If your cruise is stopping in Key West, Florida, you’re in for a treat! This tropical island offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some essential tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your visit.

Cruise Port and Getting Around

The Key West Cruise Port, located in the historic Old Town District, offers docking at three main piers: Pier B, Mallory Square Pier, and Navy’s Outer Mole Pier. Pier B is the most frequently used. The port is a short distance from Key West International Airport, and taxis or shuttle services are available for easy transportation.

Many attractions are within walking distance of the port, but you can also rent bicycles, mopeds, or cars for convenient island exploration.

Must-See Key West Attractions

1. Southernmost Point – Snap a photo at this iconic landmark, marking the southernmost tip of the continental United States. It’s a must-visit for all travelers.

2. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – Visit the former home of the famous author, now a museum with intriguing stories and six-toed cats. This historical site offers a glimpse into Hemingway’s life and legacy.

3. Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum – Climb the lighthouse’s 88 steps for panoramic views of Key West, and explore the museum for maritime history insights.

4. Duval Street – Known as the heart of Key West’s shopping, dining, and nightlife, Duval Street offers lively bars, boutique shops, and art galleries. It’s a great spot to soak up the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

Activities and Excursions

• Sunset Cruises – Experience one of Key West’s famous sunsets aboard a catamaran, often accompanied by a champagne toast.

• Water Adventures – Get adventurous with snorkeling, diving, and speedboat tours, or enjoy a relaxed sailing trip exploring the island’s turquoise waters.

• City Trolley Tours – Hop on a trolley for a guided tour of Key West’s top historical sites. This convenient option allows you to explore at your own pace.

Dining and Nightlife

For fresh seafood and local flavors, head to Mallory Square or Duval Street, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining spots.

• Must-Try Dish: Key Lime Pie – Sample this famous dessert at various local spots. Some visitors even take part in a “Key Lime Pie crawl” to taste different versions.

For nightlife, bars like Willie T’s, Irish Kevin’s, and Sloppy Joe’s offer live music and a lively atmosphere perfect for an evening out.

Shopping in Key West

Duval Street and Mallory Square are also great places for shopping. From souvenir shops to unique boutiques and art galleries, you’ll find plenty of options for bringing home a piece of Key West.

Local Tips for Cruise Visitors

• Weather Considerations – Key West’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly, and be mindful that cruise schedules can change due to sudden shifts in conditions.

• Beat the Crowds – Popular attractions, like the Southernmost Point, can get crowded. Arriving early can help you avoid long lines and make the most of your time on the island.

Cruise Lines Visiting Key West

Key West is a popular stop for major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian, Disney, and Holland America. However, note that some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, are scaling back their stops due to local restrictions on large ships.

Conclusion

From historical landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home to water activities and delicious local dining, Key West offers a variety of experiences that are easy to access from the cruise port. With this guide, you’ll be able to maximize your time on the island and create lasting memories of your visit to this beautiful tropical destination.

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The $600 million Perfect Day Mexico project will feature a water park, a private beach club, an infinity pool, and various dining and shopping venues. It is expected to accommodate up to 21,000 cruise passengers daily and will be directly connected to the Tren Maya railway, offering access to other regional destinations.

Revealed at an event in Chetumal, the project is anticipated to create over 2,000 jobs and is part of Royal Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development in the area, as emphasized by Quintana Roo’s Governor Mara Lezama during the announcement.

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In addition to undergoing standard class inspections and technical overhauls, the 2009-built vessel will receive updates to its public areas and amenities. Once the work is completed, Oasis of the Seas is set to resume service on October 24, 2024, with a 14-night trans-Atlantic cruise from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. This repositioning voyage will include stops in Spain and the Bahamas.

For the 2024-25 winter season, the ship will offer three- to eight-night Caribbean cruises departing from Port Everglades, Florida. These itineraries will feature visits to popular destinations, including Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and various Caribbean ports.

As the inaugural ship of the Oasis class, Oasis of the Seas debuted as the world’s largest cruise ship in 2009. In 2019, it underwent a $165-million transformation under the Royal Amplification program, adding new attractions such as the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and a dedicated karaoke venue. The ship also received enhancements to its pool deck, themed in Caribbean style, and new panoramic-view suites in an expanded deck area over the bridge.

