KEY WEST, FLORIDA

Monday May 24, 1999

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

7 Hours - The Ship Will Dock

DINING OPTIONS

Dress suggestion for this evening:  FORMAL - Cocktail dresses for women; suits & ties, or tuxedoes for men.

(Guests are kindly requested not to wear Tank Tops and Shorts in the dining Room at Dinner)

French is the dinner theme

ROOM SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

Average Temperature in April:  87

Language:  English

            Key West is probably the best-known small town on the planet.  Though tiny enough it is rumored, to fit into New York's Central Park, Key West has managed, through its rich history, its remote location and its ravishing natural beauty to earn a notation in every national and international map.

            Key West sits like a jewel in the middle of the sea, just off the coast of America.  Its air quality is second to no other city. The average annual temperature of 77 degrees rarely varies more than 10 degrees in either direction, with a record low of 41 degrees and a record high of 97 degrees. It has never seen frost or snow.  Perennially sunny, the island averages only 39 inches of rain per year.

            Although Key West is, in fact, the westernmost of the Florida Keys, its name was corrupted from the Spanish Cayo Hueso or "Island of Bones," dubbed such when Spanish explorers set foot on a landscape littered with the human bones of Calusa Indians and unfortunate seafarers.  Of late, it has also been nicknamed "The Conch Republic" and "Margaritaville," (as much a state of mind as it is a comment on one of the daily rituals).

            There's no up-town or down-town in Key West, no dress codes even for the finest of restaurants. Tolerance is the rule and differences are to be celebrated.  Even daily life in Key West includes a certain off-beat sense of celebration.  Each day's setting sun is celebrated and sometimes even applauded at Mallory Square, while artisans, musicians, and street performers pack the city pier with visitors as the famed and often glorious Key West sunsets shimmer over the Gulf of Mexico.

            Key West is a city which celebrates itself, its history, its diversity and its various reputations in many ways.  Festivals & Parties punctuate the tourist season.  The social calendar, fishing tournaments and art festivals, literary seminars and world premiere plays, house and garden tours, international power boat and yacht races, and a lighted boat parade goes on 365 days a year.  Most notable perhaps is Fantasy Fest, Key West's answer to Mardi Gras.  Visitors from around the world descent on a ten-day event in October that culminates with a parade through Old Town that draws an estimated 50,000 celebrants.

            Key West is for many the greatest city in America.  Its population is a patchwork quilt of the most culturally diverse elements imaginable, stitched together with the sturdy threads of acceptance and the desire to celebrate life.

1 hour, $16 Adult/$8 Child

Time:  8:30 AM

Sit back in a authentically-styled, all-weather trolley while an expert guide turns back the pages of history to a time when Key West was a bustling sea town on the farthest frontier of a young America. Along the way your guide will combine colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and historical information into a lively 90-minute narrative, as you pass over 100 points of interest. Following your tour you will be free to stay in town and explore this fascinating city or return to the ship.

1 hour, $16 Adult/$8 Child

Time:  8:30 AM

See the best of Key West on the tour that's been entertaining visitors to the island since 1958! Departing from the downtown Key West Terminal, your Conch Train will wind its way through the streets of Key West as an expert "Engineer" narrates. You'll pass 60 unusual and historical sites, familiarizing yourself with the layout of the island. Legend and lore of this charming tropical paradise will come to life on this outstanding tour.

2 hours, $21.50 Adult/$10.50 Child

Time:  9:30 AM

You'll truly enjoy the pleasures of a glass-bottom boat as an experienced captain and crew provide you with a unique and informative eco-tour of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The boats are designed to provide maximum viewing with minimum stress to the delicate reef environment.

The magnificent coral reef is home to the majestic elkhorn and impressive brain coral, sturdy in appearance yet fragile. The reef stands sentry for over 300 species of fish that complete the colorful and intriguing seascape.

A seated sundeck, air-conditioned enclosed viewing area, restrooms and a snack bar guarantee that you will cruise in comfort!

3 hours, $38 Adult/$19 Child

Time:  8:30 AM

The clear tropical waters off Key West are teeming with colorful and exotic marine life surrounding the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. Your reef snorkeling adventure begins aboard the 65-ft., state-of-the-art, ocean-sailing "Fury" catamaran, featuring a canopied cabin and spacious sun decks.

Your crew will provide snorkel equipment, instruction and complimentary soft drinks during the one-hour sail to the reef. Upon arrival your experienced crew will lead you into the water for a guided tour of the living coral reef and its wonders. Following your tour, complimentary beer and wine will be served on the return leg of this extraordinary trip!

2 hours, $26

Time:  9:00 AM

Do something different! Join your personal guide for a slice of life during a field trip off the beaten path and see the real Key West! Your adventure begins with a short drive via coach to the bicycle station. From here, your guide will lead you on a 2-hour bike tour with many stops along this stress-free, easy ride which takes you through the un-commercialized back streets of old Key West.

Along the way, you'll sample exotic aromas of the flowers and chat with local characters who make Key West a truly unique place! Following your fascinating bike tour of Key West, you'll return to the ship via air-conditioned coach.

