Why does Carnival only stay in Key West until 1:30?

[BoDidly]

One reason would be that to many people were simply getting to blitzed and failed to return to the ship on time. Especially during spring break time.  You know time can be allowed for longer visits if Carnival really wanted to stay.

 

A bit of history , remember when Carnival had cruises leaving Charleston SC to KW and then suddenly stopped . It was killing the port in Jacksonville as people were cruising from Charleston SC.  Now Jacksonville  Fl stopped  visiting KW as well. I haven't noticed any planned cruises for KW out of those ports in a while now. 

So now to get to KW you have to go deeper into FL which should allow more time in KW but its still an early departure time.

Edited March 4, 2019 by BoDidly

[Joebucks]

On 2/26/2019 at 10:53 PM, PlanoDebbie said:

I just looked at each of the 4 and 5 day itineraries for the Paradise in April, 2019.

 

It sails out of Tampa and mostly goes to a combination of Key West, Cuba and Cozumel.  Every time it goes to Key West, it's in port from noon to 6:00 pm.

 

I don't know how I missed this, but I did. It's good to know that I can find options. I really enjoy a trip to Key West every so often. 7:30-1:30 just doesn't cut it for me.

[BlerkOne]

On 2/26/2019 at 9:21 AM, Joebucks said:

I've heard the explanations of the sunsets. However, Royal is there until 6 pm. Why does Royal get to stay later? I love Key West, but 1:30 departure kills it for me.

 

Not all Carnival cruises leave at 1:30. Many stay later. Pick a different itinerary and ship.

[BlerkOne]

On 2/26/2019 at 9:53 PM, PlanoDebbie said:

I just looked at each of the 4 and 5 day itineraries for the Paradise in April, 2019.

 

It sails out of Tampa and mostly goes to a combination of Key West, Cuba and Cozumel.  Every time it goes to Key West, it's in port from noon to 6:00 pm.

 

There is at least one sailing that is in Key West 8-5

[deadmoney]

Key West is one of the best people watching spots on the planet.

[OkieRican]

We have a 7 day Key West, Freeport and Nassau. We arrive at Key West at 10am and scheduled to leave at 6pm. 

[bury me at sea]

3 minutes ago, OkieRican said:

We have a 7 day Key West, Freeport and Nassau. We arrive at Key West at 10am and scheduled to leave at 6pm. 

 

We are also scheduled from 10 til 6, out of Galveston.  Key West is one of my favorite ports.

[robc1972]

Key west is OK.

After you walk down Duval St and back there isnt much to do. Was there in December, got off at around 8 and was back on around 11:30.

Unless there is a festival of some sort going on there isnt really much to do there.

If you can make it in October for Fantasy Fest then that is a fun time.

I was there for Fantasy Fest a few years back and a storm had a few ships redirected to Key West. The looks on the faces of people getting off the cruise ships was the best.

Fathers were happy, mothers were covering up the kids eyes.

[Crusin Hogs]

On ‎2‎/‎26‎/‎2019 at 10:24 AM, ChosenOne said:

we are on Paradise in April & don't depart Key West until 6PM...sunset isn't until 7:49 so you wouldn't see if before you sailed any way

 

Key West  wants the cruise ships gone before sunset  , So the locals and visitors in Key West can see the sunset , Not worried about the people on the ship seeing it ...The ships block the views of locals 

[BoDidly]

8 minutes ago, Crusin Hogs said:

Key West  wants the cruise ships gone before sunset  , So the locals and visitors in Key West can see the sunset , Not worried about the people on the ship seeing it ...The ships block the views of locals 

 

Thanks for this info.  But I'm curious as to how this information came about . Will you elaborate ?

[BoDidly]

46 minutes ago, robc1972 said:

Key west is OK.

After you walk down Duval St and back there isnt much to do. Was there in December, got off at around 8 and was back on around 11:30.

Unless there is a festival of some sort going on there isnt really much to do there.

If you can make it in October for Fantasy Fest then that is a fun time.

I was there for Fantasy Fest a few years back and a storm had a few ships redirected to Key West. The looks on the faces of people getting off the cruise ships was the best.

Fathers were happy, mothers were covering up the kids eyes.

 

There's more than Duval street  to explore ,  Key Lime Pie shop is off of Duval  . Theres actually a small beach for public use apart from the main beach.  We usually rent a Golf cart and ride all over those back streets.  Several small breakfast houses as well as Restaurants serve outstanding food , much better than ship food .

[coevan]

1 hour ago, BoDidly said:

 

Thanks for this info.  But I'm curious as to how this information came about . Will you elaborate ?

 

 

not really, he just made it up

[glrounds]

On 2/26/2019 at 6:11 PM, AdGuyMG said:

They leave KW at 1:30PM when the next day's port is Cozumel. They have about 430 miles to cover for a 12 noon arrival in Coz and a later departure wouldn't cut it.

 

There's your answer . . .

[BoDidly]

13 minutes ago, glrounds said:

 

There's your answer . . .

 

Gary ,time to take the X on a cruise again 

[glrounds]

9 minutes ago, BoDidly said:

 

Gary ,time to take the X on a cruise again 

 

LOL . . . I'll probably be taking her with me on the new ship PANORAMA in January out of Long Beach. Booked now, but will have to add her. You have a good memory. 🙂

Edited March 5, 2019 by glrounds

[lasvegascruising]

We rented a golf cart and drove all around.  Parked it when we want to stop and look at something and hopped back in and off we went.  Drove through the cemetery which was very interesting.  Stopped at the beach at a little bit.  Lots of places to stop.

Webzila, I agree.  I hate getting flamed for just asking a question.

[ray98]

Departure time mainly depends on distance to the next.

[simplelife]

On 2/26/2019 at 11:53 AM, jdemps said:

Because there's money to be made in bar/casino/shops if you are on the ship, not in port.....lol

 

And there is money to be made in the tourist trap gift shops on the island, which open for the early ship passengers before any "quality" places do.