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Best 8 Cruises to Key West, Florida (2024) Updated

If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway that includes azure ocean waters, family-friendly entertainment, and romantic memories, you’ll definitely want to consider a cruise to Key West.

In fact, cruises bound for Key West offer a plethora of relaxing and adventurous options.

You’ll have the opportunity to see places along the way most people only fantasize about, such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands.

Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Check out some of the top Caribbean all inclusive resorts, and don’t forget to take a look at the best Caribbean cruises.

Enjoy not only excursion in Key West during your cruise but also exciting activities while on board your luxury ship.

Particularly, the cruise ships setting sail for Key West offer numerous amenities like butler service, spacious suites, and superb dining.

Sample mouthwatering gourmet dishes created by onboard chefs, sip signature cocktails at sophisticated lounges, and spend your days relaxing by sparkling pools.

Planning to stay in Key West? Take a look at the top-rated Key West resorts.

What’s more, you’ll find that Key West cruises have a festive atmosphere, allowing you to unwind as you dance, speed down waterslides, and watch outdoor movies.

While not onboard your ship, you’ll be delighted with a variety of excursions made available through your cruise.

Explore the history of Key West with a guide, get an up-close look at the local wildlife, and discover the renowned reefs of Florida.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hang out with friends and enjoy the famous Key West nightlife, in addition to sampling fresh seafood or lounging on golden beaches.

To get started on your dream vacation, take a look below at the best cruises to Key West and find your perfect journey.

1. Royal Caribbean, Key West Bahamas Cruise

@royalcaribbean

Rating: 4.7★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $382.00

Address: 1900 SE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

  • 6-day cruise
  • Piano bar
  • Outdoor movie nights

Depart from Tampa with Royal Caribbean on the Key West Bahamas Cruise for the journey of a lifetime.

The 6-day cruise has plenty to offer for a fun-filled and relaxing vacation.

While your children are hanging out at the kids club and enjoying a variety of programs, head to the outdoor rock climbing wall for some exercise and amazing views.

Go for a swim in one of the pools or lounge as you sip a cocktail and listen to live music.

Moreover, you can get some “me-time” at the adults-only solarium that includes whirlpools.

Once you arrive in Key West, you can enjoy any number of excursions.

Meet parrots and Macaws at an exotic bird sanctuary, try some square dancing in Mallory Square, or sample divine key lime pie.

Also on hand is the Conch Train, which will take you through Old Town as you learn Key West’s history.

Afterward, you’ll head to Nassau for some time on the beach or in the water.

Return to the ship in the evenings at port for decadent dining options like fresh sushi, robust American fare, and gourmet meals.

Catch a musical or other live performance before retiring to your accommodations.

Consider other top-rated Bahamas cruises for a fantastic vacation experience.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay & Key West

@ncl

Rating: 4.5★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $449.00

Address: 7665 NW 19th Street, Miami, FL 33126

  • 3-day cruise
  • Unlimited drinks and dining
  • Discount packages

Great for a long weekend or quick excursion, the 3-day Great Stirrup Cay & Key West cruise provided by Norwegian Cruise Line is a fun-filled excursion.

During your cruise, you will be delighted with luxury accommodations that range from stylish interior staterooms to large suites.

Choose to stay in The Haven villa onboard, and you’ll be pampered with 24-hour butler service, a sundeck, and a private hot tub.

Alternatively, you can lounge in one of the suites available.

Included with many of the suites are private balconies, 24-hour room service, and spacious living areas.

When not admiring the view from your accommodations, you’ll find plenty to do on the ship.

Dance the night away to live music, see a musical, or get a behind-the-scenes tour.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see places like the engine control room and the bridge.

Also, while onboard, you’ll have fantastic dining and drink options.

Have dinner at an authentic Brazilian churrascaria, sample fresh sushi, or have a romantic Italian meal.

Additionally, the cruise offers plenty of spots to enjoy a cocktail or a specialty coffee.

Once you’ve departed the Miami port, you’ll head to Key West, where you can depart the ship for a memorable excursion. 

Head to the Key West Aquarium and get an up-close look at sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish.

Are you searching for family-friendly activities in Key West?

While on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay & Key West cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum, where you and your family will learn 400 years of Key West history through salvaged artifacts, actor portrayals, and the re-creation of a salvage warehouse built in the 19th century.

Before heading back to Miami, you’ll stop at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

Enjoy the ocean waters as you dine at a beach buffet, go snorkeling, or explore by kayak.

3. Celebrity Cruises, Key West & Bahamas

@celebritycruises

Rating: 4.2★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $388.00

Address: 5 Key Lime Square, Key West, FL 33040

  • 4-day cruise
  • Verandas available with 85% of the staterooms
  • Shore excursions

Set sail from Fort Lauderdale with Celebrity Cruises on their Key West & Bahamas cruise for a 3-night trip that will take you to some of the most breathtaking tropical locales in the area.

