Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Key West, Florida
Ranked #11,687 in Travel & Places, #289,164 overall
Key West: The Conch Republic
Key West is affectionately known among its population as the "Conch Republic" and is the Southern Most Point in the United States of America. It is located only 90 miles from the coasts of Cuba.
It has been made famous in many ways by Earnest Hemingway's living there and his references to Key West in his writings. His former residence is still a major tourist attraction. Hemingway would do an estimated 70% of his lifetime's writing in the writer's den in the upper floor of the converted garage, in back of this house.
Every evening crowds gather at the dock to watch the sunset and the local entertainers do their thing.
It has been made famous in many ways by Earnest Hemingway's living there and his references to Key West in his writings. His former residence is still a major tourist attraction. Hemingway would do an estimated 70% of his lifetime's writing in the writer's den in the upper floor of the converted garage, in back of this house.
Every evening crowds gather at the dock to watch the sunset and the local entertainers do their thing.
Cruise Ships Docked At Key West Port
The Conch Republic
Established April 23, 1982.
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"We Seceded Where Others Failed"
On April 23, 1982, Key West declared itself as the micronation of "Conch Republic" in a humorous attempt to increase its tourism.The motto of the "Conch Republic" is We Seceded Where Others Failed. It was done as a tongue-in-cheek "secession from the U.S", but they had a basic in fact for their frustration.
The original protest event was motivated by a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock and checkpoint to check for illegal drugs which greatly inconvenienced residents and was detrimental to tourism in the area.
The following quotes from Wikipedia give more details.
"As part of the protest, Mayor Wardlow was proclaimed Prime Minister of the Republic, which immediately declared war against the U.S. (symbolically breaking a loaf of stale Cuban bread over the head of a man dressed in a naval uniform), quickly surrendered after one minute (to the man in the uniform), and applied for one billion dollars in foreign aid.
The mock secession and the events surrounding it generated great publicity for the Keys' plight - the roadblock and inspection station were removed soon afterward. It also resulted in the creation of a new avenue of tourism for the Keys."
Shore Excursions
Suggested Places To See While In
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Key West
Key West is not only one of the frequent stops on the Eastern Caribbean Cruise routes, but is also a favorite destination by those who love to drive south through the Keys from Miami. But since this lens is directed toward those stopping off at Key West as one of their cruise destinations, I am emphasizing here some of the shore excursions that are frequently offered. If you drove down, you can probably find the same excursions through the local tourist agencies.
Like all cruise destinations you can only choose one or two within the time you have available, so choose carefully.
Remember however that you can always see the rest on your NEXT cruise to Key West, Florida.
I am listing a few of the shore excursions listed by Carnival cruise lines below. The full list of twenty (+/-) excursions can be found HERE, or you can click directly on the shore excursion title to get a more complete description.
If you go to the Carnival Cruise Lines site above, you will be able to click on links for each excursion which will give detailed descriptions of each excursion.
- Butterfly Conservatory & Key West Aquarium 2 Hours Discover the beauty of nature in this dual eco tour. A short air-conditioned bus ride from the pier takes you to the Key West Butterfly and Conservarory. See hundreds of butterflies, representing up to 60 different species from North, Central, and South America, Africa and Southeast Asia.
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Ghosts & Legends Tour of Key West 1.5 Hours Step off the beaten path for a spine-tingling, fully narrated walking tour of "Bone Island's" spirit world. Learn about haunted Victorian mansions, island pirate lore, voodoo superstitions and rituals.
Hear about a Count who lived with the corpse of his beloved, a secret leper colony, and other bizarre aspects of "Bone Island". See hidden parts of Key West that only a "Conch" would know, including: the Audubon House, old city morgue, Marrero House, St. Paul's Cemetery and the Otto Mansion. -
Hemingway House & History Tour 2.5 Hours Learn all about the storied past of Key West on this leisurely walking tour to the Hemingway House.See and hear about the Truman Little White House, Bahama Village, Queen Julia, The Straw Market, original cemetery, Key West Lighthouse, naval history, pirates, wrecking, sponging, cigar and shrimp industries, and much more. Enjoy an interior guided tour of Ernest Hemingway's home and see the famous Hemingway Cats.
