Guide to the Cruise Port of Key West, Florida

Table Of Content

• Cruises to Key West, Florida
• Stops on the Ultimate Texas to Florida Road Trip
• Beyond the Port: Exploring Key West
• Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)
• Duval Street bars and attractions
• Margaritaville at Sea ship MAS Islander to be homeported in Florida (Tampa) starting June 2024
• Cruise Lines and Ships

Key West Cruise Port is a popular destination for cruise visitors from all over the world. There are many onshore excursions available for those who want to explore the island. Visitors can take a guided tour of the island, rent a bike or moped, or rent a car to explore the island on their own. There are also many shopping opportunities available, as well as a variety of dining establishments and nightlife venues.

Cruises to Key West, Florida

Expect to laugh, cry, get shocked, and glare in amazement as the trained experts do their thing, for the better part of the night. It’s also a great place to take some pictures and buy unique local crafts as you enjoy the sunset. Grab a drink of your choice, get your camera ready and enjoy an unforgettable sunset as well as upbeat music and energetic performances at the square. Street performers include jugglers, tight-rope walkers, musicians and magicians who display their talent for your entertainment.

Stops on the Ultimate Texas to Florida Road Trip

Cruises that stop in Key West help the world become familiar with the city’s culture and history. Key West became a Spanish territory, then called Cayo Hueso, in the 16th century. The British claimed ownership of Florida in the 18th century, expelling Native Americans and the Spanish from the area. Tapas, tostones, plantains, and traditional Cuban sandwiches are all available here. For dessert, indulge in the coconut flan, then catch the sunset from the outdoor seating overlooking Mallory Square. Even in December, the forest and plants at this botanical garden in Key West retain their leaves and lush palms.

Beyond the Port: Exploring Key West

Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

Included in the 3-hour sandbar hopping tours out to the Snipe Point are an inflatable dock, masks with snorkels, water toys, and a stocked cooler with drinks. Delicious seafood and refreshing tropical drinks are two of the island’s most famous exports. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from laid-back seafood shacks to upscale dining establishments, each of which serves a distinct style of food.

Duval Street bars and attractions

Visitors have several options for transportation around Key West, including renting motor scooters, bicycles, golf carts, or exploring on foot. Additionally, the FREE Duval Loop bus offers convenient transportation adjacent to Key West’s main street. Key West attracts many cruise passengers with its atmosphere, character-strewn history, and dependable gulf climate. Throw in a bit of Ernest Hemingway, a few treasure-hunting tales, and the cosmopolitan locals, to give you a brilliant tourist destination. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. Come along on a marine adventure at the Key West Aquarium, located right on Mallory Square!

President Truman has what was called “The Little White House” on the island and would visit on working vacations during his presidency. Beyond that, it was visited and used by other presidents including Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton. Below, we’ve mapped out the island showing the location of the cruise port and our list of things to do.

Key West Nears Limits Reducing Number of Cruise Ship Visits - The Maritime Executive

Key West Nears Limits Reducing Number of Cruise Ship Visits.

Posted: Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruise Lines and Ships

Lastly but not least, you cannot say you have been to Key West if you didn’t join in on the island’s sunset-watching celebration at Mallory Square. There are many art galleries at your disposal, whether you intend to buy or just be inspired. You can charter boat rides to explore the coastline or go snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding or even parasailing. If you feel like braving the crowds, there are plenty of good drinks and entertainment to enjoy including craft beers on tap. While it might be thrilling to enjoy the same drink as the famous writer did, keep in mind that the place gets overcrowded and is quite pricey.

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

For those who want to venture beyond the island, US Highway 1 is the main road that connects Key West to the mainland. Visitors can rent a car or take a bus to explore the nearby attractions, such as the Everglades National Park or the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Passengers should note that the port is not wheelchair accessible, and there is no parking available at the port. In 1982, Key West declared itself the "Conch Republic" in protest of a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint that was causing traffic jams and hurting the local economy. The "Conch Republic" seceded from the United States and declared war on the country, only to surrender a minute later and demand foreign aid.

Outer Mole ship passengers have a prearranged complimentary shuttle to and from Mallory Square. The Duval Loop provides free and easy access to restaurants, galleries, gift shops and theatres. The closest beach is in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, a 20 minute walk.

U.S. cruise homeports, Florida west coast ferry ports, city of Key West and Monroe County. There are plenty of beaches on all the keys, but the most popular one is Smathers Beach. This two-mile stretch of white sandy beach is a great place to relax and unwind. Michael, the gallery owner, grew up taking photos in Kelley’s Island in Ohio, which inspired his current works. This is a fun shop to visit at 714 Duval Street, right in the heart of Key West.

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the cruise port of Key West, where adventure and relaxation await at one of the most enchanting destinations in Florida. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide to the cruise port of Key West is your key to unlocking an unforgettable experience. Get ready to discover the unique attractions, delicious cuisines, and vibrant events that make Key West a must-visit spot for cruise ship passengers and day visitors alike.

There are a number of beaches in this region, but the most popular one is Smathers Beach. This two-mile stretch of white sandy beach is beautiful with its jewel-blue waters and serene atmosphere. Here are all the fun things to do in Key West, Florida, as it's such a popular cruise ship port of call located at the southernmost end of the U.S. 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. The city famously appeals to all types of folks, and attracts artists, hipsters, foodies and beach bums along with cruise ships.