Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Key West, FL?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Key West, Florida is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. With its beautiful beaches, clear water, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder that so many people want to visit. But where do cruise ships dock in Key West?

There are actually two cruise ship ports in Key West:

  • The Key West Cruise Terminal is located on the island’s southern end, and it’s the main port for cruise ships. It can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers.
  • The Historic Seaport is located on the island’s northern end, and it’s a smaller port that can accommodate ships of up to 500 passengers.

Both ports offer a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and bars. They’re also both within walking distance of Key West’s downtown area, making it easy to explore the city after your cruise.

So if you’re planning a cruise to Key West, be sure to book your port of call in advance. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, your sunscreen, and your dancing shoes!

Cruise Line Ship Name Dock
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Fantasy Mallory Square
Royal Caribbean International Odyssey of the Seas Key West Cruise Terminal
Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Sky Key West Cruise Terminal

History of Cruise Ship Docking in Key West

Cruise ship tourism has been a major part of the Key West economy for over a century. The first cruise ship to visit Key West was the SS Commodore in 1897. The Commodore was a small, steam-powered ship that could carry just over 100 passengers. It made regular trips from New York City to Key West, and its passengers would spend a few days exploring the island before returning home.

In the early days of cruise ship tourism, Key West was a popular destination for wealthy and adventurous travelers. The island was known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Cruise ships would typically dock at the Key West Marina, which was located on the waterfront.

The growth of the cruise ship industry in Key West began in the 1960s. During this time, the island became a popular destination for mass-market cruise lines. These lines offered affordable cruises to a wider range of people, and Key West quickly became one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

The growth of the cruise ship industry had a significant impact on Key West. The island’s population grew rapidly, and the tourism industry became the primary economic driver. Cruise ships also brought a lot of money to the island, and they helped to fund a number of new infrastructure projects.

Today, Key West is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. The island welcomes over 2 million cruise ship passengers each year, and the cruise ship industry is a major part of the local economy.

Current Cruise Ship Docking Facilities in Key West

There are four main cruise ship docking facilities in Key West:

  • Key West Cruise Terminal
  • Margaritaville Key West
  • Historic Seaport Village
  • Other smaller docks

The Key West Cruise Terminal is the largest and most modern cruise ship docking facility in the city. It can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons. The terminal has a number of amenities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants.

Margaritaville Key West is a smaller cruise ship docking facility that is located near the Key West International Airport. It can accommodate ships of up to 50,000 gross tons. The terminal has a number of amenities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants.

Historic Seaport Village is a historic district that is located on the waterfront. It is home to a number of small shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also a number of cruise ships that dock in Historic Seaport Village, including smaller ships and ships that are chartered for private events.

Other smaller docks in Key West can accommodate ships of up to 20,000 gross tons. These docks are typically used by smaller cruise ships and ships that are chartered for private events.

Cruise ship docking is a major part of the Key West economy. The island welcomes over 2 million cruise ship passengers each year, and the cruise ship industry is a major source of revenue for the local economy. There are four main cruise ship docking facilities in Key West: the Key West Cruise Terminal, Margaritaville Key West, Historic Seaport Village, and other smaller docks.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Key West, FL?

Cruise ships dock at the Key West Cruise Terminal, which is located on the island’s southern shore. The terminal is a major economic driver for Key West, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year.

History of Cruise Ship Docking in Key West

Cruise ships have been docking in Key West since the early 1900s. The first cruise ship to dock in Key West was the SS Commodore, which arrived in 1912. In the early days, cruise ships were small and only carried a few hundred passengers. However, over time, cruise ships have become larger and can now carry thousands of passengers.

Current Cruise Ship Docking Operations

The Key West Cruise Terminal is a modern facility that can accommodate ships of all sizes. The terminal has a capacity of 1,500 passengers and can handle up to six ships at a time. The terminal includes a passenger terminal, a cruise ship terminal, a parking garage, and a shopping mall.

Future of Cruise Ship Docking in Key West

The Key West Cruise Terminal is currently at capacity and is unable to accommodate any additional ships. As a result, there has been some discussion about expanding the terminal. However, there is some opposition to the expansion, as it would require the removal of some environmentally sensitive land.

Proposed Expansion of the Key West Cruise Terminal

The proposed expansion of the Key West Cruise Terminal would add an additional 1,000-foot pier to the terminal. The expansion would allow the terminal to accommodate up to eight ships at a time. The expansion would also include the construction of a new parking garage and a new shopping mall.

Potential Impacts of a Larger Cruise Ship Terminal

A larger cruise ship terminal would have a number of potential impacts on Key West. These impacts include:

  • Increased tourism: A larger cruise ship terminal would attract more cruise ships, which would lead to an increase in tourism. This would benefit the local economy by generating more revenue for businesses and creating more jobs.
  • Increased traffic congestion: A larger cruise ship terminal would also lead to increased traffic congestion. This would make it more difficult for residents and visitors to get around Key West.
  • Environmental impacts: A larger cruise ship terminal would also have some environmental impacts. The construction of the terminal would require the removal of some environmentally sensitive land. Additionally, the increased number of cruise ships would generate more pollution.

