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Key West (FL, USA) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)

Basic guide to Key West cruise port: where ships dock, things to do, what's within walking distance, sightseeing, historical landmarks, Duval Street and the Old Town, beaches, and shore excursions.

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 23, 2023

Key West's laidback ambiance, pleasant weather, vernacular architecture, and delicious cuisine have more of a Caribbean character than what you expect of an American city.

• Where cruise ships dock
• Shuttle bus
• Things to do in Key West
• The beaches
• What's in the Old Town
• Shore excursions (Shorex)

Uniquely, Key West blends the best of the Caribbean with the benefits of refined conveniences: it is safe, easy to explore on your own, has a good number (and variety) of attractions, lots of possible sightseeing options, exceptional transportation, affordable tours, excursions, and an almost endless offer of restaurants and bars to enjoy a taste of tropical flavors.

Duval Street in Key West

Photo © IQCruising.com

After all, it's almost impossible to find cruise passengers that have been in Key West who will have anything but words of praise for this port of call.

Where cruise ships dock in Key West

Cruise Ships dock in one of three possible piers / harbors:

Mallory Square

• Navy’s Outer Mole

The most regularly used is known as Pier B, which is part of the private marina of the Weston Resort.

Pier B in Key West

Pier B and Mallory Square

If your cruise ship is the only one in port - which happens quite frequently - this will be most probably where she will dock. This is a perfect location just, literally, a couple of minutes walk away from the Old Town - one of the top attractions of Key West where many highlights are located.

There is also the possibility that your cruise ship will dock at another pier close by, also right at the heart of the Old Town, in Mallory Square - this is a famous spot where crowds gather to watch the sunset and it can get very busy when returning onboard at the end of the day.

Outer Mole Pier in Key West

Navy’s Outer Mole pier and shuttle bus

Finally, when there are more than two ships in port, the Navy’s Outer Mole Pier is where the other will dock. Those that have been in Key West before and docked downtown complain when docking at the Outer Mole because it is not right by the Old Town. However, its location is just a 5-minute shuttle ride way from Old Town, and all cruise lines provide a shuttle.

Things to do and see in Key West

One of the nicest and inviting aspects of Key West is that whatever the cruise traveler would like to do or see it is always very easy to get to anywhere on your own. However, there are many things to do which you can only enjoy with a shore excursion, a sightseeing service or a local tour guide. Here are the top things to do in Key West:

• Sail on a catamaran and snorkel
• Go on Kayak Nature Tour
• Explore Key West on a Bike Tour
• Experience watersports like parasail, paddleboarding, jet ski or snuba
• Hop-On and Hop-Off the Old Town Trolley
• Enjoy the ocean life on a glass bottom boat
• Discover Key West on the Conch Train
• Explore the highlights of Key West on a tour or on your own
• Visit Hemingway's home and Sloppy Joe's
• Take a Pub Crawl Tour
• Watch a dolphin show
• Visit the Aquarium and the Butterfly Gardens
• See Key West on an helicopter tour
• Tour President Truman's Little White House
• Take a Rum and Cigar tour
• Spend some time on a beach
• Go on a harbour cruise around Key West
• Savor a genuine Key lime pie

Conch Tour Train in Key West

What's to do within walking distance and sightseeing

Amongst many inviting aspects of Key West, cruise passengers like to know that many top attractions are close by and easy to reach on your own. The Old Town is a grid of quaint architecture which you can leisurely explore on foot. And most attractions and landmarks are within walking distance. The Old Town Trolley Tours , the Conch Tour Train and the City View Trolleys offer great sightseeing .

Scooter Rentals in Key West

To get around Key West, you can rent a bike, a scooter, or an electrical car. Public buses have stops close to all main attractions. Car rental is not advisable unless you wish to travel to other Keys nearby; parking in Key West is expensive and very limited.

Fishing Tours in Key West

Watersports and activities

For those that are interested in the cultural aspects of Key West there is plenty to choose but, after all, Key West was made famous by one of its most ilustrious residents - Ernest Hemingway - and his passion for Ocean activities. Naturally, sailing , deep sea fishing and all type of water sports are a main atraction of Key West and there are lots on offer including a few nice beaches - more about these below.

Hemingway's Home and other museums

The Hemingway Home and Museum is a must see along with landmarks and museums such as the Truman Little White House, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit.

Aquarium in Key West

For the cruise traveler with children there are many interesting attractions, such as the Key West Aquarium, the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, the Butterfly &Nature Conservatory, the Tropical Forest &Botanical Garden, the Nancy Forrester Garden, the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, or the Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Historical landmarks, museums and religious sites

The Southernmost Point of the Continental US, an anchored concrete buoy, is one the most famous landmarks in Key West. But there are several others less photographed equally charming. Historical landmarks like the Customs House Museum, the Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters, the Fort East Martello Museum, the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, and the Curry Mansion Inn have a unique charm.

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church

And a handul of small museums display unique exhibits worth a visit: Turtle Museum, Oldest House Museum, Flagler Station Museum, Richard Kemp House, Hellings House Museum and USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum. Two religious sites must also be mentioned - the Saint Paul's Episcopal Church (on Duval Street) and the catholic Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea.

The beaches in Key West

Unless you are planning to book a full-day excursion to the Bahia Honda State Park or the Dry Tortugas National Park, the cruise traveler that is an avid beachgoer may be a bit disappointed to discover that Key West doesn't have the spectacular type of beaches found in Caribbean Islands like Grand Cayman or Antigua. There are a few very nice beaches but none that compares to Magens Bay (in St. Thomas) or Orient Beach (in St. Martin).

