We slipped into Key West just before the cold front could make its way down to the Keys. By the time we sailed the wind was starting to pick up and we sailed through the exit channel with about 40 knots of wind on the beam. However Key West was a good day. The temperatures were still on the chilly side but that will not change until these cold fronts stop from coming down from the North part of the Gulf of Mexico.

We were the only ship in today. The ships that we have met thus far in port are either on 14 day alternating cruises or on a 5 or 4 day cycle and that means that we only meet them occasionally. As a result we were allocated dock B. When there is only one ship in port, Mallory is kept open for the locals and the tourists to watch the Key West sunset and the Navy pier is only used when there are 3 ships in port, or when the weather makes the other docks untenable. Thus we parked ourselves at the B pier, which is a good pier to dock at, as we can set our mooring lines in a much better way than at Mallory. On this pier we do have head lines and stern lines, while at Mallory it is basically all spring lines and nothing else.

A secondary advantage is, that it is easier to get our guests back onboard before sailing time. At Mallory they have to walk through the performers on the square and thus they get tempted to linger awhile watching a performance. At the B pier, this is less of an issue as the walk way to the ship is around the performers area, so when you come back from town, you do not see the action. Thus it is easier to sail on time, as everybody is marching directly back to the ship. For getting to downtown from pier B it is hardly any extra distance, maybe one block or so, thus I never feel that it inconveniences the guests too much if the ship is scheduled at pier B. Not that I can do anything about it, it is all arranged by the city but still you feel responsible if you get allocated a dock that is not the best one available for the guests.

Pier B as seen when the ship is approaching the dock. The much smaller Mallory pier can be seen in the background.

Also departure from pier B is easier, basically you move the ship sideways off the dock and then flip around as the turning basin is right opposite this dock. And so we did on departure while the dark clouds were gathering at the horizon, bringing the bad tidings of another cold front coming over the area. It will mean a wobbly day tomorrow while sailing through the Yucatan but the wind will be mostly on the side of the ship and or following, thus it should not be too bad.