While aboard the Celebrity Silhouette ship, you’ll enjoy a plethora of activities.

Sample amazing food and drinks at restaurants like Grand Cuvee, Blu, and Luminae.

You can also head to the martini bar or Ensemble Lounge for a specialty cocktail.

Curious about what Key West cruises have activities for kids?

While on the Key West and Bahamas Cruise provided by Celebrity Cruises, you and your kids can spend time together with the Camp at Sea program, which boasts over 500 activities for both teens and younger children, such as archery, camp songs, arts and crafts, and video games, as well as food tastings and croquet.

For more adult-oriented entertainment, head to the European-style shopping gallery to peruse sophisticated boutiques.

Also available is the adults-only solarium, where you can soak in a hot tub, go swimming, or sunbathe.

Spend time with family, friends, or your significant other at The Lawn Club.

Planning a large group vacation with friends? I would say go with private charter cruise, It’s always a good choice, offering cost-effectiveness and guaranteed privacy.

During your time at the outdoor facility, you can play a wide range of games, such as bocce, or practice your golf swing.

On the second day of your cruise, you’ll dock in Key West for a full day of exploration.

Go snorkeling and discover reefs teeming with life, go shopping in Old Town, or sample fresh seafood on the beach.

On day 3, you’ll reach Nassau, where you can watch dolphins, visit waterparks, and go island hopping.

Afterward, return to your accommodations that are stylish and range from staterooms with private balconies to large luxury suites that include a private restaurant and sundeck.

Discover the perfect vacation spot by checking out our lists of the best tropical vacations and top luxury resorts all around the world.

4. Virgin Voyages, Fire & Sunset Soirees

@uniqueromancetravel

Rating: 4.5★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $1,570.00

Address: 1000 S. Pine Island Road, Suite 600, Plantation, FL 33324

  • 5-day cruise
  • Discount packages
  • Amenity upgrades available

Enjoy a unique experience during the 5-day Fire & Sunset Soirees provided by Virgin Voyages.

Once you’ve boarded the Scarlet Lady in Miami, you’ll have endless entertainment and special moments.

Start your days aboard with a yoga, cycling, meditation, or other fitness class.

Afterward, have a cup of coffee on your private terrace hammock or breakfast at one of the over 20 eateries available.

Once you arrive in Key West, you can spend the day relaxing or finding adventure.

Discover the local hangouts and sip a few cocktails in the downtown area or swim the crystal-clear waters.

You’ll also find plenty of local attractions in Key West, such as dolphin-watching tours, guided reef tours, and diving.

On the 3rd day of your cruise, you’ll make your way to Bimini, where you’ll spend time at Virgin Voyages’ private Beach Club.

Sip a few drinks on the beach, watch the sunset over the ocean, and relax with personalized service.

While onboard the ship, you can unwind in your modern and stylish accommodations.

Choose from interior cabins, rooms with private terraces, and the Rockstar Quarters.

In the evening, have a fun-filled time enjoying one of the most entertaining cruises to Key West with live shows that include world-renowned performers.

5. MSC Cruises, MSC Magnifica – The Bahamas & Florida

@cruiseweb

Rating: 4.2★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $149.00 per night

Address: 6750 N Andrews Avenue, #100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

  • 4-day cruise
  • Unlimited drinks
  • Kids club

Once you depart from Miami on the MSC Magnifica for The Bahamas & Florida cruise, you will be on your way to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You will arrive in Key West on day 2 of your trip, where you can immerse yourself in the charm of the city.

Among the excursions you’ll find in Key West are a tour of Truman’s Little White House, a visit to Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn, and a trip to the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.

Afterward, you’ll cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

Learn about the ocean’s aquatic creatures before dining on authentic Bahamian cuisine.

What’s more, you can take a tour of a charming lighthouse, get a spa treatment, or go shopping.

Are you looking for a Key West cruise with a lot of activities?

While onboard the MSC Magnifica for The Bahamas & Florida cruise, you’ll find plenty to do, like challenging your friends to a tennis match, catching a show at the 4D cinema, or visiting the cigar lounge, as well as dancing to live music, getting a spa treatment, swimming in one of the pools, or bowling.

Your children will also have a great time on the cruise, with the ship providing kid-friendly entertainment.

In particular, your kids will meet other children their same age while playing games and exploring their creative side.

Get together at night for dinner at one of the ship’s 5 gourmet restaurants and sample international dishes.

Lastly, retire in the evenings to your accommodations.