Beach in Key West

There are a few small sand strips with shallow waters and nice beach-bars like South Beach (by the Atlantic end of Duval Street) or Lagerheads Beach Bar in the Old Town at the end of Simonton Street, but the best are slightly off track. The good news is that on the larger beaches you will find all sorts of watersports, renting of chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddle-boards. All have public restrooms, nice seaside bars, and restaurants. But you should expect shallow waters and, depending on the season, sometimes rocky and with seaweeds.

Higgs Beach in Key West

In the Fort Zachary Taylor Park , besides the Historical Fort, you will find one of the nicest beaches in Key West and the closest to the Cruise Port - slightly over 1-mile (half hour walking). It is great for snorkeling. Entrance to the park is $2.50 per person if walking or biking (a nice way to get there). Higgs Beach is on the Atlantic side, east of Duval Street or 2-miles from the Cruise Port. Great for cruise travelers with kids, Higgs Beach has a distinctive wooden pier and lots of watersports are available.

The half-mile, hand-made, Smathers Beach is the largest in Key West and also the farthest from the Cruise Port - 3-miles from the Cruise Port. Besides the usual beach facilities (restrooms, chairs, umbrellas), the cruise traveler will also find the best Watersports available in Key West such as sailboats, windsurfing, paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis or parasailing. Be aware that public restrooms closed at 4:00 p.m.

What's to do and see in the Old Town

Mallory Square in Key West

Regardless of where you dock, the Old Town is a top highlight impossible to miss. The Old Town is the western tip of Key West and where famous streets (and attractions) are found.

Mallory Square is a good point of reference for your orientation. Right behind the square, Wall Street is where the Aquarium and the Shipwreck Museum are found, along with the stops of the Old Town Trolley (great sightseeing), an Information Center and the famous restaurant El Meson de Pepe .

Custom House in Key West

Duval Street and other major streets in the Old Town

Parallel to Wall Street, Front Street is a good reference thoroughfare as it connects to all other major streets in the Old Town - Duval Street, Whitehead Street, Greene Street or Caroline Street. If docked at Pier B, the cruise traveler will be exiting right into Front Street by the Customs House Museum and next to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum .

The southern section of Front Street is a dead-end, although the Truman Little White House is close by, but at the northern end the cruise travel will find the 'off-the-beaten-track' A&B Marina - a quaint harbor with very nice restaurants (Lobster House, Alonzo Oyster Bar, The Commodore) and a boardwalk (aka Harbor Walk) that will take you to the Historical Seaport.

Harbor Wak in Key West

The Turtle Museum and a handful of well-known restaurants/bars (Conch Republic, Turtle Kraals, Half Shell Raw Bar, Dante’s Key West) are found at the Historical Seaport . At the northern end of the port, you will find the Flagler Station Museum.

Flagler Station Museum in Key West

Both Greene Street and Caroline Street also end by the Historical Seaport but the later doesn't have much to see along the way besides the Richard Kemp House .

Duval Street is certainly the most famous of all streets in Key West, known for its lively nightlife and profusion of stores with well-known brands, one of a kind shops, boutiques, art galleries, and souvenirs.

Sloppy Joe’s in Key West

Whistle Bar in Key West

Duval Street bars and attractions

Inevitably, because cruise ships sail before Duval Street starts pulsing with revelers, you will miss this aspect of Key West. But, even so, many bars are still fun to enjoy during the day - Sloppy Joe’s (Hemingway was a regular patron) and Whistle Bar are two to look for. Other big names have bars here such as Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville Cafe or Fat Tuesday.

The cruise traveler will also find on Duval Street other attractions like the Hellings House Museum, the Wrecker's Museum at the Oldest House, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the historical Saint Paul's Episcopal Church and, close to the Atlantic end, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

Art Gallery in Key West

Above all, walking Duval Street is a delight. No visit to Key West is complete without a stroll on Duval Street, in particular, along the charming six blocks between Greene Street and Petronia Sreet. Be aware that Duval Street crosses the Old Town - north to south - and it is 2 miles long ending at South Beach, which is a small strip of sand dominated by the homonymous cafe.

Hemingway's House in Key West

Whitehead Street is parallel to Duval Street and although it is a reference thoroughfare is mainly famous for three historical landmarks: the Hemingway's House and Museum (five blocks south of the Mallory Square), the Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters close by and the marker of the Southernmost the tip of the continental U.S. - known simply as Southernmost Point - at the end of the street on the Atlantic Oceanside.

Cruise shore excursions and tours

Obviously, all cruise lines callling at Key West offer many and diverse shore excursions in Key West. Royal Caribbean offers 13 shore excursions , Norwegian Cruise Line has available 11 shore tours , and Carnival lists 15 cruise excursions .

Celebrity Cruises offer as many 25 shore excursions , Holland America lists 21 tours and Oceania Cruises organizes 7 shore excursions in Key West cruise port.

Although most luxury cruise lines include shore excursions with the cruise fare, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea offer unique and diverse explorations ashore in Key West. Regent lists 11 port excursions , and Silversea offers 3 excursions .

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Trips
• Shore Excursions Group
• Tours by Locals
• Cruising Excursions
• Shore Excursioneer

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Holland America Line to Key West

Holland America Line has long been celebrated for its unwavering commitment to excellence, providing passengers with luxurious accommodations, unparalleled service, and unforgettable moments that surpass expectations. And now, with Key West gracing their itineraries, Holland America Line has elevated the Caribbean cruise experience to new heights.

