Key West

[janica]

We are sailing on the Rhapsody next Sunday. Our first port is Key West. We have no tour lined up, but would like to see the sights on our own. Is Margaritaville within walking distance of the ship? Is the sunset observance fun to attend and where does that take place? Any suggestions for fun and inexpensive activities in Key West? Thanks in advance! :D

[98Charlie]

The sunset festivities are around Mallory Square. Lots of street performers and, of course, the sunset is really great to watch.

 

Haven't been to Margaritaville but there's lot's to do near Mallory Square.

 

When we were there last December the ship docked at the Naval Station and there was a free shuttle to Mallory. Other than that, I believe the ships dock right at Mallory Square. If they do it will limit the amount of prime space to see the sunset.

 

Charlie

[spocruiser]

Janica;

 

You will get more responses and find a lot of information on your own by heading over to the Key West thread under Ports of Call.

 

I would suggest the Conch Train (link below) for a good way to get an broad overview of Key West at a low cost. It allowed us to see a lot, we then went back to several places we saw.

 

Just walking down Duvall Street (which will take you to Margaritaville) is fun with a lot to see along the way.

 

http://www.historictours.com/KeyWest/

 

Have fun!

[teach01]

We are sailing on the Rhapsody next Sunday. Our first port is Key West. We have no tour lined up, but would like to see the sights on our own. Is Margaritaville within walking distance of the ship? Is the sunset observance fun to attend and where does that take place? Any suggestions for fun and inexpensive activities in Key West? Thanks in advance! :D

 

Everything in Key West is in walking distance!

[Cruise Cat]

Ask your wait staff the night before where they go party.

 

If you don't have a map, grab one of those "Relator Brochures" out of one of those free newspaper type boxes near the pier. Near the boat harbor (north side of island?) is the Conch Seafood Republic. It has some great seafood and a 2 for 1 happy hour (though legally, they give you a wooden nickel to redeem for your second drink). They also have sports on the TVs as well as one on the weather at all times.

 

On your way back from Conch Seafood Republic to Duval Street, stop at The Key Lime Shop. They make all sorts of things with limes and they have free samples!

 

On Duval Street, the food at Sloppy Joe's is good, head down the street for tourist shopping and to stop for a drink and pictures at Margauritaville. Stop in the shop they have next door to Margauritaville and you can get some great souvineers, such as a "lost shaker of salt".

 

Buy yourself a wild hawiian shirt (you'll see later)

 

Head back towards the ship peir area to find a great place to catch the sunset, then go back and party at Sloppy Joes or whereever.

 

Get back on ship and go to the party up on deck wearing your wild hawiian shirt!

 

Hit the Viiking Crown Lounge

 

Hit the Casino.

 

Find or order some food.

 

Find your room!

 

Questions?

[ernie16]

Janica if you are sailing next sunday (April 24) check out our ROLL CALL Thread.

We would love to have you join our group. The more the merrier:D If you get a chance post on the Roll Call thread. Thanx and have a great cruise. Oh you may want to (if you havent) register for the M/M Party.

[JerseyGirl23]

Janica;

 

You will get more responses and find a lot of information on your own by heading over to the Key West thread under Ports of Call.

 

Here is a direct link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=155

[OCruisers]

We are sailing on the Rhapsody next Sunday. Our first port is Key West. We have no tour lined up, but would like to see the sights on our own. Is Margaritaville within walking distance of the ship? Is the sunset observance fun to attend and where does that take place? Any suggestions for fun and inexpensive activities in Key West? Thanks in advance! :D

 

janica .... Here's one in the Ports of Call section under Key West that YOU WOULD REALLY ENJOY READING:

 

Key West Bars (click here)

 

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[Bayou Babies]

We are traveling on the Rhapsody in June and I have done some research...here are a few sites I found that give you some good info.

 

http://webcam.keywest.com/ This a fun place to go and see what is going on. Check out Mallory Square and see if you can find your ship. I watch the Rhapsody dock one afternoon! :)

 

http://www.sunsetcelebration.org/ This gives you all the good stuff on the sunset celebration.

 

http://www.keywest.com/ Everything else you need! Party spots, shopping, touring. Check out the cruise ship schedules. It tells you where and when the ships are in port.

 

http://www.schoonerwharf.com/ We have family that travel to KW on business a lot and this is his favorite bar. Check out the webcam.

[cntrydncr1]

I walked to Margueritaville easily on a day with heat and humidity that was oppressive! Not a problem, maybe it is about a 1/2 mile.

[WeBeCruisin']

I walked to Margueritaville easily on a day with heat and humidity that was oppressive! Not a problem, maybe it is about a 1/2 mile.

 

We haven't been to Key West on a cruise ship, but we've stayed there for a week at a time six or seven times. From what I hear, some ships dock down by Mallory Square at the bottom of Duval Street and others dock a few miles away, but there are constant shuttles to the Mallory Square area. Margaritaville is only a few blocks up Duval from Mallory Square and will be on your right. For a drink and a snack, Sloppy Joe's is good, as are the Hog's Breath Saloon, Rick's, the Schooner Bar, and for an old Key West bar with tons of character, the Green Parrot on Whitehead Street near the Hemingway House. Have a beer at Captain Tony's too. Mango's is a good place to have lunch or a snack and watch the people parade past from their patio. There's an Irish bar across the street or a little up or down from Mangos which a lot of people really enjoy. If you walk all the way up Duval, and find yourself hot and sweaty, The Flamingo Crossing ice cream shop has some delicious ice cream and a little area in front where you can sit and watch the people go by. Someone else mentioned the Conch "train", which is a very good way to learn the history of Key West, and there are also some coaches which look like Ducks which are air-conditioned, but not quite as cool as the conch train. Key West is especially happenin' at night, but most cruise ships leave before dark.

 

Have fun!

 

Allen

[GrannyJ]

We've gone to Key West several times in the last 25 years and we always park our car the first day and walk everywhere. Key West is a walking paradise. Just pace yourselves and don't get too hot. Duck into a gift shop occasionally and cool off. Drink lots of water and wear a hat.

[Firefighterhoop]

Again, Everything is in walking distance most shops are onon Duval St. which starts 3 blocks from the pier. very easy town to get around in!

[leahjade]

What the heck can we do in Key West at 7 a.m. when our ship docks???

[JerseyGirl23]

Here are more links on things to do in Key West:

 

http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/index.htm

 

http://www.melfisher.org/museum.htm

 

http://www.keywestaquarium.com/contactus.htm

 

and someone posted this awesome excursion that I am considering for my family (touring around the island of Key West on a jet ski):

 

http://www.islandwatersports.us/tour.htm

[Firefighterhoop]

Honestly not much open until 9ish

[98Charlie]

What the heck can we do in Key West at 7 a.m. when our ship docks???

If you have already been to a non-US port you will have a customs & immigration check. But after that, try a leasurly breakfast and stroll off of the ship. No need to rush.

 

Charlie