Timing Help Key West

[cruisetonowhere10]

April 2025 cruise that docks in Key West.  We plan to take a non Celebrity trip to Dry Tortugas via seaplane (we know all the risks and are willing to take them as this is a bucket list excursion for us and if we don’t dock we know we lose the $)  The itinerary has the times as 8:00am-5:00pm.  Google search says the location for the seaplane is 6 min away (guessing that is highly variable based on securing a taxi and traffic) and arrival is supposed to be 30 min prior to the flight time.  The options that we are considering for this 4 hour excursion are 10a and 12p.  The earlier one will be a hair stressful in terms of getting there by 9:30a but the 12pm would potentially be too tight as it wouldn’t get back until 4.  Thoughts on which to choose?  I guess I’m leaning toward the 10 but I’ve never had any issues just walking off a ship when it’s cleared but wondering if that’s just been luck and I don’t think I’ve ever attempted it at the earliest opportunity whatever that time is.

[1025cruise]

Where is Key West on your itinerary? Is it the first stop, or on the way back? If on the way back, you'll need to go through immigration. Also, do you know where your docking? One of the docks used is on a base and requires transportation in/out.

 

The other thing is Key West is clamping down on cruise ships. Some itineraries are being changed due to that.

[Jembeccatoo]

You should have o problem making a 10:00 tour time. Our time to be back on board this week is 3:00. Will that be feasible?

[cruisetonowhere10]

4 minutes ago, Jembeccatoo said:

You should have o problem making a 10:00 tour time. Our time to be back on board this week is 3:00. Will that be feasible?

No 3:00 would not work.  As of right now…11 mo out it says a 5:00 departure but I think it’s too tight regardless.

[hrhdhd]

14 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Where is Key West on your itinerary? Is it the first stop, or on the way back? If on the way back, you'll need to go through immigration. Also, do you know where your docking? One of the docks used is on a base and requires transportation in/out.

 

The other thing is Key West is clamping down on cruise ships. Some itineraries are being changed due to that.

Cruise ships (one a day) are docking at Pier B, which is privately owned. It's next to Mallory Square.

Edited May 5 by hrhdhd

[cruisetonowhere10]

13 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Where is Key West on your itinerary? Is it the first stop, or on the way back? If on the way back, you'll need to go through immigration. Also, do you know where your docking? One of the docks used is on a base and requires transportation in/out.

 

The other thing is Key West is clamping down on cruise ships. Some itineraries are being changed due to that.

We are 11 months out…Key West is day 2, day 1 is a sea day. No clue on docking.  If the itinerary changes we will cancel the cruise and lose our $300 deposit and figure key west out another way….its basically the reason we booked the cruise as it was way cheaper to do the cruise than it was to rent a car and do a hotel or other accommodations. 🙂

[cruisetonowhere10]

1 minute ago, hrhdhd said:

Cruise ships (one a day) are docking at Pier B, which is privately owned. It's next to Mallory Square.

Can you elaborate as to what this means for me in regard to getting to the sea plane office which I believe is adjacent to the airport.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

You'd need to take a Lyft or Uber there. IDK if it's near where SkyDive Key West is, but that was probably 20 minutes at least.

 

Mallory Square docking means early departure (like the 3pm one) because the ship has to be away before sunset.

[Northern Aurora]

@cruisetonowhere10: You do not indicate where you reside, but just want to comment that Key West deserves more time than a cruise stop.  We spent four days in Key West several years ago (pre-pandemic).  We were cruising out of Miami so flew down a few days early, rented a vehicle and drove to Key West for four days.  Many interesting things to so and see, great food, fun place.  And the drive through the Keys is so interesting too -- and we even saw one of the little deer!  Just an idea.

[cruisetonowhere10]

1 minute ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

You'd need to take a Lyft or Uber there. IDK if it's near where SkyDive Key West is, but that was probably 20 minutes at least.

 

Mallory Square docking means early departure (like the 3pm one) because the ship has to be away before sunset.

Thank you. Their info says they are located at the airport.  I assume our docking location and the time could be changed since we are far out which leads me to believe the 10am excursion is the best choice.

[cruisetonowhere10]

1 minute ago, Northern Aurora said:

@cruisetonowhere10: You do not indicate where you reside, but just want to comment that Key West deserves more time than a cruise stop.  We spent four days in Key West several years ago (pre-pandemic).  We were cruising out of Miami so flew down a few days early, rented a vehicle and drove to Key West for four days.  Many interesting things to so and see, great food, fun place.  And the drive through the Keys is so interesting too -- and we even saw one of the little deer!  Just an idea.

Agreed.  We are east coast but doing the Dry Tortugas as a 16th bday gift for DS who would be less interested in the rest.  DH has spent time in Key West and some day I’ll go back but as it stands out flights, hotel in Fll are all points, no rental, balcony room on ship for 3 for cheap (plus the dry tortugas which is $$$) but it all works outside the timing concerns. Plus it’s all booked. 🙂

[BlushPell]

I have been to the Dry Tortugas via the ferry. The tour you are looking at looks like it has 2.5 hours at the park. That may feel rushed as there is a lot to explore. The times you mentioned also seem to be tight schedule wise. If the ship docks late then the 10 am doesn’t work and if the ship leaves earlier then the 12 pm doesn’t work. Are you local? If so I would suggest doing the longer excursion to the park it’s worth it. 