2 1/2 Hours,$36

Time:  8:30 AM & 10:15 AM

This 2 1/2 hour kayak tour is a great opportunity for persons of any age to experience the fastest growing sport in the world! You'll learn from the experts, then command your own kayak through the canal and calm waters surrounding Key West. After a short drive to the Marina, your guide will introduce you to kayaking and give a safety demonstration. Afterward, you will get into your kayak and begin a 1 1/2 hour journey through the waterways of this area. After leaving the Marina you will paddle a short distance across Cow's Bay Channel and proceed along the Riviera Canal where a great many homes, including Jimmy Buffet's, are located. One can see many species of birds, fish, sponges and even the occasional manatee. You will wind your way through the mangroves and famous salt ponds of Key West while spotting white herons, egrets and eagles. Following your adventure you will return to the Marina. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, explore the waters of Key West and still have time to shop.

Note: Each person is given bottled water. Sun block, sunglasses, hat and a change of clothes are recommended.

$6.50

At Leisure

In 1662, the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita sank off the coast of Florida, taking with them a bounty of gold, silver and precious gems. In 1969, Mel Fisher began his search for this 300-year-old lost treasure. By the mid 80's, he had discovered the main cargo hold of the Atocha, whose treasure is worth some $400 million. Don't miss this phenomenal exhibition of priceless treasures and walk-in environments which provide a full scale experience of life on three continents, centuries away. Ticket price includes entrance to the exhibit.

$9.95 Adult/$6.95 Child

At Leisure

Come and see the unbelievable! Located a short walk from downtown, enter into the world of the strange, shocking and beautiful, yet true, at Ripley's Believe It Or Not Odditorium. Spend as much time as you like exploring the 1,500 exhibits and video presentations ranging from the vampire killing kit, a hurricane tunnel, Ernest Hemingway's writing in his high school yearbook, and a 28-foot-high reproduction of the Keys Coral Reef. Just when you thought you'd seen it all. Believe it or not!

1 1/2 hours, $15 Adult / $10 Child

Time:  8:45 AM

This exciting walking tour will take you through the heart of the "Old Town" of Key West where you will view the many interesting sights and learn about the important historical highlights of each, all within two blocks of the waterfront! You'll begin from Mallory Square, where it all starts in 1513 with sponging and cigar-making. You'll visit the site of the old sponge docks, see a collection of tall-masted wooden schooners and then enter a small, working cigar factory where you can watch cigars being hand-rolled, and have a chance to buy some of the famous Key West cigars. Continuing on along tree-shaded streets, your guide will chat about the variety of trees and flowers while passing many of the historic homes of the area. You'll see the home of Florida's first millionaire, the oldest house, Hemingway's first home and many other unique Key West sights. The tour ends at Key Lime Pie Heaven (Key Lime Pie not included).

2 Hours,$21.50

Time:  8:45 AM

This walking tour visits many of Key West's finest homes and gardens. Departing from Mallory Square, take a tree-shaded stroll to the Heritage House, a 19th-century sea captain's home and former winter retreat of poet Robert Frost. Take a guided tour and hear a recording of the poet reading his works.

After iced tea and cookies in the garden, it's off to Casa Antigua, where the Hemingway's first wintered before buying their famous home in 1931. Once a hotel, it burned to the ground and was rebuilt as a private home, with the largest courtyard in Key West. Next, walk to the Hemingway Mansion, passing the "Old Stone Church" and many fine old homes now converted into guest houses. At the Mansion, a guide will take you through the house and grounds. Your tour concludes here, just a short walk to the shops of Duval Street.

3 Hours,$56

Time:  9:00 AM

Come and experience the newest, most exciting sporting event in Key West, featuring some of the fastest racing catamarans afloat. You will compete in an actual yacht race under the watchful eye of your captain. Participants need no prior experience, just the desire to win! Whether it's "sheeting in," manning the helm or watching the clock, you will be part of the team. Your captain will explain the positions in detail, and you will set out for a practice session. When the horn is sounded, it's race time. Be sure to reserve your "crew" spot in the Key West Cup.

4 1/4 Hours,$65 w/ Equipment & $55 without

Time:  9:15 AM

his tour is limited to certified divers only who have been on a dive within the last 12 months. You will be required to have proof of certification to participate. After a short shuttle from the dock to your dive boat, you will embark on your underwater adventure. Two dive sites have been selected for your dive experience, both located on the third-largest barrier reef in the world. The reef is home to more than 1,000 species of fish, a variety of coral, porpoise, sea turtles and various kinds of rays.

This is an experience certified divers won't want to miss.

NOTE: Tank and weight belt are included for all divers.  Equipment package includes regulator, B.C., mask, fins and snorkel.

$16.50

At

On this self-guided tour, you will receive a walking map courtesy of the Old Island Restoration Foundation, Inc., which will show you the "Pelican Path." After being provided with admission tickets for three of Key West's fabulous attractions, you can explore the city of Key West at your own pace. The Wrecker's Museum, the "Oldest House in South Florida," was built in 1829 and exhibits the early architecture of the town and the life of sea captains and wreckers. The Curry Mansion is a copy of a Newport Cottage and was home to Florida's first millionaire, William Curry. Inside are antique furnishings, Tiffany sliding doors and a soaring widow's walk. Finally, you can explore Mel Fisher's Maritime Heritage Museum, where remains of the Spanish Galleons, Atocha and Santa Margarita, are displayed in a unique setting. There are other interesting sites highlighted on the "Pelican Path" map.