Key West is more than just a beach lover's paradise. It boasts a rich cultural tapestry that will captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of local music, sample delectable Caribbean cuisine bursting with flavors and spices, and delve into the fascinating history and heritage that permeate every corner of Key West. At the bustling port of Key West, cruise ships dock directly, allowing passengers to disembark and experience the city's attractions within a matter of minutes. Ships often arrive early in the morning, providing travelers a full day to delve into the delights of Key West. Visitors are treated to a plethora of dining options, shopping opportunities, and local attractions within close proximity to the harbor. One can start their exploration right from the vibrant Mallory Square located adjacent to the port, well known for its mesmerizing sunset celebrations and lively street performances.

With Holland America Line unwavering dedication to guest satisfaction, you can expect an unparalleled voyage. From the moment you step onboard, you'll be greeted by a world-class crew ready to cater to your every need. Indulge in exquisite dining options, relax in luxurious accommodations, and partake in a plethora of entertainment and enrichment activities that will enrich your Caribbean cruise experience. Holland America Line's ships are designed with comfort and elegance in mind. From spacious and well-appointed staterooms to world-class dining options, every aspect of the ship is crafted to provide a luxurious and unforgettable experience. Indulge in exquisite cuisine prepared by renowned chefs, enjoy live music and entertainment, or pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments. With an array of amenities and services, Holland America Line ensures that your journey through the Caribbean is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.

With its unique history, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife, Key West is a must-visit destination for anyone on a Caribbean cruise. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this charming island has something for everyone....

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line known for its refined ambiance and attention to detail. With a reputation for excellence, Holland America Line offers a luxurious experience that appeals to discerning travelers. As a classic cruise line, it strikes a perfect balance between luxury and...

Key West Cruise Schedule

With its unique history, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife, Key West is a must-visit destination for anyone on a Caribbean cruise. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this charming island has something for everyone.

4-day Bahamas cruise from Miami

Celebrity summit, celebrity cruises.

Date: April 11, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Key West, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

7-day Western Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Celebrity apex, celebrity cruises.

Date: April 13, 2024

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Belize City, Cozumel, George Town, Fort Lauderdale; View Itinerary

Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages

Date: April 17, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Key West, Bimini, Miami; View Itinerary

4-day Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Celebrity silhouette, celebrity cruises.

Date: April 18, 2024

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Nassau, Fort Lauderdale; View Itinerary

8-day Bahamas cruise from Galveston

Carnival dream, carnival cruise line.

Date: April 20, 2024

Ports of Call: Galveston, Key West, Freeport, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Galveston; View Itinerary

4-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami

Carnival conquest, carnival cruise line.

Date: April 22, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Key West, Cozumel, Miami; View Itinerary

Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Cruise Line

Date: April 25, 2024

Valiant Lady, Virgin Voyages

Date: May 1, 2024

Date: May 4, 2024

7-day Bahamas cruise from Tampa

Enchantment of the seas, royal caribbean.

Ports of Call: Tampa, Nassau, Freeport, CocoCay, Key West, Tampa; View Itinerary

6-day Western Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Celebrity reflection, celebrity cruises.

Date: May 12, 2024

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Key West, George Town, Bimini, Fort Lauderdale; View Itinerary

Date: May 15, 2024

Date: May 18, 2024

5-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami

Norwegian sky, norwegian cruise line.

Date: May 23, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Key West, Cozumel, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: May 26, 2024

7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from New Orleans

Carnival liberty, carnival cruise line.

Ports of Call: New Orleans, Key West, Freeport, Nassau, New Orleans; View Itinerary

Date: May 29, 2024

Date: June 1, 2024

Date: June 9, 2024

6-day Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa

Carnival paradise, carnival cruise line.

Date: June 10, 2024

Ports of Call: Tampa, Key West, Montego Bay, George Town, Tampa; View Itinerary

Date: June 12, 2024

Date: June 15, 2024

7-day Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral

Norwegian jade, norwegian cruise line.

Ports of Call: Port Canaveral, Key West, George Town, Ocho Rios, Great Stirrup Cay, Port Canaveral; View Itinerary

Date: June 23, 2024

Date: June 26, 2024

Date: June 29, 2024

Date: July 7, 2024

Date: July 10, 2024

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Holland America Line to Deploy All Three Pinnacle-Class Ships and Feature Longer Cruises in Robust Caribbean 2025-2026 Season

Nearly 30 different itineraries range up to 14 days and span the Caribbean region

Seattle, Washington, April 2, 2024 — Travelers looking to explore the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean will have nearly 30 different Holland America Line itineraries to choose from between October 2025 and April 2026. New to the season is the addition of Miami, Florida, as a homeport, as well as the return of Koningsdam, putting all three Pinnacle-Class ships in the Caribbean.

Through the expansive variety of itineraries, cruisers can explore the eastern , western and southern regions of the Caribbean, as well as a partial Panama Canal transit. In addition to weeklong getaways, Holland America Line offers longer Caribbean cruises from nine to 14 days, featuring more islands on one itinerary. Select November sailings and special December cruises make it fun and easy to celebrate Thanksgiving and the winter holidays in the tropics.

“ This will be the first time all three of our Pinnacle-Class ships are in the Caribbean together, allowing for even more opportunities for guests to experience all we have to offer,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “With demand for Caribbean cruises remaining strong, we’ve planned a robust season allowing guests to choose the islands they want to visit and the ideal length for their vacation.”

Caribbean 2025-2026 Highlights:

· All itineraries include Half Moon Cay , Holland America Line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas boasting the finest beaches in the Caribbean, crystalline waters, an abundance of watersports, private cabanas and memorable shore excursions.

· On select itineraries, late-evening departures from Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire mean more time in port and the chance to experience the vibrant Caribbean nightlife.

· Cuisine on board highlights fresh, local flavors with regional favorites including yellowtail snapper, plantains, and other regional specialties sourced directly from port to plate.

· For travelers who like to get away for the winter holidays, 10 sailings in December will sail the waters of the Caribbean on cruises from seven to 14 days.

