Sunday, March 31, 2024

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Key West, FL 2024 with Prices Key West Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

cruise to key west and bahamas

Visit the former home of Ernest Hemingway, and take a walk around the iconic fortification at Dry Tortugas National Park. Learn about the island’s military and mercantile history at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, and shop for historic replicas as souvenirs to take back with you. You can catch all kinds of exotic fish in Key West’s tropical waters, so it’s no surprise that much of the local cuisine centers on fresh seafood. Be sure to try some conch fritters and the iconic key lime pie, of course. When it comes to bars, you’ll find no shortage along lively Duval Street.

Night Tropical CaribbeanDetails

Cruise ships usually dock at either Pier B, near the Truman Annex, or the Navy-owned Outer Mole pier, near Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. If docked at the latter, a tourist trolley shuttles you off the base into town. Also, the Key West Police Department reports are filled with lost-and-found property reports from visitors. Keep an eye on your belongings while you're downing a rum drink or frosty brew, or while singing along with the whole bar to a Jimmy Buffett or Kenney Chesney classic.

cruise to key west and bahamas

Related Cruises

Celebrity announces its cruise ships will visit Royal Caribbean's private island - Royal Caribbean Blog

Celebrity announces its cruise ships will visit Royal Caribbean's private island.

Posted: Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

But there are also a variety of other methods to see Key West, like the Old Town Trolley. You can also rent bikes or scooters to catch the Key West breeze while you explore. For a sightseeing tour you’ll never forget, take the Conch Tour Train, which has been showing tourists around town since 1958. Even with limited time in Key West, it’s tradition to cut into a huge slice of key lime pie while you’re there. The shop has been locally owned and operated for over twenty years.

View All Cruises to Key West From Miami

Bask in Key West's laid-back yet wild vibes, knowing you can come and go as you please. Uniting the energy of Miami with nautical nods to the history of sailing, we’re infusing our own terminal with the same incredible ethos as our ships. From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

cruise to key west and bahamas

Damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017 affected the plant life, but passionate employees are working tirelessly to bring the garden back to peak  fullness. Located at the southernmost tip of the United States, this cool little island hideaway is closer to Havana, Cuba, than it is to Miami. Visit two of Key West's best attractions, the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium.

It’s all a breeze in the keys

Art galleries, Cuban coffee, fine dining and overstuffed sandwiches all abound in Key West. Locals will serve you fresh coconut water by drilling a straw hole into one of the green fruits that come from the island's palm trees. Border Patrol placing a roadblock just north of the top of the Keys. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #keywest — you may see them right here. In the hours leading up to dusk, head to Mallory Square and watch as it comes to life with acrobats, dancers and performers.

The perfect island vacation means as little hassle as possible, and as much peace and relaxation as you can handle. That's what makes the Caribbean — particularly cruises to the Caribbean — so ideal for travelers looking to leave behind the daily grind. Cruises that stop in Key West help the world become familiar with the city’s culture and history. Key West became a Spanish territory, then called Cayo Hueso, in the 16th century. The British claimed ownership of Florida in the 18th century, expelling Native Americans and the Spanish from the area. At the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street in Key West is a concrete buoy marker of the southernmost point of the continental United States.

Beach Club at Bimini

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. We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off. From beach bonfires to private cabanas and floaty pool parties — all in a resort-like experience where you can actually let your salty hair down.

Best Deals to Key West, Florida

Visit the island’s more remote and wild east side to find breathtaking and secluded beaches like Punta Morena and Chen Rio. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Chankanaab Reef to search for barracuda, angelfish, nurse sharks, and giant sea turtles. Shop for hand-made hammocks with Mayan prints, painted ceramics, sculptures, and artisan tequila at the Mercado Municipal, a short ride from the cruise terminal. Before the Overseas Highway was built in 1912 to connect the various Florida Keys, Key West itself was in isolation from the rest of the world. Just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West features a huge influence of Cuban culture, particularly in its food and drink.Today, Key West’s economy is driven by tourism.

