If you’re planning a trip to Key West during the holiday season, this Christmas cruise aboard Schooner America 2.0 could add a special touch to your festive plans. While I haven’t personally taken this cruise, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what you might expect. The idea of sailing through the warm Florida waters, surrounded by holiday lights and cheerful music, sounds pretty delightful, especially for those who love a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
What I really like about this experience is how it combines the charm of a scenic boat ride with the fun of holiday music. Plus, the inclusion of two complimentary drinks—beer, wine, or champagne—makes it feel like a proper celebration. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short cruise at just 1.5 hours, so if you’re after a more immersive or longer activity, this might feel a bit quick. This tour is particularly well-suited for friends, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy a festive evening on the water without a hefty price tag.
Key West: Live Christmas Holiday Music Cruise with Hot Cocoa
Key Points

- Festive Atmosphere: The boat is decorated with holiday lights, creating an instantly cheerful vibe.
- Live Music: A lively band plays Christmas favorites, and guests are encouraged to sing along.
- Inclusive Drinks and Treats: Two free drinks per person over 21 and holiday cookies make it feel like a warm holiday gathering.
- Short & Sweet: At around 1.5 hours, it’s ideal for a quick holiday outing without much planning.
- Location & Accessibility: Meeting point is conveniently located at 202 William Street, behind the Schooner Wharf Bar.
- Cost & Value: At $88 per person, it offers a good balance of experience and affordability.
Imagine stepping aboard the Schooner America 2.0, decked out with twinkling holiday lights, ready to whisk you away on a cheerful cruise through Key West’s waters. The experience kicks off with a warm holiday spirit and a friendly vibe, perfect for those wanting to add some seasonal sparkle to their vacation. The boat itself is a classic schooner, providing a relaxed and scenic backdrop for your holiday celebration.
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The Cruise Itself
The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours, usually in the evening, allowing you to enjoy the sunset or simply soak in the festive atmosphere after a day of sightseeing. Once aboard, you’ll find the boat decorated with holiday lights, setting a cozy, cheerful scene that transports you from the everyday.
Live Christmas Music
The highlight for many is the live band playing fun, upbeat Christmas tunes. Whether you love singing along or just tapping your toes, this musical component adds a lively, communal feel to the cruise. Guests are encouraged to sing along, making it more of a holiday party than a quiet boat ride. The music helps create a joyful ambiance that’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends wanting to celebrate the season in style.
Holiday Treats & Drinks
Included in your ticket are two complimentary drinks—choice of beer, wine, or champagne—for those 21 and older. This is a nice touch, making the experience feel like a toast to the holidays. The bar also offers additional beverages for purchase if you’re looking for something extra. Plus, holiday cookies and treats are provided, giving the cruise a warm, festive flavor.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Details
The meeting point is at 202 William Street, just behind the Schooner Wharf Bar, which makes it pretty easy to find. Seating might be assigned, so don’t expect to choose your spot, but that generally doesn’t impact the fun. Remember to bring your passport or ID, especially if you plan to enjoy the alcoholic drinks.
Considerations
Since this is a short cruise with a specific holiday theme, it’s best suited for those wanting a light, fun, and festive activity. If you’re traveling with children, this might not be ideal as the experience is centered around adult beverages and holiday treats. Smoking is not allowed onboard, keeping the environment family-friendly and comfortable.
At $88 per person, the cruise offers a charming, lively holiday experience at a reasonable price point for Key West. You’re paying mainly for the ambiance, live music, scenic views, and included drinks, rather than a long or elaborate tour. Many reviewers appreciate the value — especially the chance to sing along to holiday classics in a beautiful setting. Some note that the duration—just 1.5 hours—is perfect for a quick festive outing without overcommitting.
What Past Guests Say
Reviewers mention that the lights and decorations really add to the holiday spirit, and the live band keeps everyone engaged. The inclusion of drinks and holiday treats is seen as a thoughtful touch. However, a few point out that seating can be assigned, which might affect your view, and some note that additional drinks are available for purchase if you want more than the two included.
Practical Tips
- Arrive a little early to find your spot and settle in.
- Dress comfortably but consider bringing a light jacket or layers, especially for evening cruises.
- If you’re sensitive to alcohol, note that only two drinks are included, so pace yourself.
- It’s a short cruise, so plan other activities afterward if you want to make the most of your evening.
This cruise is a great pick for anyone looking for a relaxed, festive activity during the holiday season in Key West. It’s especially suitable for groups of friends or couples who want to enjoy holiday music and scenery without a big time commitment. If you’re traveling with family, keep in mind that the focus on alcohol and the adult-oriented treats might make it less ideal for children. Still, the cheerful music and lights can be fun for all ages, depending on your group’s preferences.
This tour is perfect if you’re after a cozy, social holiday experience that combines scenic views, good music, and a touch of celebration. It’s not a lengthy or overly formal event, making it suitable for those who prefer casual outings.
Do I need to bring anything special?
Just your ID or passport if you plan to enjoy the free drinks. Besides that, comfortable clothing and a light jacket are good ideas for the evening.
Are additional beverages available for purchase?
Yes, if you want more than the two included drinks, you can buy extra from the onboard bar.
Can children join this cruise?
The experience seems geared toward adults, especially since drinks are included. If children are present, they’ll likely enjoy the holiday decorations and music, but the drinks are for 21+ guests.
Where exactly do I meet the cruise?
At 202 William Street, directly behind the Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick but festive activity.
Is there any food included?
Holiday treats and cookies are included, but additional food options are not listed as part of the package.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if plans change.
Is this a good value for the price?
Yes, especially considering the live music, festive decor, and drinks included. It offers a fun, seasonal experience without a hefty price tag.
In summary, this Key West Christmas cruise offers a cheerful, scenic way to celebrate the holidays on the water. It’s simple, fun, and inclusive, making it a lovely choice if you’re in town during December and want to add some holiday spirit to your trip. Expect good music, holiday lights, and a warm, social atmosphere—perfect for kicking off or winding down a festive day in Key West.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Christmas in Key West
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