Thanks Olive and xxx. Didn't realize it was so cool in Feb. I also didn't realize you could obtain a day pass at the hotel. That's a good idea and I think I'll look into it.

Have a great Holiday everyone.

nina please, don't allow the kids to throw rocks in the water, there are much too many already!

KW is not a beach destination. If you want to swim, treat yourselves to a snorkeling or diving trip (numerous on Duval to choose from) out to the reef and have a great experience. the reef is great, the water will be at least 20 degrees warmer than Maine on its warmest day. The kids (especially if they haven't snorkeled yet) will never forget it.

Last I was there the Reach discontinued the pass program. I understand when Wyndham took it over is when it was ended.

Nina, why don't you look now into some shore excursions for Key West. That way you can utilize your time and your childrens time well. Find out what is available for the excursions. Maybe they offer a snorkeling trip, (sure they do) or a day at some beach where the swimming doesn't include cutting up your feet. That doesn't sound appealing to me at all.

I would call the Wyndham Reach directly along with the Casa Marina, Hilton, and Hyatt to see if they offer day passes. Going to a KW *beach* would be a chore. You'd need beach chairs, snacks, towels, drinks, etc.

I would really doubt if any of the hotel beaches offer day passes in Key West. The beaches are all very small and if I was a paying guest already fighting for a spot on the beach with other hotel guest, I would be really pissed if outsiders were allowed in for the day.

I think Hyatt's beach is all of 10 yds long, if that, so officer has a point. We were there in January and it was too cold then for me...but my MA roots rotted long ago and now it has to be 80 (water temp) before I'll get in. Actually, I think all the guests while we were there were using the pool, not the beach. The beaches just aren't beaches in the normal sense of the word. Where else does your cruise stop Nina?

OO, you are being generous giving the Hyatt and 10 yard beach. They do have that cool floating dock thing with chairs on it.

Olive, Just got back from some last minute shopping, in a torrential downpour, but at least I don't have to go back out there before Christmas! Since we swim off Nantucket in late June, Key West in Feb. will still feel like bathwater.

Anyway the other stops are Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Progreso (Merida) in Mexico. It's the Celebrity Mercury.

xxx You are very astute. My mom is taking us on the cruise as our Christmas present. She's very generous and loves to take us on trips, especially since my dad passed away.

And your also correct about how long it's been since I was in Key West. It was about 16 years ago!