Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Key West?
Key West: A Cruise Ship Destination Like No Other
When you think of cruise ship destinations, Key West may not be the first place that comes to mind. But this small island in the Florida Keys is quickly becoming a popular port of call for cruise ships, thanks to its unique charm and laid-back atmosphere.
Key West is unlike any other cruise ship destination. It’s a place where you can relax on white-sand beaches, explore the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and experience the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. And with its close proximity to Cuba, it’s also a great place to get a taste of island life without having to leave the United States.
If you’re looking for a cruise ship destination that offers something a little bit different, then Key West is definitely worth considering. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Key West, including where the cruise ships dock, what there is to see and do in the area, and how to get there.
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Name | Location | Capacity |
---|---|---|
Key West Cruise Terminal | Margaret Key, Key West | 5,000 passengers |
Port of Key West | Stock Island, Key West | 3,000 passengers |
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Cruise Ship Docks in Key West
Key West Cruise Terminal
The Key West Cruise Terminal is located at 200 Margaret Street in Key West, Florida. It is the only cruise ship terminal in Key West and is the home port for several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International. The terminal is located just a short walk from the historic Key West town center and is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or car.
The Key West Cruise Terminal has a capacity of over 3,000 passengers and features a variety of amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a food court, and a variety of bars and restaurants. The terminal also has a state-of-the-art security screening facility and a baggage claim area.
Other Cruise Ship Docks in Key West
In addition to the Key West Cruise Terminal, there are a few other places where cruise ships can dock in Key West. These include:
- The Historic Seaport of Key West: The Historic Seaport of Key West is located on the waterfront in Key West and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Cruise ships can dock at the seaport and passengers can disembark to explore the area.
- The Truman Annex: The Truman Annex is located on the southern end of Key West and is home to the Harry S. Truman Little White House. Cruise ships can dock at the annex and passengers can disembark to visit the historic house and explore the area.
- The Key West Bight: The Key West Bight is located on the western end of Key West and is home to a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Cruise ships can dock at the Bight and passengers can disembark to explore the area.
How to Get to the Cruise Ship Docks in Key West
There are a few different ways to get to the cruise ship docks in Key West. These include:
- By taxi: Taxis are a convenient and affordable way to get to the cruise ship docks. Taxis can be found at the airport, the ferry terminal, and the various hotels and resorts in Key West.
- By bus: The Key West Public Transit System operates a number of buses that can take you to the cruise ship docks. The buses stop at various locations in Key West, including the airport, the ferry terminal, and the various hotels and resorts.
- By car: If you have a car, you can drive to the cruise ship docks. There is a parking lot at the Key West Cruise Terminal, as well as a number of other parking lots in Key West.
Cruise Ship Excursions in Key West
Things to Do on a Cruise Ship Excursion in Key West
There are a number of things to do on a cruise ship excursion in Key West. These include:
- Visiting the Key West Historic Seaport: The Key West Historic Seaport is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can explore the seaport by foot or by taking a trolley tour.
- Visiting the Harry S. Truman Little White House: The Harry S. Truman Little White House is a historic house that was used by President Truman as a winter White House. You can take a tour of the house and learn about Truman’s time in Key West.
- Swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling at Key West beaches: Key West has a number of beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. Some of the most popular beaches include Smathers Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, and Higgs Beach.
- Taking a boat tour of Key West: There are a number of boat tour companies that offer tours of Key West. You can take a tour of the Key West harbor, the Florida Keys, or the Dry Tortugas.
- Visiting the Key West Butterfly Conservatory: The Key West Butterfly Conservatory is home to a variety of butterflies and other insects. You can learn about butterflies and insects and see them up close.
- Going fishing in Key West: Key West is a great place to go fishing. You can fish for a variety of fish, including marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Where to Stay on a Cruise Ship Excursion in Key West
There are a number of hotels and resorts in Key West where you can stay on a cruise ship excursion. These include:
- The Key West Marriott Beach Resort: The Key West Marriott Beach Resort is located on the beach and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a spa, and a fitness center.
- The Westin Key West Resort & Marina: The Westin Key West Resort & Marina
Cruise Ship Dining in Key West
Key West is a popular cruise ship destination, and there are a number of restaurants located at the cruise ship docks. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
Restaurants at the Cruise Ship Docks in Key West
- Margaritaville is a popular spot for seafood and cocktails. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and offers live music nightly.
- Key West Lobster Company is a great option for fresh seafood. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and offers outdoor seating.
- The Conch Republic Seafood Company is another popular spot for seafood. The restaurant has a wide variety of seafood dishes to choose from, as well as a raw bar.
- Key West Brewery is a great option for beer lovers. The brewery has a taproom and restaurant that serves a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.
- The Galleon is a waterfront restaurant that offers stunning views of the Key West harbor. The restaurant has a wide variety of seafood dishes to choose from, as well as a raw bar.
Restaurants in Key West Near the Cruise Ship Docks
In addition to the restaurants located at the cruise ship docks, there are also a number of restaurants located near the docks. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
- Blue Heaven is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and live music.
- The Fish House is a seafood restaurant with a casual atmosphere. The restaurant has a wide variety of seafood dishes to choose from, as well as a raw bar.
