Where does the ship Dock in Key West?

[TinkerKat]

We're scouring maps of Key West, and they list three different possbile places the cruise ships may dock.

Also, which is the best way to get to the End of Key West?
TIA

 

[allears]

The ship docks right smack dab in the middle of the town, I think it's a Hilton resort. There are docks for a I believe 3 ships there. You walk off the ship a very short walk along the dock and you're in Key West. This is another one of the subtle Disney Differences. Last year when we were in Key West on DCL, the Magic was docked right there in the heart of Key West, another ship, I think it was a Carnival ship, docked at the old naval base, which looks like a short distance from the main dock, but to get to the down town area, their passengers had to take a tram for the mile or so jaunt around to the town. DCL only has one ship docking at Key West every other week, when the Magic is not else where, yet they have a premium berth, which I'm sure comes with a premium price. Just a thought about why DCL sometimes can seem more expensive than other cruise lines.

You get a great view from the ship of sun set and the festivities at Mallory Square.

I think the trolley is the best way to get around the more distant parts of key west, and I assume you're thinking about the southern most reaches.

 

[TinkerKat]

Thanks for reply! Saw your ticker, are you also on the Feb. 7th cruise?

Yes, DH is interested in the southern most part of the US

 

[mmouse37]

The ship docks right smack dab in the middle of the town, I think it's a Hilton resort. There are docks for a I believe 3 ships there. You walk off the ship a very short walk along the dock and you're in Key West. This is another one of the subtle Disney Differences. Last year when we were in Key West on DCL, the Magic was docked right there in the heart of Key West, another ship, I think it was a Carnival ship, docked at the old naval base, which looks like a short distance from the main dock, but to get to the down town area, their passengers had to take a tram for the mile or so jaunt around to the town. DCL only has one ship docking at Key West every other week, when the Magic is not else where, yet they have a premium berth, which I'm sure comes with a premium price. Just a thought about why DCL sometimes can seem more expensive than other cruise lines.

You get a great view from the ship of sun set and the festivities at Mallory Square.

I think the trolley is the best way to get around the more distant parts of key west, and I assume you're thinking about the southern most reaches.

It used to be the Hilton a few years ago but has since been taken over by Westin....Westin Key West Resort and Marina...it is a beautiful resort. We stayed there a few times for a land vacation, mostly recently last July. Just a very nice property!! From the hotel pool area you can often see the tops of the cruise ships.

Kathy, the ship docks pretty much right in front of the resort and you have to walk down the dock and through the plaza of the hotel to get out to the street.

Here is a link to the hotel.....

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1780

MJ

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

I would recommend taking the trolley for sure. My husband and I rented bikes thinking we were pretty fit and could bike around Key West. We were out for about an hour and I was dying by the time we reached the Southern most point. My husband had to bike for the both of us on the way back. This was in the middle of July, however; it's no fun having a biking sunburn on your arms and legs!

 

[allears]

It used to be the Hilton a few years ago but has since been taken over by Westin....Westin Key West Resort and Marina...it is a beautiful resort. We stayed there a few times for a land vacation, mostly recently last July. Just a very nice property!! From the hotel pool area you can often see the tops of the cruise ships.

Kathy, the ship docks pretty much right in front of the resort and you have to walk down the dock and through the plaza of the hotel to get out to the street.

Here is a link to the hotel.....

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1780

MJ

Ah yes, Westin, now I remember seeing the sign last year. It is a beautiful place.

 

[bicmize]

Has anyone ever rented a car to drive the bridges? How was that? Does this trolley you talk about go over bridges?

 

[Justacruiser]

Has anyone ever rented a car to drive the bridges? How was that? Does this trolley you talk about go over bridges?

don't know about the car rental, but the trolley tour talks about highway 1 (you actually see the highway 1 marker at mile 0 (got a picture)), but not anything about the bridges.

 

[clten]

Just FYI, occasionally, DCL has also had to dock at the naval base dock (we've had to do that twice). They will have a tram that takes you right to Mallory Square. It's a little more inconvenient but it really isn't too bad.

 

[Justacruiser]

Just FYI, occasionally, DCL has also had to dock at the naval base dock (we've had to do that twice). They will have a tram that takes you right to Mallory Square. It's a little more inconvenient but it really isn't too bad.

we have done this twice and had the city port once.

 

[Slappy32]

I live in the Florida Keys, and a bridges drive would be tough to do in the time you have. There is so much to do and see in Key West, that I wouldn't try it. For instance, the Seven Mile Bridge is a 50 mile drive one way and Bahia Honda bridge is around 40 miles one way. Key West itself has a few unremarkable bridges that go over canals or to nearby islands.

 

[over50visits]

I would recommend taking the trolley for sure. My husband and I rented bikes thinking we were pretty fit and could bike around Key West. We were out for about an hour and I was dying by the time we reached the Southern most point. My husband had to bike for the both of us on the way back. This was in the middle of July, however; it's no fun having a biking sunburn on your arms and legs!

