Florida Port Celebrates Arrival of 3 Millionth Cruise Passenger

Table Of Content

• Night Bahamas - ShortDetails
• Cruises out of Jacksonville
• Carnival Cruises From Jacksonville
• Signature Experiences Aboard Carnival Elation
• Jacksonville Cruise Port Directions

The partnership’s extension includes JAXPORT committing to further terminal upgrades to improve the passenger experience. These enhancements include a new parking area, an upgraded VIP Lounge, and an improved boarding platform that allows passengers to board the ship at the Promenade level. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. The port’s busiest months for cruises were October, March, and May, when eight ship calls were recorded in each month.

Night Bahamas - ShortDetails

Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right onto Zoo Parkway.

Cruises out of Jacksonville

Read on for our Jacksonville cruise port breakdown, including address information, cruise line terminals, directions, services and more. Begin planning your next cruise adventure from Jacksonville, Florida with Cruise Critic. Compare prices from top cruise lines and online travel agents to find the best deals.

Carnival Cruises From Jacksonville

Turn right on Heckscher (State Road 105 South) and cross over New Berlin Road. Turn left into the cruise terminal entrance on August Drive. Traveling from the South- Take I-95 North to Heckscher Drive, State Road 105 North (Exit 358-A). Stay on Heckscher about 4 miles, and turn right on August Drive into the cruise terminal entrance. The Port of Jacksonville is located approximately 8 miles from Jacksonville International Airport. Parking is $17.00 per day (rates subject to change by the Port Authority, and prices may be higher for oversized vehicles).

Carnival Cruise Line and JAXPORT have agreed to extend their collaboration, ensuring Carnival cruises will continue to sail from Jacksonville, Florida, through 2026. The ship offers six stateroom categories, including suites and Grand Penthouse Suites. It also features Carnival Cruise Line’s signature Carnival Waterworks aqua park, with its popular Twister Waterslide, its SplashZone for children, and thrilling racing slides. Carnival Elation, which entered service in 1998 and accommodates 2,000 guests in double occupancy, offers several itineraries from Jacksonville.

Public Transit from Jacksonville International Airport to JAXPORT

Pass the interchange for I-95, and stay on I-295 for about eight to 10 minutes. Take Exit 41 onto FL-105/Zoo Parkway/Heckscher Drive, and follow the directions above.

Jacksonville Cruise Port Directions

Despite being the oldest vessel in the Carnival fleet, constructed in 1998, Elation receives dry dock renovations every three years. The cruise industry’s economic contribution in Jacksonville supports nearly 800 jobs and generates over $187 million in annual economic impact for Northeast Florida. The contribution is further amplified by the city’s status as an expanding drive-to cruise market, with more than 98 million consumers situated within driving distance of the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal. A 4-day Bahamas cruise calls at Freeport, Bahamas, and Bimini. A 5-day cruise calls at Nassau, Bahamas, and the Princess Cays private island, and features two sea days. Some itineraries will call at Celebration Key, the new private retreat that Carnival will open in July 2025.

There are taxi, limousine and shared-ride booths on the lower level of the airport outside Baggage Claim. For Uber and Lyft pick-ups, passengers should look for the “App-based rides service” signs on the Lower Arrival curb outside Baggage Claim Door 3. It’s about 25 minutes from the airport to the JAXPORT cruise terminal. The lot is fenced in, well-lit and only a few steps from the cruise terminal building.

Porters at the Jacksonville Cruise Port

Visit a large number of animal and plant exhibits, and you can even pack your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. Most commonly, cruises from Jacksonville go to exciting destinations such as Bahamas, Caribbean - All, BVI, and USVI. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. There is a small shop selling drinks, snacks and a few essentials at JAXPORT cruise terminal, but no full-service restaurants or major shopping options are available on site.

We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. The Lester family enjoyed a special, complimentary dinner at Carnival Elation’s Chef’s Table, the exclusive, multi-course culinary experience offered on most Carnival Cruise Line vessels. They also were treated to other VIP services and amenities during their cruise.

