Best direction

[michaeld5503]

Hi all, we plan on leaving this November for the start of our islands cruising. Plan is to leave out of Galveston Texas, go to Key West and start from there.
Option A: ICW to Florida, then Gulf waters to Key West.
Option B: Sail south to Cancun Mexico, around Cuba, up to the Keys.
Not a big fan of ICW option, but may be easier.
I'm sure quite a few people have done this trip and would appreciate some input as to the better option. We will be sailing a shoal draft 45' Ketch.
Thanks all!

[Scot McPherson]

option b is more fun, and the water doesn't get as rough in the gulf as it does in the open ocean.