It’s also known for an inclusive, close-knit LGBTQ-friendly community. Key West is an island, or Key, that is just two miles long by four miles wide, so all the essentials are near the docks -- bars, restaurants, shopping, scuba diving and beach-going. Mallory Square, on the waterfront near the docks, has restaurants, shops and public restrooms. In Mallory Square, you’ll find lots of local vendors selling seashells, souvenirs, cigars, rum, and of course, key lime pie. If you’re looking for art galleries and clothing boutiques, head to Duval Street. Key West is only about four miles long and two miles wide, which means tackling the city on foot isn’t such a daunting idea.

This private island is just three miles from Nassau, so it's easily reachable when you only have one day in port. Blue Lagoon has everything from Caribbean wildlife encounters to Segway tours and curated beach days. If sharks are more enticing to you than pigs, go scuba diving at Runway Wall. Located right off the coast of Nassau, divers can explore shipwrecks, underwater walls and reefs, all while swimming alongside reef sharks.

Once mostly cut off from the rest of the world, it has persevered through countless hurricanes. In Nassau, you’ll find small-town charm and plenty of exciting things to do and see. Walk through underwater glass tunnels as you observe sharks circling overhead at Predator Lagoon on Paradise Island. Shop for hand-woven traditional hats and baskets at the Nassau Straw Market. Climb up the steep stone steps of the Queen’s Staircase and through the thickly forested tropical vegetation to reach the 18th-century Fort Fincastle.

Float through the air as one of the 12-passenger parasailing boats glides you past sights that can only be seen from the air. As you parasail, take a look below to spot dolphins playing in the surf, or colorful tropical birds flying past. Developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers and artists, you have a ticket to all of our awe-inspiring shows. Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee. We’ve taken care of all the details — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve.

Add the rambunctious pigs on Great Exuma Island and snorkeling among the reefs, and you've got more than enough fodder for an epic Bahamas vacation. Key West isn’t as famous for its beaches as it is for other activities, but you can still lay down a beach towel and read a book at Smathers Beach. Beautiful palm trees provide a little shade from the Florida sun.

Cruising from the Alabama Cruise Terminal Mobile

mobile al cruise port

So to help you get started, we’ve covered the basics of the port to give you a better idea of its location and layout. The links below should also help you answer some of the common questions about sailing from the port. And while no one would ever mistake Mobile’s operations with the major cruising ports seen in other cities, it does offer a convenient location with a newer terminal and regular cruises to points in Mexico. The cruise port in Mobile serves as a perfect location for those in the southeastern United States looking for a quick getaway without having to make their way all the way to New Orleans or ports in Florida. Mobile Regional Airport is 13 miles from Mobile cruise port. Allow at least 30 minutes for the journey by taxi, hotel shuttle service or rental car, and up to an hour when traffic is heavy.

Popular Shore Excursions

These waterways also serve USA's Great Lakes, and the rivers Ohio and Tennessee (via Tenn-Tom / Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway with length 377 km / 234 mi). Port Mobile is a deepwater seaport (Alabama's only one) ranked in 2010 as the USA's 12th largest cargo port by tonnage (shipping trade volume over 55,7 million tons). The port is along Mobile River - where the river empties into the bay. Among the city's most popular tourist attractions are Bellingrath Gardens and Home, antebellum home Oakleigh Mansion, Cox-Deasy Cottage Museum and Battleship USS Alabama. Fort Conde is a partial replica of an original 18th-century French fort. Fort Gaines is the battle site of the famed Battle of the Bay in August 1864.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Mobile Cruise Terminal

The Mobile Alabama cruise port has one terminal where Carnival Cruise Line ships dock. Just a 7 minute drive from the cruise terminal, Battleship Memorial Park is an amazing experience with multiple military exhibits including the USS Alabama Battleship. You will be able to explore every nook and cranny of the 12 decks of this famed battleship including the brig and gun turrets (where you can man a 12mm gun). Nestled along the Mobile River, the cruise terminal in Mobile, Alabama, offers a charming departure point for your cruise adventure. Discover the city's rich history, explore the historic district with its antebellum architecture, and indulge in Southern cuisine before embarking on a memorable cruise to the Caribbean or Mexico.

