Docking

I understand that there are 3 docks in Key West, is there a particular one used by Carnival or is it anybody's guess where we will dock?

I understand that there are 3 docks in Key West, is there a particular one used by Carnival or is it anybody's guess where we will dock?

Here is the city calendar which shows the Freedom will dock at pier B which is the Westin Hotel pier and is an easy walk off to Front St.

http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/egov/documents/1460035439_05686.htm

Mike:)

Here is the city calendar which shows the Freedom will dock at pier B which is the Westin Hotel pier and is an easy walk off to Front St.

 

http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/egov/documents/1460035439_05686.htm

 

Mike:)

Thank you!

Not to crash the original OP's thread, but do the ships dock different ways at dock B or do they always come in facing a certain way...want to book the side that faces Key West to be able to enjoy sitting on the balcony once we get tired of walking and enjoy the sights from our balcony.

Thanks in advance for any and all answers!!!

Not to crash the original OP's thread, but do the ships dock different ways at dock B or do they always come in facing a certain way...want to book the side that faces Key West to be able to enjoy sitting on the balcony once we get tired of walking and enjoy the sights from our balcony.

 

Thanks in advance for any and all answers!!!

At Pier B, the starboard side is almost always facing land.

At Pier B, the starboard side is almost always facing land.

Thank You so much for the information!!

At Pier B, the starboard side is almost always facing land.

I agree, if you want to see Key West book a starboard cabin.

Mike:)

I agree, if you want to see Key West book a starboard cabin.

 

Mike:)

Awesome...That is what I booked..well actually I booked an aft wrap starboard side :D

We were told our ship Celeb Infinity would be docking outside of the town..

Will there be trams to bring cruisers into the main area?If so are they free? We docked there once before...kind of inconvenient.

We were told our ship Celeb Infinity would be docking outside of the town..

 

Will there be trams to bring cruisers into the main area?If so are they free? We docked there once before...kind of inconvenient.

Infinity docks at both the Westin Hotel (pier B) location as well as the Outer Mole.

Here is a link to the calendar so you can check your specific date.

http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/department/calendar.php

Mike:)

Calendar link confirms we will be at the outer dock (om) on Infinity...not sure if anything has changed in the yrs since we docked there..it was in the middle of nowhere and had a long wait to pile into the trams...once they arrived. Also no nice views of the town dock area goings on..

So does anyone know if we will be given free tram transp into the town and if so how has this been workinv out...?.. definitely adds time for transit both ways so we may have to skip plans for shopping and lunch...just stay on board

The Outer Mole is only a few hundred yards further from the other docking locations.

The trams to and from the ship are free and run regularly.

Mike:)

Not to crash the original OP's thread, but do the ships dock different ways at dock B or do they always come in facing a certain way...want to book the side that faces Key West to be able to enjoy sitting on the balcony once we get tired of walking and enjoy the sights from our balcony.

 

Thanks in advance for any and all answers!!!

Hate to disagree, but the docking side (port or starboard) is sometimes determined by the wishes of the Captain....and for interesting reasons. Sometimes the Captain will choose a side because the crew is needs to do painting maintenance on one side of the ship (the side facing the pier) and will access via a shore-based lift. Other times it might be dictated by tide constraints, winds and wind forecasts, etc. We know one cruise ship Captain (recently retired) that told us that during his long career he always preferred to dock in the direction that allowed the fastest and easiest departure (which means the bow is facing towards the departing channel. In Key West, if we were go be rolling the dice we would make a weak bet on the Port Side being the dock side....but our bet would be weak.

Hank

Cruise ships most always dock using the starboard side at the Westin Hotel pier B.

You can keep up with them if you like using the Mallory Square webcam for the best shot of pier B.

http://www.floridakeyswebcams.tv

Mike:)

Can the trams running back and forth from the Outer Mole accommodate wheelchair/scooter users?

Can the trams running back and forth from the Outer Mole accommodate wheelchair/scooter users?

Yes they are quite capable in dealing with mobility issues.

Mike:)

Yes they are quite capable in dealing with mobility issues.

 

Mike:)

Thanks! That's a relief. Counting down the days!

Hate to disagree, but the docking side (port or starboard) is sometimes determined by the wishes of the Captain....and for interesting reasons. Sometimes the Captain will choose a side because the crew is needs to do painting maintenance on one side of the ship (the side facing the pier) and will access via a shore-based lift. Other times it might be dictated by tide constraints, winds and wind forecasts, etc. We know one cruise ship Captain (recently retired) that told us that during his long career he always preferred to dock in the direction that allowed the fastest and easiest departure (which means the bow is facing towards the departing channel. In Key West, if we were go be rolling the dice we would make a weak bet on the Port Side being the dock side....but our bet would be weak.

 

Hank

You are correct, but Pier B in Key West is a special circumstance. There's a ferry to Sunset Key that needs to get out of the Westin Marina and having the starboard side to the dock allows the ferry to get out by going under the ship's bow.

I don't think I've ever seen a ship port-side-to at Pier B.