ferry from Key West to Ft. Myers

[lindagould]

I have checked with the ferry company and they allow only a carry on size bag and a bike with no panniers attached.  Has anyone gone on the ferry with all their gear( 4 panniers plus handlebar bag, sleeping bag and pad) ?

[lamarre.jacques@gmail.com]

I took the Key West Express Feb 1, 2014 with my bike with fully loaded attached panniers.  No problem.  As for the one carry-on bag limitation.  I saw most passengers rolling very large suitcases up the gangway.  Many had two large suitcases plus backpacks.   Hope this helps. 

[dayjack119]

I took that ferry fully loaded from Ft. Myers to Key West and they were very helpful. (I carry all the bags a bike will hold.)  They charge for the bike, like $6, and then they took charge of the bike going up the gangplank.  On the fantail, they asked that I remove my bags (panniers) and they put them in a luggage carrier like you see at airports on rollers and with sides that slide down.  They told me they do this so the bags don't get covered with salt.
So my answer is, "Don't worry about it.  Just do it."

[lindagould]

I did the ferry last year- I am the poster and there was absolutely  NO problem taking my bike and gear so I do not know what all the hoopla was about that I had to think about. Linda