jaga04

I get your dilemma. It makes sense that the aquarium is Coral Garden. It's a patch reef area not too far from the barrier reef. We've been a few times, though maybe we've been to slightly different parts, as sometimes it's seemed pretty minimal and other times, more lush. We've seen stingrays, a moray eel, and many pretty smaller fish. Another option is Cemetery Beach, but you have to get there by either taxi or public bus/van. It's north of Seven Mile Beach. There are also trips to the Kittiwake, which is a ship they purposely sank also north of Seven Mile Beach, but a bit off shore. I thought it wasn't that great for snorkelers, as it's in about 60 feet of water so you don't see much. I'm mentioning it because we also had a stop at Boggy Sand Reef (something like that) that was a really nice area to snorkel. I know that I typically like to plan things out, but if you wait to see what the weather/winds are going to be, you may be able to tell what it will be like at Eden Rock when you'll be there. That has the most extensive reef...

Sorry if this is too late--just saw this. Interesting about "the aquarium." The first time we went on a boat in GC, we stopped at a place that they called the aquarium. It did have lots of fish and was a very nice stop. After that, nobody we asked knew what area we meant. So, maybe it's just an area that the captain thinks has lots of fish? The barrier reef has some lovely areas where the reef is healthy and there are lots of fish. There are also areas that appear to have had too many snorkelers--those are probably closer to Stingray City. I'm assuming that on a private tour, you'll be taken to the better places. Plus, I typically like the boat ride itself. On the other hand, Eden Rock is probably my favorite spot to snorkel in GC. However, it is subject to winds and there have been days when we thought it was too rough to go in. On a good weather day, both choices would be great.

Things should be pretty mellow while you're there during the day--unless perhaps if you hang out at Irish Kevin's bar.

10-15 minutes seems about right. Keep in mind that the bus does a loop and there will be more stops on the way back to the port, probably taking roughly 30 minutes if you stay on the whole way. You'll get to see much of Old Town.

Some things that are kind of between Cuban Coffee Queen and the dock, that you might do in 1-2 hours: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum--artifacts from shipwrecks Truman Little White House--history KW Museum at Custom House--art and history of KW (More) drinks and music at Hogs Breath or Sloppy Joe's

Another thing to consider is that if you want to go into attractions, you will have to park the golf cart in a parking spot, like any other vehicle. Parking isn't easy in Old Town.

Or walk some or all of it? Depends on your capacity for walking and maybe the heat/sun. It's about 1+ miles from the ship to Southernmost Point. Then, roughly 1.5 miles to Ft Zach, if you go down Whitehead, turn left at Southard, and follow signs to the park. There's a shorter way by turning left on Petronia, but more complicated--a phone map might direct you that way. Then, about 1+ miles back to the ship, if you walk through Truman Annex (past the Truman Little White House).

It looks like Oceania's website is correct, as Sirena is not listed on Key West's cruise ship calendar for that time. Since the initiative was overturned, ships have mainly been docking in KW at the privately-owned dock near the Opal resort. It's rare that a 2nd ship has docked. The other ship that was there today at Mallory Square is Ritz Carlton's new yacht, Evrima, which is a smaller ship and fits in with the small capacity that was agreed to in the initiative. I think that criteria is still being used for the city-owned docks. The R ships may also fit that criteria, but I don't think any have been to KW recently or scheduled.

We did almost exactly what you did for a cruise a few years ago. Our TA was able to extend the policy to begin earlier. The additional cost was very reasonable.

Both have worked for me successfully and I don't really think that I have a preference. I can no longer wear contacts, so the decision has been made for me. Some things to consider: With contacts, you have your exact prescription prescribed by your doctor. With prescription masks, you choose lenses based upon your prescription. With contacts, you have the choice of all masks. Not all have the option of prescription lenses. My prescription mask is a Cressi, and I really like it--can't recall the model name. Both cost some money. Either you will pay for contact lenses or pay a bit more for the prescription lenses for the mask. Regardless, I highly recommend getting your own mask if you plan to continue to snorkel. The "Rent or bring your own snorkel equipment thread," which you may have seen, has some useful related info.

Just to clarify for anyone reading this for future plans--the OP already visited: Ships dock near the northern end of Duval Street and the Southernmost Beach Cafe is at the southern end, so it's roughly a 1-1/4 mile walk.

Have a great time! I thought the Mel Fisher Museum was pretty interesting.

It's hard to answer without knowing what types of things you like to do. The most unusual thing to do, and good in the hot summer, is to go on a snorkeling tour to the reef. Other common places to visit: Hemingway House Truman Little White House Butterfly Conservatory Walk/shop/eat/drink shop on/near Duval Street As has been said, going on a tour around the island will give you a good overview. Dante's restaurant has a pool, if you want to walk around to see the town and then cool off.