Cruise Port of Call: Docking at Key West

Cruise Port of Call: Docking at Key Westthe shoreline is quite rocky - but if your are interested
Historyin enjoying the water, there is still plenty to do.
Key West is the southernmost point in the continentalAdventure-lovers can book shore excursions (or
United States, and it is as well know for Ernestindependent trips) which include sailing, kayaking, fishing
Hemingway as sunset celebrations. It was originallyor snorkeling, or book a ride on a catamaran, schooner
settled by the Spanish, who calle the island 'Cayoor glass-bottomed boat. There is plenty to see for the
Hueso', which means Island of the Bones, as thelandlubbers, including beautiful architecture, plenty of
treacherous reefs nearby sank many ships before themuseums, shops and famous saloons, such as the
lighthouse was erected. When the English came in,original hangouts of Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy
'Cayo Hueso' evolved into Key West. Many famousBuffet. Of course, don't miss the sumset celebration at
artists and writers have called Key West home,Mallory Square!
including Ernest Hemingway, Thornton Wilder, RobertGetting Around
Frost, Tennessee Williams and James Audubon. TheKey West is walking town, and just about everything
island declared its independence as the "Conchyou would want to see is just a short walk from the
Republic" in 1982 to protest a federal roadblock whichdock. There are also tram tours (like the non-stop
blocked the one access road - US 1 - to Key West.Conch Tour Train), the Old Town Trolley, which makes
That certainly raised media attention enough to stop9 stops, the bus system (two buses continually run
the government, but to this day, many islanders still flyaround the island - one clockwise and the other
the 'Conch Republic' flag.counter-clockwise) and taxis if you would prefer not to
Things to Dowalk. You can also rent a scooter if you are feeling a
There are no real beaches to speak of in Key West -bit more adventurous.