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

The first restroomsyou will reach are at the top of the escalators on the left. Continue to thesouth end of the check-in area where there are larger restroom facilities with10 stalls for women and 9 stalls for men. There is also a toilet on the firstfloor of the parking garage which is most accessible for those who are waitingin line to go through security. The Port of Mobile is on the estuary of the Mobile Riverwhere it flows into Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Check out the restaurants, bars, breweries, cafés, galleries and shops — most locally owned — and meet the folks who run these businesses for a warm, Southern-hospitality welcome. These amenities have been developed over time, beginning as basic stalls with food and clothing, and now featuring restaurant chains and retail giants. It is evident that these onsite amenities are essential components of a thriving port, offering leisure experiences for both sea travelers and onshore visitors. So, if you’re looking for an adventure on shore, nothing says ‘I’ve lived’ like getting lost in a foreign country and not being able to find your way back to the ship. The port’s transportation options include buses, taxis, limousines, and ride-sharing services like Uber & Lyft. Some ports have rental car agencies on-site, while others offer rental car shuttles to nearby locations.

mobile al cruise port

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal: Parking, Address & Amenity Info

Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises. Conveniently located in downtown Mobile, the terminal is close to numerous hotels, restaurants and attractions. For ease of access, the terminal is .5 miles from I-10 and 6 miles from the I-65 and I-10 junction. The Port of Mobile covers an area of over 4,000 acres and is the only deep-water port in Alabama. It has two harbors and 41 berths handling mainly container ships, coal, aluminum, lumber, paper, iron, steel, grain, paper, heavy lift and oversize cargo.

Night Carnival Journeys - Southern CaribbeanDetails

Enjoy the warm hospitality of Mobile as you begin your voyage from this picturesque terminal. More recently, Carnival signed a 3-year agreement withMobile Port with plans to relocate the Carnival Fascination to the portin January 2022. She will replace the Fantasy, which is thought to beretiring from the fleet. This all looks good for the future of Carnival cruisescontinuing to use Mobile cruise terminal as a flourishing home port. Mobile cruise terminal has plenty of sitting areas, bothindoors and outside.

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal Information

However, you can make an online reservation for parking at Mobile port for peace of mind if you wish. Those who arrive without pre-booking cruise parking should follow the pre-pay information posted at the entrance to the parking garage. As the cruise terminal is on the edge of the downtown area,it has many hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions nearby. They are allwithin easy walking distance for cruisers with time to spare after parkingwhile waiting to board the ship. Mobile cruise terminal is part of the port’s 4,000 acrecomplex which has 5 miles of waterfront and 41 berths.

Carnival Spirit welcomes passengers for inaugural voyage out of Mobile - Fox 10 News

Carnival Spirit welcomes passengers for inaugural voyage out of Mobile.

Posted: Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Today you can sail year-round from the city aboard Carnival, with a schedule of 4 and 5-day trips to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help.

However, these participating hotels in Mobile typically require at least one night's stay before cruising. Hotels also usually have a shuttle for transport to and from the terminal. You can prepay online, text to pay, pay at the on-site kiosk or pay via the Premium Parking mobile app the day of. Learn more about parking and/or pay in advance via the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal parking page. If you don't have cruising from Mobile on your to-do list, allow us to help you with that! Cruising from Mobile offers exciting experiences to cruisers before and after you set sail through various attractions, restaurants, and shops.

Bon Voyage! Carnival Spirit embarks on first cruise from Mobile Port - 1819 News

Bon Voyage! Carnival Spirit embarks on first cruise from Mobile Port.

Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Mobile is the birthplace of the USA's Mardi Gras (aka America's Family Mardi Gras). It is located on Mobile Bay (Gulf of Mexico's inlet) which is formed by Fort Morgan Peninsula (on the east) and Dauphin Island (on the west). The city covers an area of approx 413 km2 (159 mi2) and has population around 195,000 (metro around 415,000). Your documents must be with you and not in your cruise luggage. Several nearby hotels also have package deals where you leave the car in their lots while you cruise.

We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. If the garage is full, drivers will be directed to droppassengers and luggage and then proceed to the overflow parking lot near theCivic Center. This has free shuttle transport back to the cruise terminal. Unfortunately, Mobile cruise terminal has no facilities forstoring luggage. If you arrive at the terminal before check-in has opened youronly options are to leave your luggage in the car while you head into downtownfor refreshments, or take your luggage with you. Apart from an independent beverage stand the cruise terminal at Mobile has no food or drinks options.