Eastern Caribbean :

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam and Zuiderdam.

· Seven-day cruises are a combination of ports: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Key West, Florida; and Nassau, Bimini and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

· An eight-day cruise on Koningsdam departs and calls at Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.

· Longer 11-day eastern Caribbean itineraries call at St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, plus Martinique or Dominica.

· A 14-day holiday cruise on Volendam departs Dec. 21, 2025, and includes visits to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, St. John, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad.

Western Caribbean:

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam and Zuiderdam.

· All western Caribbean cruises are seven days and call at Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Half Moon Cay.

Southern Caribbean:

·Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

·Ships: Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The nine-day cruise makes its way to the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao before visiting Half Moon Cay.

·The 10-day itinerary also includes Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay, and adds Grand Turk and Amber Cove.

· All Curaçao visits have a late-evening departure, and select cruises also have a late-evening departure from Bonaire or Aruba.

Partial Panama Canal:

· Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

·Ships: Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The 12-day “Panama Canal Discovery” itinerary makes it possible to visit the Panama Canal without a coast-to-coast transit.

·Explores the Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake and sails a partial transit of the Canal.

· Ports include Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Grand Cayman, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay.

Combine Back-to-Back Cruises for Longer Collectors’ Voyages Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 14 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, allowing guests to span more than one Caribbean region and enjoy the ultimate island-hopping journey.

Early Booking Bonus Offers For a limited time, when guests book newly opening 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Beginning cruise-only fares for 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises start from $579 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America ship

Of the seven big lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans, Holland America is the brand most known for far-flung, globe-circling itineraries.

You'll find Holland America ships in almost every corner of the world at some point during the year, operating itineraries that are unusual in their diversity of routes and specific port calls.

Still, the line's heaviest presence by far is in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. In a typical summer, the line will deploy around half of its vessels to Europe while sending the other half to Alaska. The two regions are often the line's entire focus for summers.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

During the winter, the line will move at least half of these ships to the Caribbean, while also sending some on far-reaching voyages across the world to Asia, Australia and South America.

For the coming winter, seven of the line's 11 ships are scheduled to sail in the Caribbean, and there will be at least one ship each in Asia, Australia and South America. There also will be one ship operating an epic, around-the-world voyage — a long tradition at the line.

In all, Holland America ships sail to 98 countries, hitting all seven continents. They visit more than 470 different ports and cruise destinations. These are much larger numbers than found with such rival lines as Celebrity Cruises . The latter boasts voyages to around 300 ports in 79 countries .

Among Holland America's itineraries, you'll find everything from one-night sampler cruises between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., to 128-night around-the-world voyages that feature stops at dozens of countries. That's a much broader range than most other big lines, including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line .

Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an epic voyage, you can't go wrong with these five top Holland America cruise destinations.

Related: The 4 classes of Holland America ships, explained

Some of Holland America's most popular itineraries are in Europe, where the line has traditionally been a significant player. In a typical year, Holland America will deploy around half of its vessels to the region from spring until fall, making Europe one of its biggest focuses for more than half the year.

The itineraries that Holland America offers in Europe are wide-ranging, with a diverse set of routings in both the Mediterranean as well as across Northern Europe.

In the Mediterranean, sailings include everything from seven- to 28-night voyages that offer the chance to see such iconic destinations as Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Florence and Naples, Italy, on a single cruise.

Some Holland America cruises in the Mediterranean also include visits to Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey (the latter a gateway to the famed ruins of Ephesus), and Haifa and Ashdod in Israel (for visits to Jerusalem and other iconic destinations in the country).

In Northern Europe, Holland America will take you to such well-known Baltic cities as Stockholm, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki, Finland; and St. Petersburg, Russia, in a single sailing (note that Holland America's calls in St. Petersburg are on hold for now due to the war in Ukraine). There also are itineraries that will bring you to Iceland, Greenland and the Norwegian fjords.

Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America cabins and suites

Among the longest sailings Holland America offers in Europe is a 35-night "British Isles, Spitsbergen & Iceland Fjords Explore" trip that brings a complete circumnavigation of England and Scotland, several stops along the coast of Norway, and calls in both Iceland and the Norwegian-controlled Arctic island of Spitsbergen.

In Northern Europe, Holland America ships mostly sail out of Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands (a nod to the company's Dutch heritage) and Copenhagen, Denmark.

In the Mediterranean, the line's hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice in Italy; and Piraeus (the port for Athens).

2. Caribbean and The Bahamas

You usually won't find a single Holland America ship in the Caribbean and the Bahamas over the summer, when the line turns its focus to sailings in Europe and Alaska. However, come winter, Holland America will reposition quite a few of its vessels to the Caribbean and Bahamas sailings.

For the coming winter, for instance, Holland America currently has seven of its 11 vessels scheduled to sail in the regions — including its two newest and biggest ships, the 2,660-passenger Rotterdam and the 2,650-passenger Nieuw Statendam.

Holland America offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from a single home port in the regions — Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades .

If you're looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of quick, three-night cruises out of Port Everglades to its private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. The line also offers four- and five-night voyages out of Port Everglades to the Bahamas and Key West, Florida. However, Holland America is best known for longer sailings in the Caribbean. These include lots of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean, but also a large number of even longer, 10- to 21-nights Caribbean voyages.

The latter trips offer the chance to see a broader mix of Caribbean islands than is typical on Caribbean sailings.

Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America's Mariner Society loyalty program

Among the most elaborate of the itineraries that Holland America offers out of Port Everglades, for instance, is a 21-day "Southern Caribbean Wayfarer/Seafarer" voyage that brings calls at the islands of St. Martin (specifically, to the Dutch side of the island known as St. Maarten), St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, Hispaniola (for a visit to the Dominican Republic), Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The voyage is actually a combination of two shorter, back-to-back sailings that are designed without repeating ports.