- Pirate Soul & Shipwreck Historeum 2.5 Hours Explore the relics of swashbuckling pirates and discover the wrecking and salvage history of Key West. See the original journal of Captain Kidd's last voyage, the only authentic pirate treasure chest in America belonging to Captain Thomas Tew, Blackbeard's original blunderbuss, an assortment of rare pirate gold, cannonballs, maps and almost 500 museum-quality artifacts.
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Ripley's Believe It or Not! Key West Museum 1 Hour "Stories you can't imagine, people you won't believe" best describes the amazing Ripley's Believe It or Not! Key West Museum. Experience over 500 bizarre exhibits, including the world's tallest man, a six-foot tall prehistoric shark jaw, and the Vortex Tunnel.
- The Trails of Margaritaville Walking Tour 2 Hours Experience Jimmy Buffet's Key West during this entertaining walking tour through Old Town. Conclude your "Walking Party" at the famous Margaritaville Cafe and discover for yourself the magic and spirit of this unique tropical island paradise that inspired Jimmy and his music.
Fort Zachary Taylor In Key West, Florida
Key West Weather
Current weather conditions in Key West, FL
Local Pollen Reports
82°F (Feels like 87°F)
Last update: 5/31/12 2:53 AM EDT
Humidity: 71%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 72°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.91in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 5mph From: Airport Conditions
Today
Mostly Cloudy
High: 83°F
Low: 80°F
Sunrise: 6:38 AM
Sunset: 8:12 PM
Friday
Jun 1
Scattered T-Storms
High: 85°F
Low: 80°F
Sunrise: 6:38 AM
Sunset: 8:12 PM
Saturday
Jun 2
T-Showers
High: 86°F
Low: 81°F
Sunrise: 6:38 AM
Sunset: 8:13 PM
Sunday
Jun 3
T-Showers
High: 85°F
Low: 81°F
Sunrise: 6:38 AM
Sunset: 8:13 PM
Cruise Trip Toolbox
"Know Before You Go"
It is always a good idea to know the basics before you leave on your cruise. The following links will aid you in preparing for your cruise. From currency exchange to travel warnings, it is all here. And, don't forget your passport. Never leave home without it.
- Universal Currency Converter
- Check out the current exchange rates before you sail.
- Latest Customs Restrictions & General Information
- Get the latest Customs warnings, regulations, etc.
- Foreign Entry Requirements
- Different situations require different documents. Please become familiar with the specific document requirements for the country(s) you are visiting. More information on these documents can be found here.
- Travel Advisories
- Travel documentation requirements and international travel reminders.
- U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings
- Get the latest U.S. Department of State travel warnings at this site.
- Book Your Travel Here Or Research Options Further
- This is my full service travel web site where you can research and book cruises, flights, car rentals, hotels, or even purchase travel insurance.
Aerial View Of Key West Looking North
Other Resources For Your Cruise Preparation
Other Destinations
To See
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In The Eastern Caribbean
It's Your Turn Now.
" I'd Love To Know You Dropped By."
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Cherrybomb2009
Aug 19, 2009 @ 12:08 am | delete
- I've been looking at a LOT of Key West lenses to get different information, as none of them are quite the same. I like that you've listed places that I didn't even see on the other lenses. Quite interesting!
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walclan
Feb 17, 2009 @ 1:48 am | delete
- I absolutely love cruising. I cruised on the Pacific Dawn from Sydney last April. I'm going again in July this year. I would love to cruise from Florida. My daughter is right into ghosts and visiting Fort Zachary Taylor is on her 'to do' list. My daughter visited Pennsylvania in November and went on some ghost tours. She loves America. Nice lens and lovely photos.
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