The Facts about Key West Harbor
Key West is more commonly known as a port city than that of a beach destination like many of the Florida Keys. There are three separate docks in the Key West Harbor that various passenger cruise ships may come in to and is near the Key West International Airport.

At the Mole dock along the Truman Waterfront you will typically see ships from the Carnival Cruise Lines, and more recently the Imagination and the Fascination. This doc is actually a Navy base and access to the dock is restricted. Cruise passengers that are boarding or leaving cruise ships from this dock requires passage through security checkpoints.

The city of Key West is an extremely popular cruise port that handles about 380 cruise ships each year. The port literally creates the foundation of Key West’s economy as it is primarily based on tourism. The Naval Air Station in Key West is runner up in effecting the local economy. Key West is rarely hit directly by hurricanes making it optimal for year round business along its port.

Things to do in Key West
Key West is about three and a half miles wide and one and a half miles long, just about eight square miles. Two thirds of the island of Key West is referred to as the New Town, the other section is a gorgeous historic district deemed the Old Town. The Old Town is where the majority of tourists spend all their time.

The many visitors that come in on passenger cruise lines are only allowed a few hours to explore the various wonders of the city of Key West. Visitors quickly fall in love with the friendly atmosphere of the mix of United States and Caribbean Island culture and plan future vacations for longer stays.

The ocean surrounding Key West is home to America’s only living coral reef which is the third longest barrier reef. Because of this coral reef, which protects Key West from the ocean’s harsh waves, there is no surfing on the island simply due to there not being adequate waves to surf on. But that hardly stops locals and tourists alike from having a great time. From the bars to the museum houses to the adventure, there is literally something for everyone in Key West.