Royal Caribbean begins dropping visits to Key West following cruise ship ban

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• CONCH CABOOSE
• Night Western Caribbean - MiamiDetails
• EXPLORE MORE
• Summer Offers with Royal Caribbean!
• Margaritaville at Sea ship MAS Islander to be homeported in Florida (Tampa) starting June 2024

So, if youre planning a cruise, be sure to keep Key West at the top of your list and get ready for an unforgettable experience in this tropical paradise. Most cruise ships in Key West dock at The Fisherman Wharf (aka Mallory Pier/Mallory Square). Alternatively, the cruise port has two more berths - Outer Mole Pier (Truman Waterfront Park) and Margaritaville Resort (near Mallory Square). 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. With its unique history, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife, Key West is a must-visit destination for anyone on a Caribbean cruise. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this charming island has something for everyone.

CONCH CABOOSE

The place is overflowing with incredible sights, tasty food, and exciting activities. Passengers will be summoned by group number and led to the gangway when boarding begins. Once there, they will be met by crew members and shown to their cabins. Time spent boarding might range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on ship size and passenger load. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #keywest — you may see them right here.

Night Western Caribbean - MiamiDetails

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this charming island has something for everyone.... Here, you'll find a laid-back vacation destination that feels oceans away from home. From scuba diving and snorkeling to exploring the coral reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park, a Key West vacation has everything you could want in a tropical getaway. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.

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Whether it is your first time to Key West or you have been here before, there are tons of excursions you can do during your short stay on the island! It’s no surprise that many tourists are wishing to extend their stay on this picturesque island in west Florida. Mallory dock can handle 2 ships at a given time along its piers and sits right next to Truman Annexe which houses the Truman Little White House – the winter White House of the former President. On this ACL ex-Florida voyage, on days 3 and 4 the ship stays in Key West overnight.

Key West, Florida

Royal Caribbean Cruise ships dock at the Mallory Pier in Key West, also known as the Mallory Dock which is one of the 3 docking facilities at the Key West Port. The move to secede was short-lived but remains a point of pride for Key Westers, who still fly the blue "Conch Republic" flag in the subtropical heat and ocean breezes. Key West was first settled in 1822 and by 1886 had become America's richest city per capita. Compact, cozy and adorable, the city's Old Town neighborhood is filled with cottages with gingerbread-topped porches, Victorian compounds, sidewalk cafes, cigar stands and T-shirt shops.

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There are so many unique stores in Key West, offering some fantastic opportunities to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts. There’s a store for various sorts of sauces, hand-rolled cigars, Siberian fir candle, handmade sandals, and many more! Hemingway House – If you get a chance, take a quick tour of the famed authors home.

From her first cruise on Wonder of the Seas, she has delighted in the intersection between travel, diversity, and writing in the cruising world. Or if you’re traveling with a homebody who prefers quiet evenings, don’t expect them to suddenly join you at every late-night event. If you’re not careful, you could go the whole length of the cruise without a single quiet moment alone. Not setting aside any time alone can be the most exhausting part of a cruise, especially for those of us who are introverts. To avoid fighting over the phone charger, plan ahead by bringing a cruise-safe power strip or a power bank.

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Royal Caribbean, for instance, is one of the cruise lines that frequently includes Key West in it’s itineraries. With it’s vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and lively nightlife, Key West is a favorite among many cruisers. Welcome aboard Royal Caribbean, where the excitement of cruising meets the laid-back charm of Key West. Embark on a remarkable journey as we set sail for this tropical paradise, where palm-lined streets, vibrant art scenes, and breathtaking sunsets await you.

Celebrity Cruises' ships Beyond and Reflection to visit Royal Caribbean's private island CocoCay

If sharks are more enticing to you than pigs, go scuba diving at Runway Wall. Located right off the coast of Nassau, divers can explore shipwrecks, underwater walls and reefs, all while swimming alongside reef sharks. Some tour companies even offer a shark-feeding experience, where divers can get up close and personal with the animals. Also in Nassau, check out the James Bond Wrecks, so named for its role in several Bond films.

Whether you are booking a Royal Caribbean Key West excursion or Carnival Key West excursion, be sure to check with the excursion operator directly. Mondays and Fridays are when the maximum of the Royal Caribbean Cruise docking happens at Key West. Royal Caribbean ships typically tour the Keywest during the December through April season with about 5 dockings happening in a month. Also, the Key West Police Department reports are filled with lost-and-found property reports from visitors.