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The SS United States Conservancy has officially transferred the title of the historic ocean liner to Okaloosa County, Florida, marking a significant step toward transforming the iconic ship into an artificial reef. Preparations for the move are already underway, according to a press release from the non-profit organization.

This transfer follows a court-ordered mediation settlement after years of litigation involving Penn Warehousing, the company managing the pier where the SS United States has been docked in Philadelphia since its retirement. As part of the agreement, the county will begin converting the 1952-built liner into an artificial reef, ending the long legal battle and moving the ship from its current berth.

The litigation began when Penn Warehousing filed a lawsuit in early 2022, which led to an eviction notice requiring the ship to vacate the pier by mid-September 2023. Despite extensive efforts by the Conservancy to secure a new home for the ship—including outreach to private pier owners, government officials, and agencies—the organization was unable to find a suitable location within the court’s timeline.

“After exhausting all possible options, we were left with no alternative but to either scrap the vessel or move forward with plans to create an artificial reef and land-based museum,” the Conservancy explained.

Okaloosa County has allocated over $10 million to the project and will soon begin preparations to sink the ship off the coast of Florida. Before its final journey, the SS United States will be towed to Norfolk for extensive work to ready it for its new life underwater.

As part of the agreement, the county will also support the creation of a land-based museum and visitor center. This facility will feature cutting-edge technology to provide an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the rich history of the SS United States. The museum will house the Conservancy’s collection of original artifacts, artwork, and even one of the ship’s iconic funnels. Plans include recreating some of the liner’s historic spaces using original materials.

The transfer marks the beginning of a new chapter for the SS United States, preserving its legacy both beneath the waves and on land for future generations.

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Carnival Corporation has reaffirmed its decision not to re-enter the Chinese cruise market, according to CEO Josh Weinstein during the company’s recent third-quarter earnings call.

“It wasn’t very meaningful for us prior to the pandemic in the grand scheme of things,” Weinstein said, referring to the minimal percentage of capacity dedicated to China.

While Carnival wishes its competitors success in the region, Weinstein emphasized that Carnival has no current plans to pursue the Chinese market. Instead, the company is focusing on other Asian regions, such as Japan and Taiwan, where cruising demand remains strong.

Before the pandemic, Carnival’s Costa brand led China’s cruise market with year-round operations. The Costa Venezia and Firenze, ships specifically designed for Chinese guests, have since been reassigned to Carnival Cruise Line for other markets.

Weinstein noted that Carnival continues to see positive feedback from guests in regions like Japan and Taiwan, which remain key focus areas for the company.

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Summer Season Pass Overview

The Summer Season Pass is perfect for those looking to explore new destinations while enjoying flexible workspaces onboard. Highlights include:

• Scarlet Lady: Sailing from Barcelona, she’ll cruise the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Passes available for June 1-29, July 27-Sept 5, and Sept 5-Oct 7, 2025. Ports of call include Rome, Reykjavik, Dublin, and more.
• Valiant Lady: Cruising the Caribbean, she’ll visit destinations like Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini. Passes available for June 1-July 4, July 4-Aug 1, and Sept 3-Oct 1, 2025.
• Resilient Lady: Sailing the Mediterranean, she’ll call at iconic ports like Santorini, Athens, and Dubrovnik. Passes available for June 8-July 10, July 10-Aug 3, and Sept 7-Oct 2, 2025.

Perks for Sailors

Virgin Voyages’ 2025 Summer Season Pass offers an array of exclusive benefits:

• StarLink Pro WiFi for seamless connectivity
• Laundry service and two complimentary specialty coffees per cabin daily
• Priority booking for dining and Shore Things excursions
• Central Sea Terrace cabins with private balconies and signature red hammocks
• First 25 bookings get access to Richard’s Rooftop, a members-only sundeck
• All Sailors receive “Bon Voyage Bubbly” to kick off their cruise

Pricing and Duration

The passes, ranging from 24 to 40 nights, start at $14,999 for two Sailors. Whether you’re working remotely or just seeking extended relaxation, Virgin Voyages’ Summer Season Pass offers an unforgettable, luxurious experience across stunning global destinations.