The ship offers a variety of retreats to choose from, including stylish interior rooms, ocean-view cabins, and private balconies.

In search of a Florida escape? Here you can find the top all inclusive resorts in Florida and Florida beach resorts.

6. Carnival Cruise Line, Western Caribbean from Tampa, FL

@Carnival

Rating: 4.5★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $469.00

Address: 815 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

  • 6-day cruise
  • Kids club
  • Deck parties

Begin a breathtaking journey from Tampa with Carnival Cruise Line on its Western Caribbean cruise.

On the second day of your cruise, you will reach Key West, where you’ll find numerous activities.

Particularly, the Carnival cruise is among the top cruises to Key West from Tampa with a lot of excursions to choose from.

Go out on a catamaran for some snorkeling, visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, or visit the southernmost point of the country.

Additionally, you can have some drinks at fishermen’s saloons, take a tour of Old Town’s architecture, and see where James Audubon lived.

Once you’ve seen the sights of Key West, you will head to Montego Bay for live reggae music, golf, and tours of a haunted mansion.

On day 5, visit Stingray City or lounge on Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands.

While not out on fun-filled excursions, enjoy having a blast on the ship.

During your time aboard, you can attend comedy shows, listen to live music, or get a workout in the fitness center.

Moreover, your whole family will love the waterslides, hot tubs, and the miniature golf course.

Show off your skills at karaoke or get together for a family meal at Guy’s Burger Joint or Blue Iguana Cantina.

Before getting a great night’s sleep, lounge in your accommodations and admire views of the ocean.

7. Key West Sunset Cruises

@keywest.cruises

Rating: 4.8★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $69.95 

Address: 201 William Street, Key West, FL 33040

  • 2-hour cruise
  • Family-friendly
  • Dolphin-watching and snorkeling available

Key West Sunset Cruises offers 2 ways to see the breathtaking beauty of Key West, Florida.

If you’re searching for a short cruise, but want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book either a dinner or sunset cruise on the company’s new luxury catamaran.

Your cruise will last 2 hours and take you across the ocean as you enjoy the vibrant colors of the sunset.

While on the dinner cruise, you can enjoy a premium full bar upgrade for only $19.95 and sip cocktails with your friends.

In particular, the ship provides whatever you’d desire to wet your whistle, with cold beer, run runners, margaritas, and champagne, plus wine and specialty drinks.

Dine on Caribbean pulled pork, fried fish, plantains, and a multitude of sides while being immersed in a tropical atmosphere provided by not only the views but the steel drum performer on board.

Moreover, you’ll find yourself in complete comfort as you lounge in the air-conditioned main cabin.

Alternatively, you can head to the upper deck and enjoy views of Mallory Square and Key West Harbor.

For those who want to surprise their significant other with romantic Key West cruises, The Sunset Sip & Sail Cruise is a fantastic choice.

During your sunset trip, you can both enjoy the full bar.

Sip a glass of champagne as the sun dips to the horizon before dancing to live music.

Also on the sunset cruise are mouthwatering classic Key West appetizers.

Sample Jamaican jerk chicken sliders, some pita bread and hummus, or barbecue meatballs.

8. Holland America Line, Western Caribbean Explorer

@hollandamerica

Rating: 4.8★

Itinerary pricing: Starting at $1099.00

Address: 2200 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

  • 10-day cruise
  • Tour concierge
  • 24-hour room service

If you’re looking for longer cruises to Key West, you’ll enjoy a journey with Holland American Line on their 10-day Western Caribbean Explorer.

Before rounding out your cruise in Key West, you’ll also visit spectacular tropical locales like Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, as well as stops in Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, and Mexico.

Once you arrive in Key West, enjoy a full day of exploration and entertainment.

Meet the cats that reside at Ernest Hemingway’s mansion, visit the country’s southernmost point, and admire the colorful architecture synonymous with Key West.

Also available during your time in Key West are superb fishing charters, sailing tours, and the lively nightlife of Duval Street.

While on your ship, you’ll also enjoy award-winning dining options at Canaletto, Tamarind, and Pinnacle Grill.

Head to B.B. King’s Blues Club for live music and drinks, play a round of music trivia, or dance the night away at the Rolling Stone Rock Room.

Comparatively, you can watch a live dance performance, stop by the fitness center, and play some pickleball.

Wondering where you can find a cruise to Key West with a full-service spa?

While on the Western Caribbean Explorer cruise with Holland America Line, you can unwind at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, which offers traditional and specialized massages, skin and body treatments, and a hydrotherapy pool, in addition to salon services.

Recharge and relax in your luxury accommodations at the end of your busy days.

You’ll be pleased with in-room amenities that will keep you comfortable, such as complimentary fresh fruit, private verandas offered in some suites, and plenty of storage space.