A passenger can check in and board the ship with minimal fuss and time spent at the Royal Caribbean Terminal in Key West. Travelers must check in at the terminal’s waiting area after presenting their government-issued photo identification and cruise tickets. In 2023, ACL-American Cruise Lines included Key West as a call port of its 7-night/8-day "Florida Gulf Coast and Keys" itinerary.

Bond fans will instantly recognize the impressive coral formations from the big screen. For a more mild, shark-free experience, go snorkeling at Elbow Cay or Fowl Cays National Park in the Abacos, islands known for their clear, lagoon-like water. Verify if they also jet ski rides, walking tours, dolphin watch, or any other activity your group would like to have. Some of the popular cruise lines that include Key West on their itineraries are Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line. These cruise lines offer a range of itineraries and experiences for travelers to enjoy while visiting the beautiful destination of Key West. 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. None of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are small enough in capacity to be admissable under the new Key West laws. Blue Lagoon Island might be the most holistic Bahamas adventure experience. This private island is just three miles from Nassau, so it's easily reachable when you only have one day in port. Blue Lagoon has everything from Caribbean wildlife encounters to Segway tours and curated beach days. The Conch Tour Train is a 90-minute, fully-narrated sightseeing tour of Key West that concentrates on the historic Old Town.

Cruises to Key West, Florida

Table Of Content

• Discover Key West: Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Ship Destination
• Forcing them to buy a drink package
• Royal Caribbean Blog is your ultimate source for Royal Caribbean coverage.
• Princess Cruise Seattle Port Terminal Details
• Celebrity Cruises Caribbean 2024-2025 winter program (4 ships, new homeport in Florida)

With Royal Caribbean unwavering dedication to guest satisfaction, you can expect an unparalleled voyage. From the moment you step onboard, you'll be greeted by a world-class crew ready to cater to your every need. Indulge in exquisite dining options, relax in luxurious accommodations, and partake in a plethora of entertainment and enrichment activities that will enrich your Caribbean cruise experience. Royal Caribbean's ships are a haven of luxury and comfort, equipped with an array of amenities and services to enhance your Caribbean cruise experience. From spacious and stylish staterooms to world-class dining options, you'll be treated to a wealth of choices that cater to your every desire.

Discover Key West: Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Ship Destination

Keep an eye on your belongings while you're downing a rum drink or frosty brew, or while singing along with the whole bar to a Jimmy Buffett or Kenney Chesney classic. 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. It's so exciting to dive into the distinct culture here, consisting of Goombay music and local cuisine like johnnycakes, rock lobsters, pigeon peas and rice, and guava duff.

Forcing them to buy a drink package

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One of the most popular things to do are grab a bike and hit the street. Also, golf cart rentals are a fun way to keep your group together while visiting one place to another. It’s an ideal way to get the local vibe and truly experience how it feels to be living in this Key West. And because we want you to have best experiences out of your Key West cruise, we’ve compiled the best excursions for Royal Caribbean Key West and Carnival Key West passengers. With a rich history, breathtaking views, adrenaline pumping adventures, and exhilarating night life, Key West will surely be one of your favorite stops on your next sunset cruise. Are you coming to Key West on your next Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog is your ultimate source for Royal Caribbean coverage.

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Personally, I like to bring along a portable charge that I can charge every couple of days, and then use to power my devices in between. And we live in a time where most people have multiple electronic devices to charge, from phones to laptops to cameras. Honesty is really the best policy when it comes to spending on a cruise. Otherwise, resentment can quickly build up and destroy a relationship, not to mention a cruise vacation.

But of course, it also pays to have a schedule on your cruise to Key West, especially if your time is limited. As with any shore excursion to Key West, Florida, you will have the option to book directly with your cruise line or book direct with the tour operator. Either way, be sure to book early to ensure that you secure your date and time. This is particularly important during the peak season, when throngs of tourists and locals head to the island to relax and party. It’s only a port of call for the Royal Caribbean and not a departure or arrival port.

