Excursion or DIY in Key West

girlcruise · #1 (**permalink**) January 30th, 2010, 11:57 PM

My sister and I were discussing our upcoming cruise and trying to decide on excursions for Key West and Cozumel.

We were both thinking it was best to explore Key West on our own and save the excursion for Cozumel.

What is the concensus among some of the more seasoned cruisers here?....we are "cruise" virgins

Snoozeman · #2 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 10:40 AM

You can walk almost everywhere in Key West so that it a good DIY port.

by_the_board · #3 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 11:23 AM

Key West is one of the best places to DIY. The following is my 'A' list of things to see.

Key West Aquarium
Key West Lighthouse Museum
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Ernest Hemingway Home
The Southernmost Point

And if you consume alcoholic beverages you are required by law to stop for a cold one or two at Sloppy Joe's

... don't worry, the bar is within crawl'in distance of the ship!

Another watering hole is The Green Parrot Bar. It's a local bar that won't bankrupt your wallet like Margaritaville will.

The last time I visited Key West on a cruise ship I charted a fishing trip to the Bay where my daughter and I caught inshore species of fish. We kept some of the snapper and presented the fillets to our waiter. He returned them 30 minutes later and the cooks pan seared them. There was enough for everyone at my table to have a fillet of fresh snapper. What a treat.

Michelle1959 · #4 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 12:28 PM

My mom and I are cruising Imagination to Key West/Cozumel in 7 weeks - we're going to just DIY in both ports. In KW we'll walk over and do the Hemingwy House tour and then check out some shops in Mallory Square for a few heaop souvenirs beforeo going back on board for lunch. We were going to do the beach break deluxe ini cozumel, but I don't wnat food included but want transportation included. We also don't wANT TO BE STUCK on a tour bus so we'll check out a museum, couple of art galleries, and some shops on our own and then head back to the ship by dinner time.
then I[ll get off after it's dark, like 9:00 - before we sail, just so I can get some night shots of the ship.

misguidedangel · #5 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 01:52 PM

Key West is defintely a place to do on your own. I would recommend the Old Towne Trolley (located in Mallory square next to the aquarium). It is a hop on-hop off trolley and will allow you to buy tickets to the attractions you want to see at a slight discount.

Mallory Square has many attractions within two or so blocks away from it. I found Key West to be a port I want to go back to on a cruise or a day trip by flying in two days early for a cruise.....

Have fun!

ScurvyDog · #6 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 06:47 PM

DIY for sure in Key West. Unless there is some excursion you are really interested in Cozumel is also easy to DIY. Plenty of shopping or take a cab to Paradise Beach for a great beach day. Cab will be about $15 each way for up to 4 persons. Plenty of cabs for the return so no worry there. A good and safe thing to do for a first timer. Allow plenty of time to get back to the ship. If you are late they will not wait.

girlcruise · #7 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 06:50 PM

That was what we figured too, but as far as exploring Cozumel on our own, both husbands gave that idea a two thumbs down...lol.

They would be too worried about our safety since we are cruising without them this time, and I have to admit...I am not comfortable with the idea myself. Key West does not seem foreign to us, so we feel much safer going it on our own there.

We do like the idea of the beach resort excursion in Cozumel...especially the open bar and buffet part of it, it seems like an all-in-one type getaway.

Aerogirl · #8 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 07:36 PM

I agree with the husbands as far as Cozumel goes. Key West is fine to do yourself but I think two girls on their own in Cozumel is asking for trouble. You can rent a little two seater scooter car in KW to go around in. We rented one and had a blast.

Johnathan · #9 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2010, 10:24 PM

I agree with AeroGirl! Getting the little scooter or golf cart of even bicycles are a great way to see Key West! That's what I'll be doing on my next visit. And let me repeat, Sloppy Joe's! The best thing that you're guaranteed not to remember!

E4NASH · #10 (**permalink**) February 4th, 2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle1959

My mom and I are cruising Imagination to Key West/Cozumel in 7 weeks - we're going to just DIY in both ports. In KW we'll walk over and do the Hemingwy House tour and then check out some shops in Mallory Square for a few heaop souvenirs beforeo going back on board for lunch. We were going to do the beach break deluxe ini cozumel, but I don't wnat food included but want transportation included. We also don't wANT TO BE STUCK on a tour bus so we'll check out a museum, couple of art galleries, and some shops on our own and then head back to the ship by dinner time.
then I[ll get off after it's dark, like 9:00 - before we sail, just so I can get some night shots of the ship.

My wife and I are taking that same cruise, as long as it is the one begining on the 15th. I have never been on a cruise before (she has) and we haven't been to Cozumel or Key West before either so we are looking forward to it. We are probably going to DIY on Key West. We were thinking of doing the Mayan Ruins of Tulum in Cozumel. Have any of you ever done that before? Is it any good? I'm really into ancient culture and history so I thought it would be neat to check out since we are there.