The Port of Tampa is not that far from the airport and you can get an easy transfer right at the Port upon disembarkation for about $25. Don't bother with the cruiseship transfer. Holland had a poor berth position this time in #5 which has nothing nearby except the parking lot for cruisers. Many times our cruises came in on Sundays and there is nothing much to do in Tampa on a Sunday near the port. Plan on getting to or from the ship and that's about it. The Port building had good wifi if you are waiting for Embarkation.

This time the cruise ship was parked in the Navy yard which was not inconvenient. You will be dropped right in the heart of Key West about 10 minutes from the navy yard. You cannot walk to town due to being on the military base. It has usually been hot each time we have been in Key West. We took the Duval Bus Loop for free and it drops you off at any one of 20 stops. It would be slightly better to take the free bus than walking, but only slightly because the loop bus only really runs about every 1/2 hour vs 15 minutes. But, it was air-conditioned. I suggest going to the most southern point in the Continental US and don't miss the cemetery. If you do a sail and snorkel you might consider the ship's excursion only because you will cut it close. The last shuttle to the ship would like ly be very close to the time that you have to be getting the final shuttle. However, I do recommend a catamaran and snorkel. Also, hit the oldest bar in Key West just to say you were there. Walking around KW is very interesting with it's old architecture. So much to do here. Try to plan in advance so you can hit the ground running. You can get good WIFI at Starbucks which is at the drop off for the free shuttle. CVS is also across the street for last minute items that you forgot or need.

You will be conveniently docked right in the heart of Old San Juan. Walk off the ship and go left about a block down the street and then start walking up the gradual incline to San Cristobal first. It is walkable if you are in at least somewhat good condition. The streets are cobbled so if you have ambulatory issues, take a tour. If you have a National Park Pass, bring it so that you get in for free at both forts. I'd say spend about 2 hours at San Cristobal and make sure to watch the free film. The pictures from here are awesome. Next, if you are able walk from the back side of San Cristobal to San Felipe del Morro. Again, you will get in if you bring your National Park Pass. The walk is about a mile or less, but the views are beautiful. We walked into a small bar that sold cans of soda for $2 USD just to cool off. We did not intend to go to Morro because we had been there before, but we wanted to go to the cemetery which was beautiful and uniquely different. DO NOT TAKE THE FREE SHUTTLE. You can walk faster than the shuttle and you have a wait at least 1/2 hour fot it. If you have service grab a LYFT for about $3 USD back to the ship. There is a lot of traffic and OSJ has very narrow streets. You can find anything you may want right in town. You can easily find WIFI. Starbucks is on the walk to San Cristobal.

It was hot. Cruising the Pitons was the best part for us.

This time we were parked right near the floating bridge which was super convenient. I was really surprised when our big ship went into the narrow channel to park, and made a 180 degree to park. We needed WIFI right away so we walked to Pizza Hut and acquired a strong signal sitting outside on the benches. The pizza hut is located on the port parking side in the central square area before you walk over the floating bridge. We went off the ship twice. The second time we went to the Curacao Maritime Museum. This was across the bridge and to the left. From the ship it's about 15 minutes. It's pretty much across the channel from the fish market. You walk over a small bridge. The cost was $3 USD PP. Watch the 10 minute film first. The museum is very interesting and I would recommend about an hour here. Walk to the markets and see the fish and fresh fruits and vegetables. The city if very colorful and great for pictures. Go to the fort also and walk up the stairs to get a great view of the city, channel and ocean. We went off the ship again at night to see the lights.

Aruba is always busy and congested. I suggest a beach day and get away from the main area and cruisers. There is a mall about 1/2 mile from the ship and they have good wifi. Shopping and bars are everywhere. It was very hot so we got off the ship early and returned early. This was a very short port day so choose your excursion wisely and be aware of the time.