Overview of Key West (included in 7 day total back-to-back cruise) Key West is one of those towns that always seem to be in a party mood. You can credit the heat, the rum runners, or the streets filled with vacationers for its extra sense of exuberance. Every sunset is an excuse for celebration.
The "Conch Republic" is another name for this free-spirited island that once tried to become an independent country. The "republic" was created on April 23, 1982 after the U.S. Border Patrol, in an effort to catch smugglers and illegal aliens, created a roadblock at Key Largo. The roadblock was a disaster for tourism (causing traffic jams and such). As a result, Key West's mayor, in a three-act move, formed the "Conch Republic," seceded from the U.S. and declared war on America. He then requested more than $1 million in foreign aid. When the funds weren't forthcoming, Key West backtracked.
Key West lies at the southernmost point of the continental U.S., right at the tip of the Florida Keys, and 150 miles from Miami. Its most famous resident was writer Ernest Hemingway (you can tour his house and drink at his favorite pub). There are plenty of intriguing places as well, from historic homes and treasure trove museums to snorkeling and diving.
Top Where You're Docked Cruise ships dock either at Mallory Square in the heart of Key West's Old Town or near the Truman Annex. If docked at the latter, a tourist trolley takes you on the less-than-five-minute ride into Old Town. If your ship is anchored, tenders take you into the Old Town section of the harbor.
Hanging Around As an island (a "key" in local lingo) that is just two miles long by four miles wide, almost everything is near the dock -- including shopping, dining, barhopping, scuba diving and beach bumming.
In a Nutshell If you were to describe Key West in a word or two, "quirky" and "laid back" come to mind. Yes, the sleepy ambiance of old Florida remains. You just have to look for it amid that plethora of tacky T-shirt shops.
Getting Around Easy! The heart of Key West's Old Town is very walkable. If you want to venture further, bicycles and scooters are available for hire at numerous spots along Duval Street. Other ways to get around, particularly in town, include the Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley-where you can experience an informative tour as well as a ride. Both operate out of Mallory Square ($20 each for the 90-minute tour). You can get off and on the Old Town Trolley, while the Conch Train is a tour only. This tour may be a dollar or so less if booked on the ship as a shore excursion, but you can easily go on your own whenever you like.
City Attractions Culture-vultures should check out the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where the famous author resided for various periods from 1931 to 1961, and where descendants of his six-toed cats still roam. (907 Whitehead St.; daily from 9 a.m.)
The Audubon House is the place John James Audubon stayed while creating his detailed pictures of native wildlife. (205 Whitehead St.; daily from 9:30 a.m.)
At the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, you can view multi-millions worth of treasures salvaged from the 17th-century Spanish galleon "Nuestra Senora de Atocha," that was shipwrecked in the waters off Key West. (Greene and Front St.; daily from 9:30 a.m.; $7.50)
Been There, Done That Explore the art galleries along Simonton Street and on upper Duval, Key West's main shopping thoroughfare. Shop for locally made goodies at Key West Aloe (524 Front St.) and Key West Hand Print Fabrics (Greene and Simonton Streets).
Stroll along the half-mile Harborwalk in Key West's Historic Seaport. Stretching along the edge of Key West Harbor from Front Street to Margaret Street, the seaport contains great restaurants and shops-and offers a wonderful look at the tall ships and charter boats docked in the harbor.
If your ship has a late evening departure, viewing the sunset celebration at Mallory Square is a tradition. In addition to the natural attraction, street performers entertain, and artisans set up booths.
Beaches Best Beach for a Half-Day: Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site. As well as a long, glorious stretch of beach, Fort Taylor is a state park featuring the ruins of a Civil War-era fort. You'll find lounge chairs for rent, great snorkeling close to shore, picnic tables and grills shaded by tall Norfolk pines, plus a beachfront snack bar for basic snacks. Bring flip-flops or beach shoes to wear in the water, since the beach is rocky.
Best Beach for Active Types: At Smathers Beach, on the Atlantic and paralleling South Roosevelt Boulevard, you can rent a variety of watersports equipment.
Naturist Beach: While it's not a typical beach, naturists love the clothing-optional water's-edge pool deck at the Atlantic Shores Resort (510 South Street). Both gay and straight visitors are welcome, and the pool area overlooks the blue Atlantic.
Lunching Casual restaurants: The Half Shell Raw Bar and Turtle Kraals (231 Margaret St.), located in the Key West Seaport, offer abundant fresh seafood and great views of the working harbor.
Great food and people watching: Mangoes (700 Duval Street; daily from 11:30 a.m.), has a gracious courtyard overlooking the Duval panorama and a casual, yet elegant, menu created by Chef Paul Orchard, the first Key West chef invited to showcase his talents at the James Beard Foundation.
Cuban cuisine: El Meson de Pepe (410 Wall St.; daily from 8 a.m.), located in a historic setting just off Mallory Square, provides authentic Cuban specialties like "ropa vieja" (shredded beef and tomatoes).
Staying in Touch The Iguana Internet Shack, located at 425-C Greene Street in the heart of downtown, is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. It's 25 cents a minute or $10 an hour.
Don't Miss Key West is easy to navigate on your own. But if you want to take a tour, here are a couple of the more unusual ship-sponsored shore excursions:
Best Choice for Adventure Seekers: Join an actual catamaran race as one of the crew. No sailing experience needed. You're welcome on the team, as long as you've got the drive to win the Key West Cup Regatta.
Best Choice for History Buffs: Cruise around the historic harbor aboard the only operational PT Boat in military configuration, PT-728.
Where You're Docked 
Culture-vultures should check out the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where the famous author resided for various periods from 1931 to 1961, and where descendants of his six-toed cats still roam. (907 Whitehead St.; daily from 9 a.m.)