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

The airport is on the opposite end of the island from Mallory Square.

 

IF the ship were to dock on the military base, you'd have to hop a shuttle to get off-base before you could get a taxi or Lyft or Uber to the airport.

 

I'd be more concerned with the return time of the excursion since with a private excursion if you miss the ship, you're SOL.

 

[cruisetonowhere10]

3 minutes ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

The airport is on the opposite end of the island from Mallory Square.

 

IF the ship were to dock on the military base, you'd have to hop a shuttle to get off-base before you could get a taxi or Lyft or Uber to the airport.

 

I'd be more concerned with the return time of the excursion since with a private excursion if you miss the ship, you're SOL.

 

Yep then I guess we just fly home.  Lol

[cruisetonowhere10]

4 minutes ago, BlushPell said:

I have been to the Dry Tortugas via the ferry. The tour you are looking at looks like it has 2.5 hours at the park. That may feel rushed as there is a lot to explore. The times you mentioned also seem to be tight schedule wise. If the ship docks late then the 10 am doesn’t work and if the ship leaves earlier then the 12 pm doesn’t work. Are you local? If so I would suggest doing the longer excursion to the park it’s worth it. 

Yep I know but we’ve thought about it and are good with the length of time.

[BlushPell]

Then I guess the real question is which would you rather take a chance on missing. Book 10 am and possibly miss the excursion or book 12 pm and possibly miss the ship. The park is amazing you will love it. 

[cruisetonowhere10]

1 minute ago, BlushPell said:

Then I guess the real question is which would you rather take a chance on missing. Book 10 am and possibly miss the excursion or book 12 pm and possibly miss the ship. The park is amazing you will love it. 

Yes that is the question…lol…I just honestly was wondering how quickly one can get off the ship if the itinerary has a listed time of 8am (and I know that can change or not happen at all.)

[hrhdhd]

27 minutes ago, cruisetonowhere10 said:

Can you elaborate as to what this means for me in regard to getting to the sea plane office which I believe is adjacent to the airport.

It means no required shuttle from the Navy base. Get off, get to the curb, jump in an Uber.

[Liao]

57 minutes ago, cruisetonowhere10 said:

April 2025 cruise that docks in Key West.  We plan to take a non Celebrity trip to Dry Tortugas via seaplane (we know all the risks and are willing to take them as this is a bucket list excursion for us and if we don’t dock we know we lose the $)  The itinerary has the times as 8:00am-5:00pm.  Google search says the location for the seaplane is 6 min away (guessing that is highly variable based on securing a taxi and traffic) and arrival is supposed to be 30 min prior to the flight time.  The options that we are considering for this 4 hour excursion are 10a and 12p.  The earlier one will be a hair stressful in terms of getting there by 9:30a but the 12pm would potentially be too tight as it wouldn’t get back until 4.  Thoughts on which to choose?  I guess I’m leaning toward the 10 but I’ve never had any issues just walking off a ship when it’s cleared but wondering if that’s just been luck and I don’t think I’ve ever attempted it at the earliest opportunity whatever that time is.

If you dock at the main port, embarkation will be very easy and fairly quick.  I don't think traffic will be an issue, so you should have no problem getting to the venue for a 10am start.

[cruisetonowhere10]

Just now, hrhdhd said:

It means no required shuttle from the Navy base. Get off, get to the curb, jump in an Uber.

I imagine we won’t know this for quite some time…departure is listed as 5:00 not 3:00 but at 11 months out I’m not trusting anything…

[Tudy]

I have taken the seaplane to Dry Tortugas and loved it. 

 

I think you should be fine with getting to the airport by 10:00 as the ship is docked, not tendered. I recommend talking with your tour broker. Tell them your concerns and ask for any tips regarding getting to the airport and if they have any flexibility if you should be a little late for take off. I would definitely do the 10am flight rather than noon. because the ferries arrive later in the morning, with the 10am flight, not as many ferries will have brought people to the area. By noon it will be more crowded.

[horseymike]

I would definitely take the early excursion if at all possible.

Five 6 ‘s taxi company phone # 305 296 6666.

Hope it all works out well for your trip 👍🍀🚢.

[twins_to_alaska]

Reflection was just in Key West Apr 27. We were supposed to leave at 4 with all aboard at 3:30 but with the winds they broadcast that morning leaving early so all aboard was at 2:30 (the daily left in our cabin the night before still had 3:30 all aboard on the front page). Bimini Apr 28 we were supposed to arrive 8 am but docked late and weren't cleared until about 8:38.  So be aware port arrival/departure can change day of.

[cruisetonowhere10]

3 hours ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Reflection was just in Key West Apr 27. We were supposed to leave at 4 with all aboard at 3:30 but with the winds they broadcast that morning leaving early so all aboard was at 2:30 (the daily left in our cabin the night before still had 3:30 all aboard on the front page). Bimini Apr 28 we were supposed to arrive 8 am but docked late and weren't cleared until about 8:38.  So be aware port arrival/departure can change day of.

Yes and we thought long and hard and decided we are willing to take the risk.  Could be on land, get into an accident and not make it either.  This is hard for me as I don’t like to waste $. 😂