here with those who work two and three jobs to be able to call Key West home. Key West is not a major destination for Royal Caribbean cruise ships, with a few ships making stops at the island periodically, primarily smaller or older ships, such as Brilliance of the Seas. In November 2020, Key West voted to ban large cruise ships and now Royal Caribbean is informing guests their ship will not visit the island.
Nearly 700 coral islands make up the Bahamas — and only 30 of those are inhabited. The capital Nassau sits on New Providence Island, which remained under British rule — along with the rest of the Bahamas — until 1973. Though the islands gained their independence decades ago, traces of British culture remain, like driving on the left side of the road. In Mallory Square, you’ll find lots of local vendors selling seashells, souvenirs, cigars, rum, and of course, key lime pie. If you’re looking for art galleries and clothing boutiques, head to Duval Street. Growing up traveling around the world, she developed a passion for diversity and cross-cultural communication.
Oceania cruise ships dock in Miami at Terminal J, labeled the “boutique terminal” where small luxury cruise ships berth. Port Key West cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. 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. It’s convenient cruise terminal and multiple berthing options ensure that visitors to the island can easily access all that the city has to offer.
The countless keys and beaches provide an exciting and memorable stopover for cruises that sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Cozumel. The first/principal (Fisherman Wharf) is within walking distance from downtown. The second (Outer Mole Pier) is a free trolley bus ride away from downtown.
Vacation cruises to Key West and the Bahamas depart from Miami, Tampa and Orlando in Florida, and Galveston, Texas. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 22nd, 2024. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions.
Most cabins only have a couple sockets, located by the desk, and none by the beds at all. Cruise ship staterooms, even on Royal Caribbean, are notorious for never having enough charging ports available. Don’t leave one person stuck, required to purchase an expensive beverage package. Anyone who loves their personal space will find that separate beds will go a long way toward improving the energy of their vacation.
The roundtrip from Tampa was specifically designed for ACL's newbuild catamarans (Coastal Cats) and was first operated by American Glory in 2023. In 2019, the cruise port handled 417 ship calls and nearly 965,000 passengers. And now, with Key West gracing their itineraries, Royal Caribbean has elevated the Caribbean cruise experience to new heights. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 22nd April 2024. Popular bars, T-shirt and souvenir shops and art galleries line both sides of the street and can be found from the 200 block to the end near Mallory Square.
