RB Bonzo

We  come down to KW for Christmas every year. It is, as previously mentioned, pretty much business as usual. A few small businesses and restaurants do close, but most are open.  Sunset will be at about 5:45, and you'll see the usual celebration at Mallory Square - something that is definitely worthwhile to check out.  Unfortunately, you'll have to be on board before it gets dark enough to really enjoy all of the lights along the bight (harbor). You will see some of them though in the area near where the ships are located.

Most places open same time on Sundays

cheapest option is probably to buy on-line in advance. Lots of trollys leaving all the time. You'll probably have more flexibitlity if you don't book w/ ship

Look for newspaper boxes w/ coupons. Lots of 2 for 1 coupons around.

For a "dive bar" fee, try Captain Tony's or Schooner Wharf.

Both are great. We prefer the conch train, though for several reasons:

1) trolley makes frequent stops / people getting on and off. That disrupts the flow somewhat. We thought that on/off privilige not as important if primary goal is a tour. If you're looking for transportation to go to different spots, the free Duval Loop bus is a better option.

2) Open air feel of the train. Just more fun. And, better able to see things.

3) Better route - but that's a matter of opinion and preference.

We first came to Key West on a cruise stop. We were intrigued enough to come for a few short stays in B&B's. We now come for 3 weeks every year.

During our very first stay, we took the Conch Train tour. To this day, we still look back on how good that was at giving us a feel for the area and the KW "vibe" that brings us back.

Unless you have some special interest (e.g., if you're a Hemmingway fan, go to the house), I would suggest walking along some of the quieter streets off Duval to get a feel for the area. Stop in one of the bars w/ live music for a drink. Go to the bight (marina area) for a walk. Get an iced cafe con leche from Cuban Coffee Queen.

Waterfront (not a close call IMO)

But, if in port during their happy hour, First Flight is quite a bit cheaper.And, their red ale is good.

The trolley really is a great way to get a feel for Key West. You won't do everything but you'll see the major sights. I'd skip the long lunch and find someplace quick after the trolley either by the harbor area (the Bight) or elsewhere in Old Town. Tell us what you like to do and what type of food you like, and we can make specific suggestions.

We are going the week after Thanksgiving via a cruise. Will it be too cold to be beach/pool side? We'd reserved a room at the Waldorf to use the resort for the day. I'm now concerned it will be too cold!!

Avg November high temp is about 80. It feels a lot hotter than that when you're in the sun.

My wife and I go to KW for 3 weeks every winter. This is our favorite place in the Western Hemisphere. Our first visit here was on a cruise ship stop, and we took the trolley tour. If we were to push the re-set button, that is what we would do again. It gives a really good overview of the town's vibe, architecture, and culture. After that, I'd suggest taking a walk - not on Duval Street, but on any of the other streets in Old Town. Finally, I'd head to bar with a full kitchen and live music for lunch. Don't worry if you're not into drinking (which is abundant but not mandatory in KW). We frequently will sit at a bar and drink club sodas with lime while listening to the music.

There are lots of really good choice. My favorite is Sandy's on White Street. But, if proximity to port is a key factor, try Cuban Coffee Queen

The Pelican Path Self-Guided Walking Tour : https://oirf.org/page.php?p=pelican

We came to KW the first time on a ship and took a trolley tour. Now, we come every year for 3 weeks. But, that first trolley tour is what got us hooked on the place - it gave a great overview of the town and its unique vibe. We recommend it for every first time visitor. One thing though - you don't need to book it via the ship. Check on-line, and you'll probably save quite a bit getting tickets on your own. And, when you disembark, you won't be able to miss the folks looking to sell tickets. My guess is that you'll save more than enough to enjoy a couple of drinks in one of the bars in town after your tour.

Conch Republic is super touristy but seafood is very good. Wherever you go, you can't go wrong w/ a plate of Key West Pink shrimp as a starter. Other good choices,(besides Red Snapper) are Grouper and Yellowtail.

I agree that there are a lot of better places in town to eat or get a drink. Nothing wrong w/ the place- you can expect the same quality you'd get at any of the other ones around the country. But, there are several places that serve similar food that are better. There's a gift shop adjacent to the restaurant - your friend might like stopping there for a t-shirt or other souvenir.

How comfortable are you waiting until the last minute? We've watched cruise ship passengers board just moments before departure.

I seriously doubt you'll have a long wait to re-board, though, no matter what time you return.

My wife is allergic to both fish and seafood, so we are very sensitive to finding good land lubber options. Other than a few shacks, some of which have limited options, you will have no problems. Just look at the reviews and pick the type of place you like.

For reasonably priced options, you might consider some of the Cuban restaurants. We like Sandy's.

Also, the cost of the pie purchased at the store is only about $20. They nearly double the cost to ship it - and that doesn't include the cost of Fed Ex shipping, which more than doubles the total. So, total cost of shipping about 3X the cost of the pie. The costs do go down a bit if you ship more than one (I found it was cheapest, per pie, to ship 3). But, the shipping cost is really high.

just a head's up - the price to deliver is going to be more than the price of the pies - by a lot!

We are real fan of the Banyan Resort. It is very "close" to the action - just a couple blocks to the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square or the bars and restaurants on or near upper Duval. But it is on a quieter street. Rooms are bigger - most are 1 BR suites w/ kitchens. Nice Tiki Bar that serves breakfast and lunch. These are timeshares but there are almost always rooms available for short term rental. The lush tropical gardens are the best part of the place - a real Key West setting.

For a really nice boutique hotel, try The Saint. Just as conveniently located and very stylish.

Agreed, do this on your own. I suggest you arrive early, as lines form in the morning w/ cruise ship passengers.

BTW, if you continue up Whitehead Street, you'll reach the Southernmost Point buoy at the end. Then, you can walk back down Duval Street just one block over. .

I'm pretty sure that trolley tour runs only at night, so I don't think that will be an option for a cruise stop.

I am 99.9% certain that the ghost trolley tour, like the walking tour, is offered only at night and would not be an option for those in port for the day.

My understanding is that on-board Friends of Bill W. meetings are "open" and that anyone, including people involved in 12-step programs other than AA, are welcome to attend.

Has anyone involved in a food-related 12-step program gone to one of these meetings? What has your experience been? Does one identify the program in which he participates, or does one just identify himself as, for example, a compulsive overeater? What type of reaction did you get? I'm involved in one of those organizations and am considering going to a meeting during an upcoming cruise.

If I do make it to a meeting, I'll return to this thread and write about my experience (respecting the anonymity of the meeting, of course).

Thanks -

RB

There's also a "fake" diet floating around claiming to be associated w/ the Mayo Clinic. No, it doesn't involve mayonnaise. And, the Mayo Clinic has nothing to do with it.