You'd need to take a four-minute rideshare trip to Bus 9 at Broad St EB at 5th St. When taking Bus 9, ride for roughly 47 minutes and get off at the Govt Near Royal St. stop. Walk for nine minutes and you'll arrive at the Mobile cruise terminal. Mobile International Airport, on the other hand, is about an eight-minute drive from the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal. Getting to the cruise terminal from the airport can be accomplished by rental car, taxi or ridesharing.

The port includes anupper and a lower harbor which is currently used by cruise ships. It is the onlydeep-water port in Alabama with a main channel depth of 45 feet which canaccommodate the largest post-Panamax ships. Port Mobile 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 Mobile, Alabama. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

In February 2013, Carnival Triumph was stranded at sea for 4 days. Then the port opened its cruise dock for the disabled vessel, where its nearly 4000 passengers were disembarked. The cruise ship terminal has a limited supply of wheelchairs for transporting passengers on and off the ship only.

The new itineraries are longer than the ship's usual 4- and 5-night roundtrips to Mexico. Mobile is USA's largest seaport for handling breakbulk forest products. Mobile AL was ranked USA's 4th largest coal export port for 2012, with the majority of the exports being shipped to Europe and South America. The port and all its facilities are owned and managed by Alabama State Port Authority.

Mobile, Alabama Cruise Port, 2024, 2025 and 2026 Cruises to Mobile, Alabama

mobile al cruise port

Other options are bicycles, segways, electric scooters, or golf carts to rent or access through dockless bike sharing. Secure and convenient parking spaces are essential for port operations. Short-term and long-term parking spots are close to the port. Shuttle services also run to take passengers to the terminals.

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal Waiting Area and Seating

Although it is mainly acommercial port for cargo and container ships, the specially built Mobilecruise terminal is currently used for Caribbean cruises by Carnival CruiseLines. The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise shiparrivals from all major cruise lines. Inorder to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departuretimes just follow the ship’s link. The cruise port is situated on the western bank of the Mobile River, due east of the Mobile Civic Center and at the edge of downtown.

Things to Know About the Mobile Cruise Terminal in Alabama

I remember how my company profited from our office’s nearness to an airport. We could hop on a flight quickly after identifying last-minute opportunities. No more long commutes or bad weather delays for deliveries. For something different than the usual city tours, head to one of the many museums in Mobile, offering family-oriented attractions and hands-on exhibits. There are restaurants and cafes along with an old one-screen movie theater.

Top Tours & Excursions In Mobile Alabama Cruise Port

If you are being dropped off or picked up from the port by friends or family, due to security reasons, there is no waiting area for your ride to park. Those with mobility issues, young families, and anyone whoneeds assistance will appreciate that the terminal has porters on hand. Theycan help with luggage, give directions and provide any other help you may needduring embarkation and disembarkation. Things you need to know about the Mobile Cruise Terminal in Alabama. Covering facilities and travel tips for before or after a cruise from the port. The port has deep-water terminals which all have direct access to Alabama's inland and intracoastal waterways.

Getting to Mobile Cruise Terminal

Depart from the historic port of Mobile, Alabama, and experience the charm of the Gulf Coast. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, stroll along its picturesque waterfront, and savor the flavors of Southern cuisine before setting sail to explore captivating destinations. Since 2018, Carnival offers 7-day roundtrip departures from Mobile AL to destinations no longer limited to Caribbean Mexico.

With many Transportation Options to the Port, your journey here is flexible and convenient. Don’t forget to bring your photo ID and proof of citizenship when checking in at the port! Getting to Mobile Alabama Cruise Port is easy, unless you’re a hurricane. Onboard the ships you’ll find all the amenities you could need.

Mobile cruise terminal includes a covered parking garagewith 500 parking spaces. It includes six lanes for drivers to drop off (andpick up) cruise passengers and their luggage before parking. From there, cruisepassengers can walk a short distance to the screening area for check-in.Elevators are provided along with stairs. The purpose-built cruise terminal in Mobile Port is spreadover two levels connected by four elevators, escalators and stairs. It covers66,000 square feet and has state-of-the-art security in place for checkingcruise passengers and their baggage before departing on a Caribbean cruise. An enclosed walkway/ramp leads fromsecurity and check-in directly onto the ship.

