Florida Lifts Its Ban On Large Cruise Ships In Key West
Large cruise ships have won their battle with idyllic Key West.
Key West residents approved a ban on cruise ships carrying more than 1,500 passengers in November, a time when the industry was effectively shut down by the pandemic. But with cruise lines sailing from the U.S. again, Florida’s governor has overturned the law and is prohibiting the state’s cities from attempting to limit ship traffic in the future.
That decision paves the way for major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean to return to the Florida Keys as cruises restart sailings from U.S. ports. Under the law Key West voters approved last year, Royal Caribbean’s entire fleet which includes several of the world’s largest cruise ships would have been banned.
A similar battle against cruise ship traffic is being waged in Venice, where the cruises are also winning. About a month ago, the Associated Press reported that Venice residents were surprised by the sight of a large ship in a Venetian canal for the first time in more than a year, despite the passage of a law banning big vessels from the heart of one of Italy’s most charming cities.
Venice is continuing to fight, teaming up with celebrities like Mick Jagger, Tilda Swinton, Wes Anderson, and Francis Ford Coppola to protect the city of canals. “Venice is suffering, and we, citizens of the world, cannot remain deaf to her cries,” an open letter signed by supporters reads, according to the AP.
Travel Hotels Parking And Thesights
Now that we have covered the cruise linesthemselves we can get to some of the other great features and reasons for usingthe port in Charleston SC! The city is full of beauty and convenience. The factthat Charleston is close to the center of the East Coast means it is easilyaccessible to people from all around. The airport is conveniently located onlya 20-minute drive away, and there are also buses and trains coming in from upand down the coast.
Top Things To Do In Key West
Explore Duval Street
Key West comes alive along the main drag of Duval Street, akin to New Orleans famous Bourbon Street. During the daytime, art galleries and outdoor cafes line the street. When the workday ends , stop in for a drink at Ricks Bar or Sloppy Joes and find live music along the way. Pub crawls down Duval are famous here, giving travelers a true sense of how fun the Key West nightlife can be.
See the House Where Hemingway Lived
Walk in the footsteps of famous Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived at 907 Whitehead Street in Key West from 1931 to 1939. Come see where Hemingway wrote several critically-acclaimed short stories, plus catch sight of the six-toed cats roaming the grounds.
Ascend a Historic Lighthouse
You can climb to the top of The Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum for panoramic views of colorful beach homes, signature Florida greenery, and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico unfolding below you. Stop in after your visit to the Hemingway House the museum is just around the corner.
Take a Break at Smathers Beach
Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Address: 200 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040
Also Check: Disney Cruise Line Dooney And Bourke
Charleston Cruise Port Address
The Port of Charleston lies conveniently in the heart of the historic district, at the end of Market Street. It offers the amazing opportunity to combine a visit to one of Americas most historic cities with a cruise to one or more tropical islands.
- The address of the Charleston cruise port is: 196 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
- The cruise terminal parking in Charleston is at: 201-293 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Get a price on a cruise in this post
Transportation In Key West
Key West is only about four miles long and two miles wide, which means tackling the city on foot isnt such a daunting idea. But there are also a variety of other methods to see Key West, like the Old Town Trolley. This simple hop-on, hop-off trolley service runs all day. You can also rent bikes or scooters to catch the Key West breeze while you explore. By-the-minute pedicabs are also scattered throughout the town. For a sightseeing tour youll never forget, take the Conch Tour Train, which has been showing tourists around town since 1958.
You May Like: All Inclusive Cruises Out Of Galveston
Cruise Ships Have Chased Locals From Duval Streetkey West Citizenmay 102012article About Key Wests Strongest Local Retailer Closing On Key Wests Main Street
Fast Buck Freddies closing soon
Fast Buck Freddies, a Duval Street landmark for nearly four decades, will close later this month.
Owner Tony Falcone, who opened the store in 1976 with his late partner, Bill Conkle, said his decision is based on the changes that have overtaken the retail world in recent years.
Everythings about online shopping now, and at least 100 times a day, people walk through and comment on how interesting or unique a piece is, then they scan the bar code or take a photo with their phone and immediately try to find it online, Falcone said. The Internet sites have a warehouse and five people they dont have a staff, rent, displays and everything else.
He told his 50-member staff of the closure Wednesday morning, and Friday begins a clearance sale to empty the 15,000-square-foot space in the first floor of the historic Kress building at the corner of Duval and Fleming streets. The store will close when the merchandise, at an initial 20 percent discount, is gone.
Falcone said his employees, most of whom have been with him for more than 15 years, sort of anticipated the Wednesday announcement, though it didnt mean it wasnt a roomful of moist eyes, he said.
Ive always been very, very open with my staff and, really, I should have closed the store three years ago if I was only looking at the bottom line, Falcone said. These Americana small towns are really defined by their main streets, and cruise ships have chased locals from Duval Street.
Cruises Out Of Charleston: The Pros And Cons
Find out the pros and cons on cruises our of Charleston, South Carolina before your vacation from the U.S. east coast including cruise lines and tips.