Cruises from Jacksonville offer the perfect blend of beachfront and urban exploration. Get the best of a laid-back beach town and a buzzing city when you book a Carnival cruise from the beautiful port of Jacksonville, Florida. The Sunshine State’s largest city has a redeveloped and revitalized downtown, full of upbeat shopping and lively restaurants, bisected by the scenic St. Johns River and its Southbank Riverwalk. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.

Roughly 75% of all port revenues is derived from cargo operations, mainly containers and autos. The port has three cargo terminals, two intermodal container transfer facilities, and the passenger cruise terminal, situated along the St. Johns River. The lucky VIPs chose to cruise from JAXPORT because it is close to their home in Georgia. Indeed, Jacksonville is known as a drive-to port based on its location in the northern region of Florida, and is considered to be within one day’s drive of 100 million people. Traveling from the West- Take I-10 East to I-295 North (Exit 356). Pass the interchange for I-95, staying on I-295/SR 9-A for 6 miles to Heckscher Drive.

Norwegian Cruise Line seeks to launch service from JaxPort Jax Daily Record - Jacksonville Daily Record

Norwegian Cruise Line seeks to launch service from JaxPort Jax Daily Record.

Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Carnival’s Elation cruises out of JAXPORT’s North Jacksonville Cruise terminal, offering year-round trips to The Bahamas. At WJXT, we are committed to informing and delighting our audience. In our commitment to covering our communities with innovation and excellence, we incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance our news gathering, reporting, and presentation processes. Read our article to see how we are using Artificial Intelligence.

THE 18 BEST Carnival Cruises from Jacksonville with Prices on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Night Caribbean - Other ProductDetails
• Jacksonville Cruise Port Directions
• JSO cruiser involved in crash on San Pablo Road and Beach Boulevard
• DEALS 4 JAX
• Jacksonville Cruise Port Information: Cruise Lines

Find exclusive bonus offers including free gratuities, drinks, cancellation, onboard credit, specialty dining, and even free shore excursions. Carnival Cruise Line and JAXPORT celebrated the port’s 3 millionth cruise guest, the Lester family of Clayton, Georgia, who were ready to set sail on their fourth Carnival Cruise Line voyage. The cruise line extended VIP treatment to the family, who were booked on a 4-day voyage to the Bahamas aboard Carnival Elation, a Fantasy-class ship.

Night Caribbean - Other ProductDetails

With a large focus on the arts, you’ll also be able to find plenty of local designer clothing, jewelry, and more. The Southside area also features a very large antiques mall with over 200 dealers offering their hard-to-find wares. This large, northeastern Florida city has it all, making it a prime destination to explore before or after a Caribbean cruise. While there are certainly plenty of activities to partake in while on your cruise vacation, you won’t want to miss out on the many things to do in Jacksonville either. You can park any size vehicle – even up to and including oversized recreation vehicles – at JAXPORT, though larger vehicles pay about double as much as regular cars.

Norwegian Cruise Line seeks to sail from JaxPort starting in November 2025 - WJXT News4JAX

Norwegian Cruise Line seeks to sail from JaxPort starting in November 2025.

Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Jacksonville Cruise Port Directions

Cruises from Jacksonville mainly serve popular cruise destinations in the West Insides and include itineraries to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and the US Virgin Islands. Carnival Elation is currently the only large cruise ship that calls Jacksonville its home port, underscoring its significance to JAXPORT. However, a recent agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will bring the cruise line to the area for the first time in November 2025 with the arrival of Norwegian Gem. With a capacity to host 2,130 passengers at double occupancy, Carnival Elation is a mid-sized cruise ship boasting a gross tonnage of 71,909.

JSO cruiser involved in crash on San Pablo Road and Beach Boulevard

There is no way to get from Jacksonville International Airport to the port via public transportation. While the Jacksonville Transportation Authority offers bus service throughout the city, none of the routes currently serve the JAXPORT cruise terminal. The two cruise lines that predominantly sail out of the Jaxport Cruise Terminal are Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line.

