Is Key West a good stop for staying aboard?

[sail7seas]

Would anyone recommend parasailing (sp?) in key west or wait to do that in Cozumel or GC?

 

Is Duval within walking distance from port?

 

Thanks.

 

If you are docked at Mallory Square docks, it is a short walk to Duval.

 

[emcee207]

"WHY did we like it?? I can't quite put my finger on it..great vibe. We ate lunch at a restaurant overlooking a marina with private boats. Honestly we loved it so much we may retire to the Keys!"

 

We had the same thoughts until I started doing research on Real Estate prices!:rolleyes:

[KKB]

Like you said........... great vibe !!! We drive down to vacation in Key West once in a while if not stopping during a cruise. Probably the closest to an island vibe while still being in the States. Don't know for sure.............but we like it !

 

That is one reason why I really like it--it is the Caribbean BUT it is the US!

 

Yes, real estate is high on Key West--we visited with some locals who recommended looking at other islands in the Keys, that it was considerably less expensive north of Key West.

 

We love Vegas & cruising--Keys are close to FL casinos & obviously major cruise ports. I love the fact that I would be living in the Caribbean but my family can reach me easier/cheaper. My only complaint with FL is the humidity BUT I think you get that Caribbean trade wind benefit in the Keys. We will retire in 8 years (house paid off in 7; I have to wait 8 to get full benefits). Maybe we will try the Keys for 6 months or a year before deciding. Vegas/Phoenix/San Diego area are our other thoughts. Cruising isn't as good from there...plenty of casinos...plenty dry...great weather everywhere (heat doesn't bother me...just cold. Wind chill is -16 right now--UGH!!)

[May B]

After you walk to and through the cemetery, this lovely church is a short stroll away.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34345-d806330-Reviews-Saint_Mary_Star_of_the_Sea-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html

 

We've been to Key West perhaps five times and love it. I agree with previous posters. There are other places I might stay onboard, but never Key West.

 

If it's your first US port, after being to ports outside of the US, you'll have to do immigration (or whatever its called) there, which is a pain in the neck if you arrive early in the a.m.

[Flafun888]

Never been to KW, so booked a trolley tour figuring it was easier than trying to navigate on my own. But now wondering if I can just walk around to see the various sites instead. We're in port from 9-5. Is everything within a few square blocks or more spread out? Not even sure what I want to visit yet, other than Hemmingway House. Probably a bar or two, some shopping, pretty scenery. Worth it to keep trolley tour for first time visit?

Edited January 4, 2015 by Flafun888

[May B]

Never been to KW, so booked a trolley tour figuring it was easier than trying to navigate on my own. But now wondering if I can just walk around to see the various sites instead. We're in port from 9-5. Is everything within a few square blocks or more spread out? Not even sure what I want to visit yet, other than Hemmingway House. Probably a bar or two, some shopping, pretty scenery. Worth it to keep trolley tour for first time visit?

 

My ideal itinerary would be, Truman Little White House, incl. tour; Hemingway House; wander over to Duval and go towards the Gulf/Atlantic. At Greene and Eliz., I love Kermit's Key Lime Shop, and there a great little taco truck if you don't want a sit-down lunch. Then, shops and bars, Front St., Duval St., have a blast!

Edited January 4, 2015 by May B

[Flafun888]

Thanks for your tips, May....appreciate it.

[threeofus]

Take time to walk around Old Town and head either up and down Duval Street or one of the more picturesque streets: Whitehead or Simonton shaded by huge old banyan trees. The houses and inns are both quaint and colorful. Where else can you see TWO oceans? One end of Duval or Simonton Street is the Atlantic and one mile away at the opposite end is the Gulf of Mexico.

Stop by Simonton Beach and have a fish Taco at Loggerheads Beach Bar and watch the ferries and sailboats.

There is so much more to this beautiful city than "falling down drunks" and tee shirt vendors.

[Mapleleaf14]

Someone asked about parasailing in Key West. Last year my daughter and I went and it was wonderful! There is always a very slight chance of an accident when doing something like this. I felt more comfortable doing an adventurous activity in Florida rather than on a Caribbean island. We used the company called Fury. It is very close to where the ship docks and more reasonable than any other place I have ever seen a parasailing trip. You do not need to prebook, just walk off the ship and book a time.