Key West, Florida, continues to be a vibrant port of call for cruise ships in May 2025, welcoming thousands of tourists to its sunny shores. This month sees a busy schedule featuring well-known cruise lines such as Carnival,  key west cruise ship schedule  Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea.
 
Busy Month Ahead for Cruise Tourism
 
Throughout May, Key West is scheduled to receive over 15 cruise ship visits. The first ship to dock will be the Valiant Lady from Virgin Voyages, arriving on May 2 with nearly 2,800 passengers expected. This sets the tone for a month filled with activity in Mallory Square and the Historic Seaport.
 
Popular Ships and Lines
 
Carnival Cruise Line will make several appearances with ships like the Carnival Dream and Carnival Paradise, bringing in over 3,600 and 2,100 passengers respectively.
 
Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady continues its regular visits, arriving every other Friday, known for its adults-only, luxurious experience.
 
Margaritaville at Sea will dock frequently, featuring the Margaritaville Islander and Margaritaville Paradise, offering tropical-themed voyages and festive onboard experiences.
 
Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas will also call at Key West, along with Celebrity Reflection from Celebrity Cruises, one of the largest ships scheduled this month with over 3,000 guests onboard.
 
Economic and Cultural Impact
 
Cruise tourism plays a vital role in Key West’s local economy. Each ship visit brings a significant influx of visitors who explore the island’s attractions, dine in local restaurants, and shop in the quaint stores of Old Town. The city benefits not only economically but also culturally, as visitors experience its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty.
 
Sustainability and Port Management
 
While cruise tourism provides economic benefits, it also requires careful management. The City of Key West has been working with cruise lines to maintain sustainable practices, including managing ship sizes, enforcing environmental regulations, and limiting the number of daily visitors to preserve the city’s charm and ecological balance.
 
Planning Your Visit
 
If you're planning to visit Key West or are a resident looking to avoid or enjoy the buzz, it's wise to check the cruise schedule in advance. With ship arrivals ranging from early morning to late afternoon, the waterfront areas can become quite lively.