1st Cruise & Confused on What to do at Ports

[Love_the_Mouse]

My family of 4 is taking our first cruise in April 2019. We would like to enjoy the beaches at Key West and Nassau. I have some questions about what goes on at the ports (excluding Castaway Cay, I think I understand that one ).

When we get off the ship, is there a beach with chairs, restaurants, etc available for us? Or are we more in a town instead of a beach atmosphere? I'm trying to decide if I need to book a port adventure to a private beach or if we are already able to enjoy the day on a nice, clean, safe beach without the port adventure.

Thank you!!!

 

[ajmomouse]

You will be in the town when you get off the ship in both key west and Nassau. Lots of shops and restaurants. Key west is beautiful, Nassau-not so much ( IMHO).

 

[Dug720]

The primary beach at Key West is kind of on the other end of the island than where the ship would dock. It's not really a "beach" place - more a walk around place!

Nassau... Nothing really right where you get off. Some close by, but I think the closest is at the Hilton where you can buy a day pass.

IMHO Castaway is the best beach option by a long shot!

 

[KashasMom]

It's been a very long time since I've cruised into Key West so I'll leave that part for someone else to answer. You will dock right in the middle of town in Nassau. There is a free beach within walking distance but haven't been there. We've enjoyed the beach day at the British Colonial Hilton a few times. The price includes credit for food/drink (good outdoor restaurant by pool/beach). The pool is great and beach is good - overlooks the cruise ships. It's within walking distance of the ship as well - so you do get to walk through town and see the straw market, stores, etc. (http://www.resortforaday.com/British-Colonial-Hilton-Day-pass-p/nsnabcha.htm)

BTW - if you're looking for a pool/beach experience I'd definitely get off the ship at Nassau!! Many people don't get off the ship so the (little) pool will be packed wall-to-wall people!

 

[hcox31]

Key West is a town. You get dropped near the downtown where are shops, restaurants etc. We did a trolley tour and walked around. Love the tour as it took us all around and showed us the island and houses. Didn't look into any beach excursions there

 

[mevelandry]

Key West is a charming town. You can ride the trolley or the train, which are not that expensive. Shop at Mallory Square, eat key lime pie (we loved the one at Blue Heaven Restaurant and they have nice breakfast!) or frozen key lime pie from Kermit's.

In Nassau we liked Blue Lagoon and Atlantis is very popular (we're going to visit in a few months).

 

[Shanti]

The only island like what you describe is Castaway Cay. That's why it's so popular!

 

[DietCokeMommy]

I’d do a private beach in Nassau. Many (many!) years ago I was there on a cruise and my friend and I took a taxi to a public beach. It wasn’t that great and we almost got stuck there because it was hard getting a taxi so we could leave. If I ever go to Nassau again I’ll do some sort of resort for a day.

 

[MichelleCanada]

We enjoyed wandering around Key West and all of the shops. Key Lime Pie Company has the best key lime pie I have ever had! Really cute town with lots to see

Nassau we just wandered again. Found some neat shops and purchased some rum to bring home. Others we met went to Atlantis and had a great day!

 

[ElenaRN]

We walked to Junkanoo Beach last time we were docked in Nassau (our kids were 5 & 2). I had heard mixed reviews about it (some said that it was dirty). We had a great time. The sand and water were both clean. We rented some beach chairs for a reasonable price- though now i cant remember what the price was. We ordered delicious jerk chicken for lunch with some frosty beverages for the adults and smoothies for the kids. There were a few stands along the beach with handmade jewelry and touristy items.

We had planned on only stay for 2 hours but wound up staying prob double that.

 

[ajo]

In Key West we rented a golf cart and drove around town, ending up at the main beach (I can’t recall the name). We probably spent an hour there playing in the water.

We booked the golf cart online ourselves and it was super easy. It was a short 10 minute walk from the ship.

 

[MrsD78]

I have not cruised into Key west, but have driven down from Boca Raton a few times on vacation. If you are looking for nice powder sand, Key West is not the place. The beaches are more of the crushed coral type and I would highly recommend water shoes if you choose to visit a beach there.

The town by the dock is very nice (pre hurricane at least) and there are lots of things to see and do. They had a really nice butterfly garden tgere, and of course tons of restaurants for drinks/food that are good. The architecture in old Town is great. Overall a great town to explore.


Nassau I woul reccoment a beach day, nicer beaches than key West IMO. I have only done Nassau via cruise and only ship booked excursions so I can't speak to DIY excursions.

Definitely have fun, cruising is a really fun experience!

 

[Love_the_Mouse]

Oh my goodness, thank you all! This is SUCH HELPFUL information. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer.

I'll look into the day activities in Key West and the private beaches and Junkanoo in Nassau.

 

[phinz]

Key West and beaches are just about mutually exclusive terms. There are beaches, but the seaweed can be ridiculous and they can be rocky underwater, not to mention they don't really have any public amenities. I wouldn't recommend going to the beach there. The closest decent beach is Bahia Honda, up island, and that's not feasible on a cruise. The only "private" beach I'm really aware of in Key West is at the Southernmost Hotel.

Instead, explore Key West on foot, on bicycles, in a golf cart or on the HOHO trolley. Go see Robert the Doll at the East Martello Tower. Explore the cemetery. Take in the Butterfly Conservatory. Learn about Ernest Hemingway at the house (but don't believe the story that the cats are descended from his. He didn't have a cat while living in Key West according to his son. It's an urban myth designed to sell people on visiting the house.) Have a good beer at The Porch. See Michael McCloud perform at Schooner Wharf. Have breakfast at Pepe's on Caroline. Go to Dante's and swim in their great big pool while having a drink and some lunch. Explore the shipwreck museum. Take a Fury excursion. There's so much to do on the rock that if you can't find something to do then you're not looking very well. As for hurricane damage, I was there for the umpteenth time in January and you'd never even know Hurricane Irma had been there if you didn't know what to look for.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Others hVe listed all the great things to do in key west. We love it but if you have kids be prepared for some lewd and rude signs and shirts in windows and sometimes the locals like to parade around almost naked. It’s very fun if you can just laugh and enjoy people watching without getting offended.

Be sure to get a slice of key lime pie

As for Nassau we just enjoy the day onboard.

 

[phinz]

Everybody talking about the Key Lime Pie without mentioning Conch Chowder, Conch Fritters, Conch Salad and Grilled Dolphin Sandwiches. Do yourself a favor and go to BO's Fish Wagon. It's a true Key West dive dump and it's awesome. The food is great, the kids can write all over stuff with the chalk they provide and you can stick stickers on the old truck outside if you bring some local stickers with you.