Known as the southernmost point of the United States, Key West's sun-drenched beaches and historic downtown are often the first stop on Caribbean-bound cruises lasting from four to 21 days. Sip a tropical rum drink or nibble a piece of Key lime pie at one of Key West's eateries during cruise layovers, which range from five to six hours. Begin your journey at Tampa to meander the intercoastal waterway along the crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
When to Set Sail
- Trade winter's snow for fun in the sun on a cruise from Tampa to Key West. Sunny days punctuated by short rain showers are the norm from December through May when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. You can find great cruise bargains from June through November, but be prepared to deal with more rain, as well as humidity that can be nearly as high as the 90-degree temperatures. Hurricane season may also interrupt your vacation plans during that time, with the greatest chance of major storms between mid-August and mid-October.
Take a Slow Boat
- Several cruise lines have Caribbean cruises departing from Tampa that stop in Key West. If you want to see the island by morning light, take a four-day cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines. The boat arrives at 7:30 in the morning and departs Key West in early afternoon. Royal Caribbean arrives in port just before lunchtime and departs six hours later and Holland America stops at the port from early afternoon through early evening. Cruises continue on to the western Caribbean, stopping at such ports as Grand Cayman, Belize, Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico. Itineraries and ports vary greatly depending on the length of your cruise.
Do It Yourself
- If you don't have days to meander through the Caribbean, you can still take a boat to Key West. Drive two hours south of Tampa to Fort Meyers Beach and relax on a high-speed shuttle to the island. Catch some rays on a sundeck or step into air-conditioned comfort to enjoy the view from an easy chair. The two-level ferries have a lounge, snack bar and big-screen TVs to keep you entertained. Depart on the morning shuttle to arrive in Key West in time for an early lunch and return around dinnertime, or stay for days and enjoy an itinerary of your choosing.
See the Sights
- Shore excursions are a great way to see Key West in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide. The cruise companies that stop off in Key West have a variety of excursions that range from active sports such as sailing on a catamaran, snorkeling, kayaking or bicycling to a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour around the island. Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the Taste of Key West which visits culinary spots featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network. Sample salsas and sauces at Peppers of Key West, snack on shrimp, conch and chicken appetizers waterside at Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille and wrap up the culinary adventure at Kermit's Key Lime Shoppe.