Charleston is a beautiful city in SouthCarolina. It is full of history, amazing architecture, and entertainment.Southern charm is a huge draw for this city, and there is no shortage of it.One of the major draws in Charleston is the cruise port. Thousands of peopleembark on cruise vacations from the Port of Charleston SC every year.
Taking a cruise can be a ton of fun.Charleston is popular for cruisers because it is located centrally on the Eastcoast. They also love the fact that Charleston has all kinds of entertainmentand attractions for them to enjoy both before and after their cruise.
Charleston SC may be a great city to cruisefrom, but it is not perfect. As with any city, there are some issues you mayhave to face should you choose to embark on your cruise vacation from thisport. Lets take a look at some of the pros and cons, and you can decide ifthis is the place for you!
Read Also: 3 Night Cruise From Port Canaveral
Key West Cruise Deals
As the most southern city in the United States, a Key West cruise gives a taste of the Caribbean without leaving America. If you’re short on time and want to make the most of the city, Duval Street is the place to be. Lined with bustling restaurants, artsy boutiques and hip bars, soak up the friendly atmosphere that fills the streets. If you want to learn a little more about Key West’s heritage, the Conch Train will take you on a guided tour of the Old Town, stopping off at Ernest Hemmingway’s home and the museum. However, with the tropical sun shining down, it would be a shame to not take advantage of Key West’s seaside location. From cycling along the waterfront to an afternoon spent lounging on the sand and splashing in the sea, there’s really no better way to top up your tan.
Filters applied:
Carnival Cruise Lines Will No Longer Sail From Charleston Starting In 2024
South Carolina will be bidding farewell to Carnival Cruise Lines in 2024. The state will be ending its deal with the cruise line after 14 years, resulting in the end of departures from Charleston.
Carnival is using the Union Pier Terminal in Charleston for departures and arrivals to the Caribbean and back. Starting in 2024, Carnival will still be able to use the port, but only during the day.
Charleston is home to the Carnival Sunshine, whose last cruise from the port set sail on April 27th, 2024. The cruise will be 5 days and stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay, an island owned by Carnival. The ship will return to Charleston for the last time.
Related:Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrates Two Million Guests Since The Pandemic
Read Also: 7 Day Cruises From Tampa
Cruises Departing From Charleston Sc
Charleston, South Carolina, with its Low Country southern charm, is the departure point for three cruises that sail from the historic coastal town to the eastern and western Caribbean. Enjoy the museums, plantations, forts and beaches of your host city before setting sail, then be pampered along the way with cruise ship attractions that include everything from invigorating water parks to relaxing spas.
What Youneed To Know
- Port Name & LocationShip will DOCK at this port.
- The local language is English.
- Currency & ShoppingJewelry, Key Lime pie, hammocks and clothing. View our Port Shopping Guide.
- Best Way to Get AroundOrganized Shore Excursion for catamaran, sail & snorkel, food tasting, sightseeing, Hemingway’s home, pub crawl and more! Taxis, bicycle, trolley, and scooters available.
- Famous ForKnown as the Southernmost Point in the continental U.S., Key West is most notable for its laid back attitude and beautiful sunsets. Don’t miss Duval Street, fresh seafood, margaritas and water excursions.
- Fun Fact #1Ernest Hemingway is rumoured to have purchased his home across from the light house so he’d be able to find it easily on his way back from the bars on Duval Street.
- Fun Fact: FoodiesThe first key lime pie ever is on record for having been made in Key West, so be sure to try a slice before you leave it’s the official dessert of the island city.
You May Like: Royal Caribbean Cruise Promo Code 2022
Key West Florida Port Guide
Just the right amount of kitsch, Key West bursts with sunlight, boasts year-round tropical weather, and some of the clearest snorkeling and most preserved coral reef structures in the world. Cruises to Key West, Florida are one of the most popular ways to see this walkable, immersive city. Its easy to feel at home in Key West among swaying palms and small fishing boats glittering off the harbor. Key West is also famously rough around the edges. Once mostly cut off from the rest of the world, it has persevered through countless hurricanes.
When your cruise ship docks, seek out a cafe con leche and a slice of key lime pie immediately. Then set out for attractions along Duval Street or Mallory Square, both hubs for shopping and nightlife. Dont miss the six-toed cats living at Ernest Hemingways famed Spanish Colonial house-turned-museum. And, of course, a photo op awaits at the Southernmost Point of the United States, a concrete buoy memorializing Key Wests geography.
No Caribbean cruise is quite complete without experiencing Key Wests day-and-night bustle. If you have enough time, book a catamaran 70 miles west for a day trip to the one-of-a-kind Dry Tortugas National Park, home to the historic Fort Jefferson.
Cruises to Key West, Florida
Charleston To End Departure Deal With Carnival In 2024
Cruise Line & Cruise ShipCarnival Cruise LineRich Thomaselli June 01, 2022
The South Carolina Ports Authority has decided to end its deal with Carnival Cruise Line in 2024, meaning CCL ships will no longer use Charleston, S.C. as a point of departure for a cruise.
