A TripAdvisor™ TripWow video of a travel blog to Key West, United States by TravelPod blogger J_and_m.
See this TripWow and more at http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-00cb-cc96-0998?ytv4=1
Key West!
“Weather forecast: 77 degrees, party sunny
The ship was slowly making its way into Miami port when we woke up this morning. The Captain guided the ship all the way into the channel, did a 360 degree turn and pulled up to the dock next to the Carnival Imagination and RCL’s Majesty of the Seas. One last time at the buffet for breakfast, showers and final packing was first priority, then all we could do was sit and wait for the customs all clear signal. We chose the Express Walk-Off Disembarkation so when the announcement was given, we walked off the ship carrying our own luggage. Evidently several hundred passengers though this was a good idea too as the line snaked halfway down the ship, across the bow and halfway down the other side. Our cabin cards were swiped for the last time, customs officials checked passports and we headed outside to the curb to wait for the Alamo shuttle. The whole process went smoothly and quickly.
Final reflections on the cruiseline
NCL likes: Egg Beaters, Splenda, no formal clothes needed and no formal dining time
NCL dislikes: no food trays, salt & pepper packets used on the aft balcony dining area, no free daily newspaper
Alamo didn’t have much choice in the luxury car class available (there were 5 SUVs) so we chose a Toyota Avalon and received a discount on the rental. Luggage got stowed in the trunk, GPS fired up and we were on our way to Key West!
The drive down was nice but if there’s one road in the country that needs to be widened beyond 2 lanes, it’s definitely Highway 1! Stoplight after stoplight, fluctuating speed limit signs, vehicles out for a scenic drive moseying along just makes for a long drive. But the scenery was great and weather awesome.
We passed Key after Key after Key and finally made it to the end of the road mid-afternoon. We drove down Duval Street, past Hemingway’s House and found Papa’s Hideaway Bed & Breakfast tucked in a little dead-end street next to the Key West Naval Air Station Truman Annex. Fred, the owner, welcomed us, gave us a rundown of amenities and introduced us to Pookie, the beautiful long-haired resident cat. Our room was Studio #2 up the stairs and has the comforts of home in a little package. We have a private balcony with clothesline, wicker loveseat, 2 chairs and a table. Inside is a small bathroom with shower, closet, king bed, futon, TV and a kitchenette (half-sized refrigerator, sink, dishes, coffee maker, microwave and toaster oven.
The property is landscapped with palm trees, flowers and shrubs which certainly gives it a tropical feel and earns the name “hideaway”. Between the 2 cottages is a in-ground pool and hot tub. A nice continental breakfast is served poolside daily with selections of cereal, breads and pastries, oatmeal, coffee and juice.
We relaxed in the cool breezes of the balcony, unpacked, then ventured out for some dinner before turning in for the night.”
Read and see more at: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/j_and_m/4/1232710802/tpod.html
Photos from this trip:
Miami Skyline Before Dawn
Miami Cruise Terminal
Key West – Only 105 Miles Away!
Driving Through The Keys
Sea Plane
Duck Key
Vaca Cut
Little Torch Key
Cudjoe Key
Lower Sugarloaf Key
Saddle Branch #2
Shark Key
Big Coppitt Key
East Rockland Key
Boca Chica Key
Our Room – Papa’s Hideaway Bed & Breakfast
Duration : 0:2:38
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