- The Hard Rock Cafe is a popular spot for American food and live music. The restaurant has a rock and roll theme and offers outdoor seating.
- Pepe’s Cafe is a Cuban restaurant with a casual atmosphere. The restaurant has a wide variety of Cuban dishes to choose from, as well as a full bar.
- The Stoned Crab is a seafood restaurant with a casual atmosphere. The restaurant has a wide variety of seafood dishes to choose from, as well as a raw bar.
Tips for Dining on a Cruise Ship in Key West
- Make reservations in advance. The restaurants at the cruise ship docks and in Key West are popular, so it’s important to make reservations in advance.
- Dress casually. The restaurants at the cruise ship docks and in Key West are casual, so you can dress comfortably.
- Explore the local cuisine. Key West is home to a variety of cuisines, so be sure to try some of the local dishes.
- Enjoy the atmosphere. The restaurants at the cruise ship docks and in Key West have a great atmosphere, so be sure to relax and enjoy your meal.
Cruise Ship Shopping in Key West
Key West is a great place to do some shopping, and there are a number of stores located at the cruise ship docks. These stores offer a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and other items to choose from.
Shopping at the Cruise Ship Docks in Key West
- Key West Duty Free is a duty-free store that sells a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and other items. The store has a wide selection of items to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
- The Conch Republic Store is a store that sells a variety of Key West souvenirs, clothing, and other items. The store has a wide selection of items to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
- Margaritaville is a store that sells a variety of Margaritaville merchandise, including clothing, jewelry, and home goods. The store has a wide selection of items to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
- The Galleon is a store that sells a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and other items. The store has a wide selection of items to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
- The Key West Butterfly Conservatory is a store that sells a variety of butterfly-themed souvenirs, clothing, and other items. The store has a wide selection of items to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
Shopping in Key West Near the Cruise Ship Docks
In addition to the stores located at the cruise ship docks, there are also a number of stores located near the docks. These stores offer a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and other items to choose from.
* **Duval Street
Where do cruise ships dock in Key West?
There are two cruise ship terminals in Key West:
- Key West Cruise Terminal (also known as the Harborwalk Village Cruise Terminal) is located at 200 Margaret Street. It is the main cruise ship terminal in Key West and can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers.
- Carnival Cruise Terminal (also known as the Key West International Terminal) is located at 400 Front Street. It is smaller than the Key West Cruise Terminal and can accommodate ships of up to 800 passengers.
Which cruise ship terminal is better?
The best cruise ship terminal for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Key West Cruise Terminal is larger and has more amenities, but it is also further from the city center. The Carnival Cruise Terminal is smaller and has fewer amenities, but it is closer to the city center.
How do I get from the cruise ship terminal to the city center?
There are several ways to get from the cruise ship terminal to the city center:
- Taxi: Taxis are available at both cruise ship terminals. The fare from the Key West Cruise Terminal to the city center is approximately $10. The fare from the Carnival Cruise Terminal to the city center is approximately $5.
- Uber/Lyft: Uber and Lyft are also available in Key West. The fare from the Key West Cruise Terminal to the city center is approximately $10. The fare from the Carnival Cruise Terminal to the city center is approximately $5.
- Public bus: The Key West Public Bus System has two routes that stop at both cruise ship terminals. The fare is $2 per person.
- Walking: It is also possible to walk from the cruise ship terminals to the city center. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes from the Key West Cruise Terminal and 10 minutes from the Carnival Cruise Terminal.
What are the best things to do in Key West?
There are many things to do in Key West, including:
- Snorkeling: Key West is home to some of the best snorkeling in the world. There are many different reefs and wrecks to explore, and you can often see a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and dolphins.
- Scuba diving: Key West is also a great place to go scuba diving. There are many different dive sites to choose from, and you can often see a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and lobsters.
- Fishing: Key West is a great place to go fishing. There are many different species of fish to catch, including marlin, tuna, and grouper.
- Hiking: Key West has a number of hiking trails to choose from. You can hike through mangrove forests, along the beach, or in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.
- Biking: Key West is a great place to go biking. There are many different bike trails to choose from, and you can explore the city and its surroundings.
- Shopping: Key West has a variety of shops to choose from, including boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
- Dining: Key West has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, including seafood restaurants, steakhouses, and Italian restaurants.
What is the best time of year to visit Key West?
The best time to visit Key West depends on your interests. The weather is warm year-round, but the peak season is from December to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and warm, and there are fewer tourists. The off-season is from May to November. During this time, the weather is still warm, but there are more thunderstorms and hurricanes.
What are the most popular cruise lines that visit Key West?
The most popular cruise lines that visit Key West include:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
What are the most popular ports of call on a cruise to Key West?
The most popular ports of call on a cruise to Key West include:
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Orlando
- Cozumel
- Grand Cayman
- Nassau
How long does it take to cruise to Key West?
The length of a cruise to Key West depends on the departure port and the cruise line. A typical cruise from Miami to Key West takes approximately 3 days.
Key West is a popular cruise ship destination due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and close proximity to the Bahamas. There are three main cruise ship ports in Key West: the Key West Cruise Terminal, the Historic Seaport, and the Margaritaville Key West Marina. Each port has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is best for your needs. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure, Key West is the perfect place to start your cruise.
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Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.
His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.
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