The news was first reported by The Post and Courier of Charleston, via the Associated Press.
Carnival had used the port at Union Pier Terminal for cruise departures and arrivals after 2024, cruise ships can still dock there but only for a same-day port of call to the picturesque southern city.
And apparently, thats the way Charleston officials want it. The city was averaging about 70 cruises a year that left Union Pier Terminal for short trips to the Bahamas and other close Caribbean nations. But Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said having fewer visitors taking cruises will improve the quality of life.
Were grateful to the port for taking this critically important step, and we look forward to continuing to work with to make Union Pier a beautiful and vibrant part of the city of Charleston, Tecklenburg said.
Carnival Cruise Line spokesman Matt Lupoli said the company will try to work with state and city officials to use Charleston as part of an itinerary.
In the meantime, it is business as usual, and we look forward to seeing our guests aboard Carnival Sunshine through 2024, Lupoli said.
Sponsored Content
You May Like: Spirit Of Baltimore Dinner Cruise
Cruise From Charleston South Carolina
Taking a cruise from Charleston, South Carolina means experiencing the best-mannered city in the United States, as described by Marjabelle Young Stewart. Discount cruise deals that let travelers spend a day or two in Charleston give them time to explore a historical city that offers carriage tours. Charleston has capitalized on its history as an Atlantic port and extended its services to cruise ships and their passengers.
One of the best parts about taking a cruise from Charleston is that the Port of Charleston is very close to downtown Charleston. The Port of Charleston is a part of the citys historical district, and many restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Several hotels are available, with prices that are extremely cheap, such as at Charlestons NotSo Hostel, or expensive, such as the Charleston Place Hotel.
Why not experience Charlestons unique character before or after your Caribbean cruise? Soak up some Southern hospitality along with the suns rays as you observe colonial and 19th century period architecture, taste the citys dining offerings, or even take a short excursion out to one of the areas beaches, golf courses, or historical plantations.
So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise from Charleston, South Carolina today with the experts at Direct Line Cruises.
For more information, call Direct Line Cruises at 1-800-352-8088.
Why South Carolina Is Not Renewing The Contract
In an effort to control tourism, the South Carolina Ports Authority is also limiting ships. Ships will not be able to visit more than 104 times per year with a 3,500 passenger limit.
Charleston is happy about this decision and its mayor says the city will be able to redevelop the Union Pier Terminal as well as have more opportunities for city growth.
Mayor John Tecklenburg says, Were grateful to the port for taking this critically important step, and we look forward to continuing the work with to make Union Pier a beautiful and vibrant part of the city of Charleston.
Key West also began limited cruise departures in 2020 to control tourism. The state of Florida has since reversed the decision to limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.
Don’t Miss: 4 Day Cruises From New York
Best Shopping Near The Cruise Port In Key West
BY Claudia MillerKey West Local Expert
Once you disembark from the cruise ship in Key West, find most likely find yourself in Mallory Square on the lower end of Duval Street. Duval is the main thoroughfare through historic Old Town and is about a mile of bars, restaurants and shops. The first few blocks you might feel overwhelmed with stores selling cheap knickknacks, Cuban cigars and $5 t-shirts. Just keep walking, and youll quickly find a rich variety of funky shops and boutiques that capture the authentic flavor of the island.
Quality t-shirts can be found just six blocks away at the Key West T-Shirt Factory they silkscreen Keys-y prints from locals artists. For the best selection of cigars, visit the Key West Cigar Club and Smoke Shop where if you ask for a Cuban cigar, they’ll jokingly tell you, start swimming. Need some new beach wear? Head to Ron Jon Surf Shop, two-stories of bathing suits, cover ups and boardshorts in brand names youll recognize. Looking for something a touch more dressy? Check out the travel-friendly resort wear at Local Color and Wanderlust boutiques. Their flowy styles in linen, silk and cotton can take you from pool to party in no time flat. Top off your outfit with a pair of newly minted leather flip-flops from Kino Sandals. When its time for the requisite Key lime pie stop, Kermits has delicious slices dipped in chocolate plus plenty of Key lime flavored gifts to take back home.
A Cruisers Guide To Key West
One of the most popular ports for cruisers is the beautiful island of Key West. If youre fortunate to be taking a cruise that makes a stop at this festive port in Florida, you are in for an unforgettable experience and maybe even the best key lime pie youve ever had!
As soon as your cruise ship pulls into Mallory Square in the heart of Key West, you will know you are somewhere special! The quaint streets with the Bohemian style architecture are rich in history and are home to a bustling live entertainment scene in the local bars and restaurants. The Conch Republic is filled with amazing sights to see, fun-filled activities to enjoy, and a great experience is to be had exploring charming old town Key West during your time in port.
Key West is truly a magical place to be! Here are some tips for getting around, top landmarks and sights to see, and exciting adventures to experience when you cruise Key West.
Read Also: What Are The Different Cruise Lines