Holland America is particularly known for voyages to Alaska, where it dominates the market for cruises along with sister line Princess Cruises.

In recent years, Holland America has deployed as many as eight ships to Alaska in the summer — far more than most other lines. In the wake of a significant downsizing over the past two years , the line is cutting that number back a bit. However, it's still planning on deploying at least six vessels to Alaska in the coming summers — a huge number.

Holland America also operates its own wilderness lodges in Alaska, as well as tourist trains and buses. It uses the lodges, trains and buses to offer an extensive range of nine- to 14-night Alaska "cruisetours" that combine a cruise with land-based touring.

The Alaska cruise season is a short one, lasting roughly from May to September. For 2022, Holland America plans to deploy six ships to the Alaska market:

• Eurodam : The 2,104-passenger vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. It'll also visit Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Koningsdam : The 2,650-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Vancouver, B.C. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Tracy Arm and Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Oosterdam. Like Eurodam, the 2,388-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan; and Victoria, British Columbia. It'll also visit Alaska's Hubbard Glacier for glacier viewing.
• Zuiderdam . Like Koningsdam, the 1,916-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Vancouver, B.C. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Nieuw Amsterdam: The 2,106-passenger ship will primarily operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, B.C., and Whittier, Alaska. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing, as well as either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
• Noordam : Like Nieuw Amsterdam, the 1,924-passenger vessel will primarily operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, B.C., and Whittier, Alaska. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing as well as either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

The appeal of the one-way sailings on Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam is that they can be combined with stays at the Holland America lodges mentioned above to create the longer "cruisetours" of Alaska that combine a one-way cruise with a land tour.

The land tour portion of such trips brings visits to such well-known interior Alaska locations as Denali National Park and the town of Fairbanks. Holland America is also unique among cruise lines in offering cruisetours that include a land tour into the Yukon Territory of Canada.

4. Panama Canal

Have you always wanted to experience a transit through the Panama Canal? Among major cruise lines, Holland America has one of the biggest array of sailings through the waterway.

In a typical year, the line will operate more than two dozen voyages to the canal, some of which are round-trip sailings from Florida's Port Everglades while others are one-way trips between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, California.

In the case of the former sailings, Holland America ships only transit part-way through the canal after entering it through the Gatun Locks on its Caribbean side. Such trips typically include a transit into the canal through the locks, cruising in the canal to Gatun Lake and a transit out of the canal through the locks before a stop at nearby Colon, Panama.

Among the shore excursions available from the port of Colon is a bus tour to see the locks in action from observation areas on land.

Other port calls during such Panama Canal cruises typically include the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

In the case of the one-way voyages between Florida and California, Holland America's ships will make the full journey through the canal's three sets of locks from the Caribbean to the Pacific or vice versa.

Other port calls during such cruises typically include Puerto Vallarta and Hautulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.

5. The World

In addition to focused voyages in a wide range of cruise destinations from Europe to Alaska, Holland America has long been known for epic around-the-world voyages that include stops at dozens of destinations in four, five or even six continents.

These trips typically take place on the line's smaller vessels and can last four months or longer, allowing Americans to travel across the globe without ever getting on an airplane.

Normally, Holland America's around-the-world voyages begin and end at Florida's Port Everglades.

The line plans one such trip for 2023 — a 128-day voyage from Port Everglades starting on Jan. 3, 2023, that includes stops in North America, Australia, Africa and Europe.

Taking place on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam, the trip includes a transit of the Panama Canal, multiple stops in French Polynesia including Bora Bora and Moorea; visits to multiple destinations in New Zealand; and calls at Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Gambia and Senegal.

In addition to its around-the-world cruises, Holland America is also known for full circumnavigations of South America that begin and end in Port Everglades.

For 2023, the line plans one such journey — a 74-day cruise on the 1,432-passenger Volendam that starts on Jan. 3, 2023.

Bottom line

Holland America offers an incredibly wide range of itineraries in cruise destinations around the world, from South America to Asia. However, you'll find the most choices among Holland America itineraries in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. The line is also well-known for voyages through the Panama Canal and for its epic around-the-world cruises. Its annual around-the-world sailings, in particular, are something that sets it apart from other big lines.

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Cheap Key West Holland America Cruises

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• Holland America Line

7 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean

• You want a high-quality cruise experience with classic touches
• You love live music; Zuiderdam's venues excel in this area
• You like your ships big and full of features, but humanly sized
• You crave vibrant nightlife; things wind down around 10 p.m.
• You want thrill-seeking amenities like waterslides or ziplines

10 Night Cruise to the Southern Caribbean

• You want a more traditional, upscale cruise on a bigger ship
• You appreciate having a multitude of different dining choices
• You want plenty of activities but nothing overly wild or crazy
• You are looking for a ship with elaborate children's facilities
• You want an all-inclusive, ship-within-a-ship suite complex
• You prefer intimate, adult-oriented vacation experiences

14 Night Cruise to the Western Caribbean

• You want a cruise that harkens to the glory days of travel
• You want a classy cruise on a big ship at a reasonable price
• You don't need a lot of crazy activities during the day
• You want a flashy cruise with cutting-edge onboard diversions
• You prefer a vacation experience with nonstop nightlife
• You expect an all-inclusive product; extra charges abound
• You want a classic cruise experience on a thoroughly modern ship
• You love food and want plenty of high-quality restaurants
• You like scheduled activities but don't need anything crazy
• You're looking to read a book on a true open promenade deck
• You want a ship that has elaborate facilities for children

14 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean

14 night cruise to the caribbean, 30 night cruise to the panama canal & central america, 21 night cruise to the southern caribbean, 18 night cruise to the eastern caribbean.

