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In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Key West has a rich history which is celebrated in the many museums of the island. Explore the treasures of the Sunshine State, on this round-trip cruise from the charming city of St. Petersburg. After a welcome reception on board, get close to nature on Marco Island, the largest mangrove forest in the western hemisphere and home to a population of resident dolphins. Immerse yourself in the colorful Caribbean culture of Key West, where author Ernest Hemingway penned some of his most famous works. Before the Overseas Highway was built in 1912 to connect the various Florida Keys, Key West itself was in isolation from the rest of the world. Just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West features a huge influence of Cuban culture, particularly in its food and drink.Today, Key West’s economy is driven by tourism.
Night Western Caribbean CruiseDetails
Interact with wild stingrays or snorkel over the wreck of the USS Kittiwake, now colonized by dazzling corals and tropical fish. Take a trip to Hell, a stretch of jagged black limestone formations that could indeed resemble the underworld. Back in George Town, shop for duty-free goods and sample local specialties like delicious conch chowder and Tortuga rum cake. Take in the evocative sights and sounds of the Big Easy on a cruise from Tampa to Key West that also stops in New Orleans. You’ll have two nights to explore the legendary jazz bars and pubs of atmospheric Bourbon Street. The island is home to stunning beaches and world-class golf courses, as well as beautiful parks to that are a paradise to those who relish the outdoors.
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Margaritaville at Sea Adds Second Ship, To Sail From Tampa - Cruise Industry News
Margaritaville at Sea Adds Second Ship, To Sail From Tampa.
Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Bring the kids for an educational tour on the native plants, and don’t miss the butterfly garden. Damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017 affected the plant life, but passionate employees are working tirelessly to bring the garden back to peak fullness. At the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street in Key West is a concrete buoy marker of the southernmost point of the continental United States. Passengers on cruises that stop in Key West should see why this is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the world. Royal Caribbean allows for 75 of 150 wedding guests to be non-sailing. NCL permits up to 10 non-sailing guests free of charge, but a reception must be booked if you have up to 50 guests who are not sailing.
Cruises to Key West
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. Key West isn’t as famous for its beaches as it is for other activities, but you can still lay down a beach towel and read a book at Smathers Beach. Beautiful palm trees provide a little shade from the Florida sun. You’ll find this half-mile stretch of white sand is the largest public beach in Key West. If you have time, drive less than an hour northeast to Bahia Honda for the kind of Florida beach experience the state is famous for. Cruises to Key West, Florida are one of the most popular ways to see this walkable, immersive city.
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. Start your day in Key West with a cortadito, cafe con leche, or Cuban coffee. Coffee is taken seriously in Key West, just like in neighboring Miami, heavily influenced by the Cuban coffee tradition.
Carnival Paradise, Western Caribbean from Tampa, September 2, 2024
Start your cruise in St. Petersburg, which glimmers between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The city is not only known for its warm weather, but also for having the most consecutive days of sunshine. Be welcomed on board with a reception as you begin your amazing exploration of the Florida Gulf Coast & Keys. Arrive the day before your cruise and treat yourself to a relaxing stay at the well-appointed JW Marriott, located in Tampa’s vibrant downtown district and close to the Riverwalk. Enjoy breakfast the morning of embarkation, concierge luggage service to your onboard stateroom, and transportation to the ship to begin your journey along the Sunshine State.
Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise Itinerary
You can also rent bikes or scooters to catch the Key West breeze while you explore. By-the-minute pedicabs are also scattered throughout the town. For a sightseeing tour you’ll never forget, take the Conch Tour Train, which has been showing tourists around town since 1958. Even with limited time in Key West, it’s tradition to cut into a huge slice of key lime pie while you’re there. The shop has been locally owned and operated for over twenty years. They offer a lunch menu as well, but the key lime is literally their namesake.
Cruises from Port Canaveral
Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbeanare just a few of the world’s largest cruise lines. Escape on a delightful Caribbean vacation on one of our cruises from Tampa to Key West. These 11-night sailings travel to the region’s most popular destinations, including the ABC Islands, Grand Cayman, and Key West. Your land-based health insurance is generally not accepted on board and medical service fees are charged to your sailing account. From joyous occasions to celebrations of life, here are some extraordinary services cruise ships offer. 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.
'Margaritaville at Sea' cruise line expands to Port Tampa Bay in mid-June - ABC Action News Tampa Bay
'Margaritaville at Sea' cruise line expands to Port Tampa Bay in mid-June.
Posted: Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
In the evening, venture to the world-famous Duval Street, to enjoy a meal, listen to live music, or pick up a souvenir to take home. 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. Art galleries, Cuban coffee, fine dining and overstuffed sandwiches all abound in Key West. Locals will serve you fresh coconut water by drilling a straw hole into one of the green fruits that come from the island's palm trees. 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.
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. Catch a Key West sunset from Mallory Square, a waterfront plaza facing the Gulf of Mexico. Mallory Square is the site of a long-running tradition to watch the sunset. Gather among locals and fellow tourists, musicians, and food vendors for a taste of Key West culture.
Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Cruises to Key West are packed with coastal-town energy and layers of American history just waiting to be discovered. Enjoy a laidback Caribbean vibe with a dash of the high life on Carnival cruises to Key West. The southernmost island of the Florida Keys, Key West is a sunny, fun-loving place with plenty of charm, and more than a little touristy goofiness. (But that’s optional.) Key West cruises deliver you to palm-shaded streets lined with gaily-painted bungalows, vintage saloons and blooming tropical flowers.
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. When your cruise ship docks, seek out a cafe con leche and a slice of key lime pie immediately.
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. Residential throughout, every sign, window and awning in Old Town must pass scrutiny of the city-appointed Historic Architectural Review Commission. Even in December, the forest and plants at this botanical garden in Key West retain their leaves and lush palms. The Garden describes themselves as “frost-free,” a benefit of the tropical climate.
When thinking of a cruise, we generally imagine sailing away for a relaxing vacation of sun and fun. Lots of food, perhaps a drink with an umbrella in it and the magnificent ocean. Enjoy your time sailing from Key West to Punta Gorda on board one of our brand new Coastal Cats. Admire the natural beauty that stretches out before you as you relax on your private balcony. Meet fellow travelers for lunch and attend an afternoon enrichment program presented by our onboard expert. Also, the Key West Police Department reports are filled with lost-and-found property reports from visitors.
Try a slice of key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate for a really adventurous, decadent take on a classic. Stop in after your visit to the Hemingway House; the museum is just around the corner. Head to this Florida State Park and National Historic Landmark for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, and more. Walk along the beach directly overlooking the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Credit cards like VISA and MasterCard are accepted most places as well. Don’t forget to tip your barista for your morning cafe con leche, too. 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.
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