I might disagree about not biking- Key West (at least the tourist area) is pretty small, VERY easy to navigate, and we actually walked everywhere including the Southernmost point. Just head down Duval street and you'll find many interesting sights, you'll be just a block off of the Truman house, and plenty of places to stop for a coffee, soda, or a meal. Then, back at Mallory Square, head for the docks; again a scenic stroll and the dock area is wonderful.

If you don't want to walk, bikes would make it very, very easy to go anywhere. You can find plenty of places that rent them. Also, golf carts to rent are readily available, and it's easy to get around in them.

If you aren't in that great shape for walking or biking, though, trolleys are best. Not the Disney tour (they don't have a get on/get off option). Just get off the ship, and right there in Mallory Square are several different companies. Opinions are easy to find on each of them, but really they are about the same.

Key West is wonderful, colorful, rich in history, friendly, and very easy to visit. Enjoy!

 

[Illini_Fan]

We are heading to Key West on the Wonder over Thanksgiving.

I found this site http://www.keywestcity.com/department/calendar.php that has a calendar showing which ships are in port.

Next to each ship is a code. B, OM, M are the ones I see in November. I'm guessing, but was hoping someone could confirm, that those codes equate to a particular dock??

If so, does anyone have the key to decipher as I didn't find that detail on the city's website?

thanks

 

[Funfire240]

Keep in mind - Key West is a small island. It's only 2 miles by 4 miles.

The trolley is nice because you can get off and on in different areas of the island. If you're just looking to sight see they also have the conch train. There are also cabs around.

I've walked from the pier to the southern most point (pushing a double stroller!) and it's quite a hike but also a good way to see the island.

 

[tigger309]

We are heading to Key West on the Wonder over Thanksgiving.

I found this site http://www.keywestcity.com/department/calendar.php that has a calendar showing which ships are in port.

Next to each ship is a code. B, OM, M are the ones I see in November. I'm guessing, but was hoping someone could confirm, that those codes equate to a particular dock??

If so, does anyone have the key to decipher as I didn't find that detail on the city's website?

thanks

B is Pier B or Westin Pier
OM is Outer Mole
M is Mallory Square

If you dock at the Outer Mole you have to take a tram since the Outer Mole is on the Navy base. When you go back to the ship you will need your driver's license as they guards check everyone's ID when the tram enters the Navy base. I was on CCL two years ago and we docked at the Outer Mole. The tram dropped us off and picked us up at the Conch Tour Train Gift Shop located at the corner of Duval St and Front St.

 

[Illini_Fan]

B is Pier B or Westin Pier
OM is Outer Mole
M is Mallory Square

If you dock at the Outer Mole you have to take a tram since the Outer Mole is on the Navy base. When you go back to the ship you will need your driver's license as they guards check everyone's ID when the tram enters the Navy base. I was on CCL two years ago and we docked at the Outer Mole. The tram dropped us off and picked us up at the Conch Tour Train Gift Shop located at the corner of Duval St and Front St.

Thank you -- looks like the Thanksgiving cruise will be docking at the Navy Base on Monday of Thanksgiving week.

 

[Capt_BJ]

Take an occasional daytime peak at the Key West Harbor webcam and you'll get an idea of where the ships park

http://keywestharborwebcam.com/

 

[MPS516]

B is Pier B or Westin Pier
OM is Outer Mole
M is Mallory Square

If you dock at the Outer Mole you have to take a tram since the Outer Mole is on the Navy base. When you go back to the ship you will need your driver's license as they guards check everyone's ID when the tram enters the Navy base. I was on CCL two years ago and we docked at the Outer Mole. The tram dropped us off and picked us up at the Conch Tour Train Gift Shop located at the corner of Duval St and Front St.

All very easy to get to where you want to go. Pier B is right at the end of Front Street just behind Truman Little White House, you can walk to anywhere. Mallory Sq was the old stop for DCL but seems to mostly be Pier B now. The Naval Base is made very easy with the tram right there, yes you need ID, the base guards were very nice though.

 

[mareed]

All very easy to get to where you want to go. Pier B is right at the end of Front Street just behind Truman Little White House, you can walk to anywhere. Mallory Sq was the old stop for DCL but seems to mostly be Pier B now. The Naval Base is made very easy with the tram right there, yes you need ID, the base guards were very nice though.

We docked at the Naval base on Magic in March and no id's were needed. Maybe they were needed in the past during a time of heightened security?

 

[jennylyn_b]

Kinda OT but we are heading their next October on our cruise with an almost 4 yr old and a 71 yr old DFil who has bad knees. Anywho, any suggestions on special treats (key lime pie) that we can walk or trolley to? Anything we have to eat?
Would you recommend the aquarium there? Thanks