Recommended Activities and Attractions in Key West for Cruise Ship Passengers

Key West cruise ship passengers, who number some 820,000 a year among the island's 3 million visitors, disembark at Mallory Square, a Navy pier near the Westin Resort. But the island city is a breeze to explore by walking, bike, scooter or even pedicab. Famous residents have included Pulitzer Prize-winner Ernest Hemingway, whose home on Simonton Street is now a museum where six-toed cats roam the grounds, pool and living quarters. Key West was also a home away from home for President Harry Truman, whose one-time respite from Washington, D.C., is the "Little White House," a museum by the waterfront. The USA bought Cayo Hueso from Spain in the early-19th-century, and eventually, the name was Americanized to Key West. Cruise ship tourists may easily explore the downtown on foot and see Duval Street, Mallory Square, visit the Aquarium, Mel Fisher Museum, Audubon House, Hemmingway's House.

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Residential throughout, every sign, window and awning in Old Town must pass scrutiny of the city-appointed Historic Architectural Review Commission. Extend your short sojourn to Key West with a stop in the Bahamas for the ultimate cruise vacation. Just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas has something for everyone.

Celebrity Cruises Caribbean 2024-2025 winter program (4 ships, new homeport in Florida)

The pigs aren't island natives, and no one is quite sure how they first arrived here, but they've nonetheless made the island home. "Pig Beach" is uninhabited by humans and only accessible by boat, via a guided tour. Once there, you'll be able to swim alongside not only pigs, but also nurse sharks, and you can even have a sandbar picnic. Picking the right port is important not just for convenience, but because the port is a destination in itself. The port is your home base, and you'll want to take full advantage of it either before you board or after you depart.

For friends who are sharing a cabin, but need some personal space, splitting the beds apart is a great hack. When two people have different preferences or budgets for a vacation they’re both looking forward to, they’re likely to clash. You might be used to your own habits, but they can be jarring to someone who’s never shared a home or cabin with you before. Have a family, want to see the nature scenes that Key West has to offer? Key West has an abundant marine life and undisturbed underwater ecosystem, making it habitable for numerous marine animals.

Although there is an open-container law in Key West prohibiting alcohol on public streets, it isn't largely enforced on visitors along the 100 and 200 blocks of Duval. Key West is an island, or Key, that is just two miles long by four miles wide, so all the essentials are near the docks -- bars, restaurants, shopping, scuba diving and beach-going. Mallory Square, on the waterfront near the docks, has restaurants, shops and public restrooms. You can't visit the Bahamas for vacation without seeing the famous swimming pigs of the Exuma Island chain. Big Major Cay is the island most famous for its pig population, with around 20 pigs and piglets living here completely carefree.

These docking options provide visitors with a range of choices while exploring the picturesque surroundings of Key West. It boasts a rich cultural tapestry that will captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression. At the bustling port of Key West, cruise ships dock directly, allowing passengers to disembark and experience the city's attractions within a matter of minutes. Ships often arrive early in the morning, providing travelers a full day to delve into the delights of Key West. Visitors are treated to a plethora of dining options, shopping opportunities, and local attractions within close proximity to the harbor.

But it’s important to set realistic expectations, both for yourself and with the people you’re traveling with. You may have hopes of huge parties, delicious food, incredible tours, and warm beaches. Not only is it expensive, but the drink package also works best for guests who are going to have 5-6 drinks a day on their cruise. Since 1958 the Conch train has been entertaining visitors to Key West. This iconic tour is a great way to sit back / relax and enjoy the history of Key West on a fully narrated tour.

He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis. He has become one of the foremost expert on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Any pre-paid shore excursions scheduled for Key West, Florida will be refunded to the original form of payment.

It highlights the Adubon House, Duval Street, Historic Seaport, Hemingway House, Key West Aquarium, Lighthouse, and Southernmost Point. It makes three stops on its route to allow passengers to shop, stroll around art galleries, try mouth-watering refreshments, and just feel the local atmosphere. Keywest, the Southernmost point of the Continental United States is famous for its sunrise and sunset.

Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, stay active at state-of-the-art fitness centers, or catch awe-inspiring performances at Broadway-style theaters. With a commitment to excellence, Royal Caribbean ensures that each moment onboard is filled with excitement and relaxation. Following Key West voting to ban cruise ships, scheduled stops are being cancelled. While in town, stop at a few of the iconic bars and order your favorite drink or try a local favorite! Be sure to check them out as you walk off the cruise ship and on Duval street.