• You want a big ship with lots of classy fun for all ages
• You enjoy live music and plenty of enrichment activities
• You're happy with good quality service and a relaxing vibe
• You enjoy strolling on a true wraparound promenade deck
• You miss the more intimate feeling of the line's smaller ships

19 Night Cruise to the Southern Caribbean

Explore key west.

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Key West (Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-11 08:22

Port Key West cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Key West, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Key West is an island, city and cruise port in the Florida Strait (within Monroe County, Florida USA) with population around 25,000. Key West City includes also the nearby islands Dredgers Key, Fleming Key, Sunset Key and also Stock Island's northern part.

Key West (port locode USEYW) is approx 150 mi (240 km) from Miami  and just 90 mi (145 km) from  Havana Cuba .

As cruise port, Key West has 2 ship docking piers. The first/principal (Fisherman Wharf) is within walking distance from downtown. The second (Outer Mole Pier) is a free trolley bus ride away from downtown.

In mid-July 2020, to the November ballot was added a referendum (3 proposed amendments) to limit the number of big-sized cruise ships calling at Key West. The ballot's amendments restricted the ship's size ( max passenger capacity 1300), limited the number of disembarking tourists (max 1500 per day) and also gave priority to newer and safer liners - more environmental (engines, technologies) and with fewer accidents (especially onboard illness outbreaks ) and better VSPs (CDC vessel sanitation records).

• According to a CLIA-commissioned study conducted in August 2020 (CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association), the industry's economic impact for Key West is that ~7% of the island's total spending is from cruise ship tourists who contribute ~USD 73 million of the island's total ~USD 1,2 billion annual visitor spending.
• In November 2020, Key West's residents voted for the three proposals and effectively banned the large cruise ships, including the fleets of Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC.
• In late April 2021, the Forida Senate passed (in a 25 to 14 vote) "Senate Bill 426" that could overturn Key West's initiative to limit cruise shipping. The bill (aka "State Preemption of Seaport Regulations") was introduced by Jim Boyd (Senator of District 21). In the bill, he indicated that allowing each port city in Florida to impose its own rules on the port's maritime activities could result in "abrupt changes in the supply lines bringing goods into and out of this state", thus disrupting the state's economy. However, to become a law, Bill 426 must pass Florida's House of Representatives.
• On June 29, 2021, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis signed "Senate Bill 1194 (2021)" (aka Transportation Bill). The Bill contains various transportation-related (road, airports, seaports) provisions but also doesn't allow ballots/referendums (conducted by local municipalities and counties) to impact the state's seaport businesses. "[the Bill] Provides that with respect to any port that has received or is eligible to apply for or receive certain state seaport funding, a local ballot initiative or referendum may not restrict maritime commerce in such port based on specified but unlimited factors. These provisions apply retroactively and prospectively, prohibiting, rendering void, and preempting to the state any conflicting initiative or referendum".
• Since July 1, 2021, Key West's ban on cruise liners is history.

In 2019, the cruise port handled 417 ship calls and nearly 965,000 passengers.

On December 1, 2017, RCI-Royal Caribbean added a 5-night itinerary on Empress of the Seas visiting Key West and Havana (overnight). For summer season 2018, Empress OTS had scheduled roundtrips to Cuba from Tampa FL with a series of 4-5-night itineraries to Key West, Mexico ( Costa Maya , Cozumel ) and Cuba ( Havana ). For winter season 2018-2019, the ship was homeported in Fort Lauderdale .

On November 27, 2018, upon leaving Key West, due to heavy winds, the luxury liner  Silver Spirit collided with The Fisherman Wharf (aka Mallory Pier/at Mallory Square). The ship departed the berth at ~6:30 PM and started to turn around when strong winds stopped it and pushed it back towards the dock. The crash resulted in minor hull damages and no injuries, but the concrete structure sustained damage that left the berth unusable (remained closed until May 2019). Berth damages were estimated ~USD 0,5-0,75 million. Silversea agreed to pay for the repairs plus ~US$50,000 reimbursement (for not-received passenger fees during the restoration period).

In 2023, ACL-American Cruise Lines included Key West as a call port of its 7-night/8-day "Florida Gulf Coast and Keys" itinerary. The roundtrip from Tampa was specifically designed for ACL's newbuild catamarans (Coastal Cats) and was first operated by American Glory in 2023.

On this ACL ex-Florida voyage, on days 3 and 4 the ship stays in Key West overnight. This allows tourists to explore Key West City on Day 3 (with a complimentary guided tour to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum) and the Dry Tortugas National Park on Day 4 (visiting Fort Jefferson/Civil War prison).

The Caribbean island Key West was initially called "Bone Key" (Cayo Hueso) honoring the Indian skeletons found by the Spaniards on its shores when they landed here for the first time in the 16th-century. The USA bought Cayo Hueso from Spain in the early-19th-century, and eventually, the name was Americanized to Key West. Today, the island is best-known with its pleasantly warm weather and great beaches, architecture, historical sites, and easily-traversed streets lined with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops, galleries, theatres, museums. Cruise ship tourists may easily explore the downtown on foot and see Duval Street, Mallory Square, visit the Aquarium, Mel Fisher Museum, Audubon House, Hemmingway's House. A quick tour is offered by the Conch Train.

The island is one of nearly a thousand coral islets (Florida Keys archipelago) stretching southward from Miami. Key West is directly linked to mainland-USA (Miami) via Overseas Highway (113 mi / 182 km long US Route 1). Overseas Highway is part of US Highway 1 (serving East Coast USA) that has total length 2369 mi (3813 km), starts in Key West and ends in Fort Kent (Maine, at the USA-Canada border).