Cruising from the Alabama Cruise Terminal (Mobile)

There are cafes with light snacks, and fine dining restaurants with expertly designed menus. The Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal is the perfect place to explore the Gulf of Mexico! It’s great for tens of thousands of travellers, with luxury amenities like shops, restaurants, and bars. Plus, it’s only blocks away from the Gulf Coast Exploreum & IMAX theatre. Explore the history of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, stroll through the beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, or immerse yourself in the vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations.

CCL's Carnival Spirit ship welcomes first passengers from Mobile, Alabama

All cruise parking fees must be paid-in-full before boarding the ship. Your license plate number in their system is your proof of payment. If it’s your first time sailing from Mobile, then you likely have a few questions about your cruise… how to get there, where to park, where to stay, and even more.

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal and Port Information - CruiseCritic.co.uk

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal and Port Information.

Posted: Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This continued until 2011 when Carnival decided not tooperate their cruise ships (at that time the Elation) out of Mobile. Thereason for their relocation to other cruise ports was the higher fuel costsinvolved in sailing from this northern Gulf port and the inability to raiseticket prices from this location. Cruise parking reservations are not usually necessary at Mobile cruise terminal.

On-site payments can be done at kiosks located in the lift lobbies on each of the terminal's floors, and also at the offsite parking lots (at Mobile Civic Center). Know that these kiosks don't accept in cash bills larger than USD 50. Free shuttle bus service is offered between the cruise terminal and offsite parking lots at Mobile Civic Center. On March 20, 2020, was completed APM Terminals Mobile's quay extension. The expanded berth now can handle two boxships (max 10K-TEU capacity each) simultaneously. The container dock extension was part of a USD 450 million project aimed to increase the terminal's capacity by upgrading and expanding all the port's marine and rail intermodal terminals.

Parking is right at the cruise terminal, making it extremely convenient to get to the ship. In 2004, the new cruise terminal was opened, costingsomewhere between $10 and $20 million. It was the home port of Carnival’s Holidaycruise ship with itineraries mainly to Mexico showing 100% capacity.

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal is a 66,000 ft2 (6,130 m2) sized cruise ship facility with top-notch security, dedicated cruise parking area and covered lanes serving passenger pickup / drop off vehicles. The cruise ship terminal building is located in downtown Mobile City, in close proximity to hotels and restaurants. The Mobile Cruise Terminal is a two-story, 66,000 square-foot facility with an attached 500-space parking garage.

Fort Conde, which also serves as the visitors center, is a reconstructed 18th-century fort where guides dressed in period costume lead tours, fire muskets and cannons, and re-create Mobile's early days. The West Africans who were transported to Mobile in the last cargo of slaves to land on U.S. soil created a vibrant community now known as AfricaTown, an important cultural gem. Other places of interest include the aquarium on Dauphin Island, Fort Gaines, the USS Alabama and the Bellingrath Home and Gardens. Parking is available right at the port, (click here for more information) with signs to direct you to drop off your luggage before parking.

mobile al cruise port

Area hotels offer great "Park & Cruise" packages - see the "Plan Your Trip" section below for details and hotel reservation information. Some nearby attractions to the Mobile Alabama Cruise Port include the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, and Dauphin Island. Yes, there is parking available at the Mobile Alabama Cruise Port. Don’t let anxiety or stress prevent you from packing properly. And double-check arrival time and location before leaving. Besides these sought-after shore excursions, you can also explore culture and historical sightseeing.

It offers shorter mini cruises of 4 and 5 days in the WesternCaribbean visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya and Yucatan (Progreso) in Mexico. Mobile, AL is connected to Biloxi, MS and Tallahassee, FL bythe Interstate 10 highway. The port is just 1/2 mile from the I-10 (Exit 26A)and 5 miles from the I-65 (Exit 9) where the I-165 leads directly toBeauregard/N. Routes to the port and Mobile cruiseterminal are clearly signposted.

The 11 Best Shampoos for Hair Growth in 2024, According to Experts

Table Of Content Kitsch Castor Oil Nourishing Shampoo Bar Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Dry Shampoos Lush Honey I Washed...