Other Options for Cruise Ship Docking in Key West

There are a number of other options for cruise ship docking in Key West. These options include:

  • Docking at other islands in the Florida Keys: Key West is not the only island in the Florida Keys that can accommodate cruise ships. Other islands, such as Marathon and Key Largo, have cruise ship terminals that could be used to relieve some of the pressure on the Key West Cruise Terminal.
  • Docking at offshore terminals: Cruise ships could also dock at offshore terminals that are located a short distance from Key West. These terminals would be connected to Key West by ferry or water taxi.
  • Using smaller cruise ships: Another option is to use smaller cruise ships that can dock at the Key West Historic Seaport. These ships would carry fewer passengers, but they would have a smaller environmental impact.

Summary of Key Points

The Key West Cruise Terminal is a major economic driver for Key West. The terminal is currently at capacity and is unable to accommodate any additional ships. There is some opposition to the expansion of the terminal, as it would require the removal of some environmentally sensitive land.

A larger cruise ship terminal would have a number of potential impacts on Key West, including increased tourism, increased traffic congestion, and environmental impacts. There are a number of other options for cruise ship docking in Key West, including docking at other islands in the Florida Keys, docking at offshore terminals, and using smaller cruise ships.

Questions for Further Discussion

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of expanding the Key West Cruise Terminal?
  • What are the impacts of cruise ship tourism on Key West?
  • What are the best options for cruise ship docking in Key West?

    Question 1: Where do cruise ships dock in Key West, FL?

Answer: Cruise ships dock at the Key West Cruise Terminal, located at 200 Margaret Street. The terminal is approximately 1 mile from Key West International Airport and 2 miles from the heart of Key West’s Old Town district.

Question 2: What cruise lines dock in Key West, FL?

Answer: A variety of cruise lines dock in Key West, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line.

Question 3: How many cruise ships dock in Key West, FL each day?

Answer: The number of cruise ships that dock in Key West each day varies depending on the time of year. During peak season (December-April), there are typically 2-3 cruise ships that dock in Key West each day. During off-season (May-November), there are typically 1-2 cruise ships that dock in Key West each day.

Question 4: What is the best time to go on a cruise to Key West, FL?

Answer: The best time to go on a cruise to Key West is during the winter months (December-April). The weather is warm and sunny, and there are fewer crowds.

Question 5: What are the best things to do in Key West, FL?

Answer: There are many things to do in Key West, FL, including:

  • Visiting the Key West Historic Seaport
  • Taking a sunset cruise
  • Swimming at the Key West Beaches
  • Visiting the Key West Butterfly Conservatory
  • Exploring the Key West Cemetery
  • Shopping at the Key West Shopping District

Question 6: How do I get to Key West, FL from the cruise terminal?

Answer: There are a few ways to get to Key West from the cruise terminal:

  • Taxi: The taxi fare from the cruise terminal to Key West’s Old Town district is approximately $15.
  • Uber: The Uber fare from the cruise terminal to Key West’s Old Town district is approximately $10.
  • Rental car: There are several car rental companies located at the cruise terminal.
  • Public bus: The Key West Public Bus System offers service from the cruise terminal to Key West’s Old Town district. The fare is $2.

Question 7: What are the COVID-19 protocols for cruise ships docking in Key West, FL?

Answer: Cruise ships docking in Key West, FL must adhere to the following COVID-19 protocols:

  • All passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • All passengers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding the ship.
  • All passengers must wear masks while on board the ship.
  • All passengers must social distance while on board the ship.

Question 8: What are the best cruise lines for families with young children?

Answer: Some of the best cruise lines for families with young children include:

  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Carnival Cruise Line

These cruise lines offer a variety of family-friendly activities and amenities, including:

  • Kid-friendly dining options
  • Children’s pools and water slides
  • Camps for kids of all ages
  • Family-friendly shows and entertainment

Question 9: What are the best cruise lines for solo travelers?

Answer: Some of the best cruise lines for solo travelers include:

  • Viking Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Princess Cruises

These cruise lines offer a variety of solo traveler-friendly amenities, including:

  • Single cabins with private balconies
  • Social activities for solo travelers
  • Special dining options for solo travelers

Question 10: What are the best cruise lines for budget-minded travelers?

Answer: Some of the best cruise lines for budget-minded travelers include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises

These cruise lines offer a variety of affordable cruise options, including:

  • Basic staterooms with shared bathrooms
  • Shorter cruise lengths
  • Less expensive dining options

    Key West is a popular cruise ship destination due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and many activities to offer. There are four cruise ship terminals in Key West, each with its own unique features and amenities. When choosing a terminal, it is important to consider the location, the types of ships that dock there, and the available activities and amenities.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
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.