US Highway 1 connects most large US East Coast cities ( Miami , Jacksonville FL , Raleigh NC, Richmond VA, Washington DC , Baltimore MD , Philadelphia PA , NYC , Boston MA ) and is the USA's longest south-north route linking Southeastern US to New England.

Key West cruise terminal

Most cruise ships in Key West dock at The Fisherman Wharf (aka Mallory Pier/Mallory Square). Alternatively, the cruise port has two more berths - Outer Mole Pier (Truman Waterfront Park) and Margaritaville Resort (near Mallory Square).

Next are listed the most popular Carnival Cruise Lines tours in Key West, with USD prices per adult:

• catamaran and snorkeling tour ($50)
• Butterfly Conservatory ($40)
• Trolley and Train tours ($30-65)
• History tours ($40)
• parasailing ($90)
• Key West Pub ($40)
• kayaking ($55)
• speedboat ride ($100)
• scuba diving tour ($115)
• biking tour ($45)
• boat rides ($70)

Key West tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Key West - user reviews and comments

Caribbean (Western)

The Western Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise regions. It appeals to all sorts of tourists, from first-time cruisers to experienced travelers, and from families with young children to couples celebrating golden anniversaries. The region's warm temperatures, laid-back atmosphere and wide range of activities -- sightseeing, shopping and water sports -- draw millions to the area each year.

Visit popular cities in the Yucatan region of Mexico, well-known for ancient Mayan ruins and white-sand beaches. Snorkel or swim with the stingrays in Grand Cayman, splash around at Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica or scuba dive in Cozumel. Some Western Caribbean cruises stop in eclectic Key West, where shop-lined streets, amazing art galleries and lively bars welcome guests ashore.

Destinations such as Belize and Honduras are emerging as popular Western Caribbean cruise destinations as well-traveled cruisers search for new and unusual destinations to explore. And, from time to time, ports located in the Eastern Caribbean or Southern Caribbean, the Bahamas, Central America and South America are visited on Western Caribbean itineraries as well.

Western Caribbean cruises usually depart from U.S. ports along the Gulf Coast and Florida, from cities such as Galveston, New Orleans and Port Canaveral, as well as Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Easily accessible departure cities, short cruise options (sailings range from 4 to 14 nights in length) and relatively low prices make a Western Caribbean cruise an ideal choice for those interested in an inexpensive getaway.

• The Western Caribbean is blessed with continuously balmy, pleasant weather, making it a year-round cruising destination.
• Western Caribbean cruises typically last 4 to 14 nights, although there may be longer itineraries.
• Western Caribbean cruise ports are often found on Panama Canal sailings.
• Many ships will alternate 7-night eastern and western itineraries, giving passengers the option of purchasing back-to-back cruises and remaining on one ship for a 14-night sailing.
• Western Caribbean cruises are particularly kid-friendly, making them ideal for family getaways. Most ships have children's programs, youth counselors and children's activity centers.

• Holland America Line

By esther e , January 12, 2022 in Holland America Line

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Why is HAL indicating KW is one of the ports when it's known that they don't want any large ships docked with pax over 1000?  Might they change their minds?  I doubt it.

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I don't want to accuse them of "bait and switch" but we were on a 5 night NA cruise in late December and the port calls were:  Key West, Nassau and HMC......

A month or so before departure, we were advised that the new ports would be......Freeport, Bimini and HMC....(Key West was, of course, a port we were excited to visit but whatever)

When we cruised, we went to Freeport (which was a waste), Bimini (not much to that) and we missed HMC due to weather.....LOL...So we did not visit any of the ports that were on our original itinerary.

We had a great cruise but the ports were not what was advertised......(and I'm very much aware that my "contract" says they can switch ports as they see fit)

1 hour ago, FlaMariner said: I don't want to accuse them of "bait and switch" but we were on a 5 night NA cruise in late December and the port calls were:  Key West, Nassau and HMC......   A month or so before departure, we were advised that the new ports would be......Freeport, Bimini and HMC....(Key West was, of course, a port we were excited to visit but whatever)   When we cruised, we went to Freeport (which was a waste), Bimini (not much to that) and we missed HMC due to weather.....LOL...So we did not visit any of the ports that were on our original itinerary.   We had a great cruise but the ports were not what was advertised......(and I'm very much aware that my "contract" says they can switch ports as they see fit)    

I agree that the contract says they can switch ports, but it is still wrong to advertise a port that they know they are barred from. The ability to switch ports should really be there for reasons like weather.

The ban on cruise ships at Key West was overturned by the governor and state legislator.  Just google "Key West cruise ship ban" and you will see numerous articles on this.  

The state overturned the KW law but it doesn't change the fact that KW is still divided on the issue. 

That said, KW is my hometown and I promise that you'll still have a nice visit.  KW isn't like much of the world.  You won't see people out protesting the ship's arrival and acting all stupid.  Those people will get distracted by any one of a thousand bars on their way to the port.   😉

3 hours ago, Aquahound said: The state overturned the KW law but it doesn't change the fact that KW is still divided on the issue. 

I did not know this.  Thank you for posting this information.  I have visited Key West a few times and I have always enjoyed my visits.  

Actually, just looked at the cruise calendar for Key West and looks like lots of our type ships are planning to dock in January......

I see the Rotterdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and lots of other "mass market" ships planning to dock at Key West!  Perhaps us regular folks are once again welcome in Key West.....

Here is the link....

https://crew-center.com/key-west-florida-cruise-ship-schedule#:~:text=Key West%2C Florida Cruise Ship Schedule ,Jan. - 17%3A00 26 more rows

9 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:   I did not know this.  Thank you for posting this information. 