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Royal Caribbean International has been hit hardest, with five ships changing course. Serenade of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas have rerouted from Mexico to the Bahamas. Mariner of the Seas skipped Cozumel and enjoyed a day at sea. Wonder of the Seas shifted to an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. It bypassed the scheduled Western Caribbean route.

MSC Cruises also made significant changes. MSC Seascape, departing from PortMiami, headed east instead of the planned Western Caribbean route. MSC Seashore extended her sailing by an extra day after leaving from Port Canaveral.

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy skipped Grand Cayman to avoid the storm, offering passengers an additional sea day for safety.

Carnival Cruise Line has altered itineraries for four ships: Carnival Valor, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Breeze. These ships will no longer call at Cozumel, with Carnival Horizon also skipping Grand Cayman in favor of Amber Cove. Carnival Paradise replaced Cozumel with Costa Maya, while Carnival Valor spent a sea day.

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady bypassed Cozumel and will now stop in Puerto Plata.

Helene is projected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast late Thursday. It is potentially becoming the strongest storm to hit the U.S. in over a year. If it reaches hurricane status, it will be the fourth to do so in the U.S. this year.

While itinerary changes are inconvenient, we applaud all cruise lines for prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. To those in Helene’s path, stay informed and take necessary precautions!

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In a bold show of protest, climate activists from Extinction Rebellion and Stop Croisières took a stand. They formed a floating barricade in the port of Marseille. This action halted the docking of several cruise ships. The protest unfolded over the weekend. About 20 activists linked their canoes in a chain to block entry into the port. This action delayed the arrival of multiple cruise liners.

Cruise Ships Held Up for Three Hours

The blockade, which lasted several hours, caused significant disruption. The AIDAstella cruise ship was forced to divert to another port further down the coast. The Costa Smeralda and MSC World Europa were held offshore for approximately three hours before they could enter Marseille.

Local law enforcement intervened peacefully, disbanding the protest and detaining 20 activists. Both city officials and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) condemned the protest as illegal and hazardous. However, the protesters defended their actions, with Stop Croisières stating, “Our air, our seas, and our health are not negotiable. Nothing justifies these absurd, energy-guzzling floating cities.”

Rising Tensions Between Marseille and the Cruise Industry

Marseilles’s mayor has been an outspoken critic of the cruise industry. Public sentiment in the city is increasingly opposed to the growing number of cruise ships docking there. The number of cruise passengers visiting the port surged post-pandemic, rising from 1.5 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2023, contributing to growing concerns about pollution and environmental impact.

This protest is part of a larger movement in France. Similar demonstrations are occurring in Brittany. Activists in Brittany are also challenging the cruise industry’s environmental footprint.

A Broader Campaign Across Europe

Extinction Rebellion has been leading a wave of protests across Europe. They have been targeting cruise ships, airports, and transportation infrastructure. Their goal is to raise awareness about climate change. Earlier this year, the group was involved in a high-profile protest. This protest blocked access to Amsterdam’s waterways. It demonstrated their commitment to drawing attention to what they view as unsustainable travel industries.

As the debate around the environmental cost of cruising intensifies, it seems these protests are set to continue. Activists are demanding stricter regulations on the cruise industry to protect local ecosystems and public health.

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Exciting news for cruise enthusiasts! Carnival Cruise Line has just revealed its lineup of 2026/27 cruises, now open for booking. These new itineraries depart from Tampa and Mobile. They offer incredible options to explore popular destinations such as The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.

Sail from Tampa

Carnival is celebrating 30 years of sailing year-round from Tampa. That tradition continues in 2026/27 with two amazing ships: Carnival Paradise and Carnival Legend.

• Carnival Paradise will sail year-round. It offers a mix of four- to six-day Western Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Stops include destinations like Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Belize, Celebration Key, and Nassau.
• Carnival Legend will operate seasonally, offering six- to eight-day Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Itineraries include stops in Grand Cayman, Belize, Ocho Rios, and special Panama Canal voyages.

Sail from Mobile

Carnival Spirit will return to Mobile with a unique offering—a 16-day Panama Canal journey departing from Seattle in October 2026. From October 2026 to March 2027, the ship will resume its seasonal schedule with six- to eight-day Bahamas cruises. Ports of call include Key West, Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.

These diverse itineraries offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a short escape or a more extended adventure. With convenient departures from Tampa and Mobile, cruising has never been easier.
   

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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