Yeah, there's a lot of shady back story to the whole mess, but that gets into the forbidden subject that starts with p and ends with olitics.   😉

Some cruise companies are voluntarily complying with the overturned ban on large ships at Key West; most are still sailing there despite the desire of the majority of residents to restrict large ships. Our February sailing is scheduled to stop at Key West - a place I've long wished to visit. I'll be happy to go there but if HAL decides to honor the wishes of the residents and skip it I won't complain. I think the local community deserves to decide what they want in visitors. 

1 hour ago, Aquahound said:   Yeah, there's a lot of shady back story to the whole mess, but that gets into the forbidden subject that starts with p and ends with olitics.   😉

Doesn't surprise me!  

Crazy For Cats

4 hours ago, Aquahound said: The state overturned the KW law but it doesn't change the fact that KW is still divided on the issue.    That said, KW is my hometown and I promise that you'll still have a nice visit.  KW isn't like much of the world.  You won't see people out protesting the ship's arrival and acting all stupid.  Those people will get distracted by any one of a thousand bars on their way to the port.   😉

We were on the Dawn last month and were greeted by protesters on land and sea.  We have a lot of coast guard around the ship.  There were also lots of people thanking us for stopping.

Many years ago they were trying to get rid of the chickens.  

The-Inside-Cabin

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/438656-gov-desantis-tanks-key-west-cruise-rules/

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Holland America Canceled Jan 14 Key West

By gdy0354 , November 10, 2022 in Key West

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Our Holland America just cancelled Key West for Jan 14 cruise. Replaced with Nassau.  Is Key West eliminating more cruise stops there?

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Share on other sites, keywester33.

Key West residents voted by a super majority to limit the size of ships and the number of visitors in port.  Unfortunately, The State Legislature and Governor overrode that vote.

However, The City is still honoring the wishes of its residents by limiting docking at the two City controlled ports (Mallory Square and the Outer Mole.)

Only the privately owned Pier B is ignoring the vote and allowing large ships to dock there.

My guess is another ship has been scheduled at Pier B, bumping your ship.  The Pier and the Harbor Pilots are both paid based on ship size and passenger count, so  I imagine a larger ship wanted to dock.  It is also possible that Holland America is listening to the campaign to get cruise lines to follow the wishes of the people who live in the port City and cancelled on their own.

im sorry you won’t get to visit, but multiple large ships overwhelm our small Old Town and create turbidity that damages the reef.  Please try to visit as an overnight guest so you can really enjoy Key West.

Assuming you were booked on Holland's Nieuw Statendam....

Key West was originally showing this ship and the Celebrity Summit to dock on January 15.  Since there is currently only one pier handling ships of this size, one of the ships had to be cancelled.

• 3 weeks later...

On 11/11/2022 at 11:45 AM, keywester33 said: Key West residents voted by a super majority to limit the size of ships and the number of visitors in port.  Unfortunately, The State Legislature and Governor overrode that vote.   However, The City is still honoring the wishes of its residents by limiting docking at the two City controlled ports (Mallory Square and the Outer Mole.)   Only the privately owned Pier B is ignoring the vote and allowing large ships to dock there.   My guess is another ship has been scheduled at Pier B, bumping your ship.  The Pier and the Harbor Pilots are both paid based on ship size and passenger count, so  I imagine a larger ship wanted to dock.  It is also possible that Holland America is listening to the campaign to get cruise lines to follow the wishes of the people who live in the port City and cancelled on their own.   im sorry you won’t get to visit, but multiple large ships overwhelm our small Old Town and create turbidity that damages the reef.  Please try to visit as an overnight guest so you can really enjoy Key West.

Thanks for explaining. I can appreciate why the residents would wish this. I wonder if my stop on the Celebrity Apex is still on the week before. No message from them about changes but then again, navigating their online system has been buggy. 

Celebrity Apex is scheduled at Pier B for January 8.   It should still come here. 

• 2 weeks later...

On 11/30/2022 at 10:34 PM, Dreamer68 said: Thanks for explaining. I can appreciate why the residents would wish this. I wonder if my stop on the Celebrity Apex is still on the week before. No message from them about changes but then again, navigating their online system has been buggy.   

We stopped as scheduled on December 11 at Pier B.

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I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

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Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam to Return to Dover

• April 8, 2024

The Port of Dover announced that Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will return to Dover again this year, according to a press release.

Both ships will call in Dover on April 20 and 26 respectively, following the Rotterdam’s commemorative 150 th anniversary voyage on April 17, 2023, and the Nieuw Statendam’s inaugural call on September 8, 2023. The Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam will both visit Dover as part of transatlantic voyages.

This follows Holland America’s announcement to add Dover as the UK homeport for the Nieuw Statendam in 2025, with 10 sailings in summer 2025, its largest set of UK calls in ten years. The ship will explore destinations including the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover said: “It’s always a joy to welcome Holland America Line and their guests back to Dover. The upcoming return of Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will give us another fantastic opportunity to celebrate our unique history together, whilst adding another chapter to the story.

“We are excited for the future and look forward to presenting the very best of Kent alongside Dover’s much-loved scenery and heritage when Nieuw Statendam sails in for many more port-of-call visits.”

Karen Farndell, Holland America Line director of sales and marketing, said: “We can’t wait to return to Dover and are eagerly awaiting giving our guests the opportunity to explore the local area. We always receive a warm welcome and the sight of the iconic white cliffs is the perfect landmark for our visit.

“Nieuw Statendam will be a regular fixture next year, as she will spend a full season sailing out of Dover, providing our guests with an even greater choice of destinations and the option to sail with us without the need to fly. So the visit gives us the ideal opportunity to prepare for 2025 and all the benefits and opportunities it will bring.”

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