An active city, Jacksonville, FL offers visitors opportunities to try water sports, fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Visit the headquarters of the Professional Golf Association or the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, an ecologically aware zoo. The Museum of Science and History has an exhibit for everyone, including a display on manatees and dolphins and an excellent Civil War collection. Visit these areas when shopping in Jacksonville to find those one-of-a-kind pieces and plenty of antiques.

Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship Reaches Major Construction Milestone

A family of cruisers hailing from Georgia pushed the arrivals number over the mark as they arrived for their sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation. Jaxport is not a large cruise terminal, and there is very little in the way of comfortable seating areas. Free parking is available for drivers with a disabled veterans plate, as well as for those with a Florida Toll Exemption decal displayed on their windshield. There are not many handicapped spots, so if you need to be close to the terminal, we recommend prepaying for a spot nearby. You can pay for parking online in advance, or pay on-site using cash or a major credit card. If you prepay, you'll have a reserved parking spot near those reserved for disabled individuals.

Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the front of the terminal for any passenger that needs assistance. If you park in the lot and need additional assistance, a porter will drive you from your car to the terminal and will then get you a wheelchair for transfer to the ship. The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) announced Monday that it and Carnival reached an agreement to continue cruise service from Jacksonville into 2026, with options to extend through 2030.

Turn left on August Drive into the cruise terminal entrance. Stop at the guard station, and follow signs to the parking area. Cruises out of Jacksonville will depart from the Jacksonville cruise port, which is officially named JAXPORT, is one of the most convenient around for several reasons. Its passenger terminal is located a 25-minute drive southeast of Jacksonville International Airport, features ample on-site parking and lacks the long lines found at other ports. Porters are stationed at the cruise terminal drop-off point and throughout the parking lot. They can take you and your luggage from your car to the cruise terminal entrance in a golf cart.

Jacksonville Cruise Port Information: Cruise Lines

JAXPORT’s Cruise ship data for 2023 is not yet available from the port, but records show that in 2022 there were 52 calls. For comparison, the pre-pandemic years of 2018 and 2019 saw 78 and 76 calls, respectively. So before you embark on your cruise from Jacksonville (or when you get back) be sure to spend some time discovering more about the amazing city of Jacksonville. Doing so will greatly enhance your trip and give you even more lasting memories of your cruise. This popular destination for both tourists and locals features over 2,000 animals and spans 117 acres.

January was the port’s least busy cruise month, with just three calls. After cruises resumed in March 2022, the port posted $2.6 million in cruise-related revenues for that fiscal year. Traveling from the North- Take I-95 South to State Road 9-A South (Exit 362-A). Cross New Berlin Road, and turn left on August Drive into the cruise terminal entrance.

Nestled amongst historic Jacksonville neighborhoods you’ll find an assortment of museums and art galleries. You’ll find plenty of museums for the whole family to enjoy, as well as art, science, and history museums. There is also a tour of a historic plantation and the oldest home in Jacksonville. You'll find bathrooms on both sides of the security checkpoint. Each bathroom includes a changing table and several stalls, including one that is equipped for the disabled. Take Atlantic Boulevard West to I-295 North, and continue over the Dames Point Bridge (also known as the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge).

Cruise ships downtown and Barnett statue - The Florida Times-Union

Cruise ships downtown and Barnett statue.

Posted: Sun, 21 Nov 2021 02:11:50 GMT [source]

The Jacksonville Amtrak station is located at 3570 Clifford Lane, which is on the city's north side. It’s a 25-minute drive from the Jacksonville Amtrak train station to JAXPORT. The Jackson International Airport (JAX) is a 20-minute drive from JAXPORT and about 15 minutes to downtown Jacksonville. Jacksonville cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options.

The closest restaurants and shops are at the River City Marketplace, which is about a 15-minute drive north. There are also a few eateries and small shops along North Shore’s N. Main Street. Jacksonville International Airport is a 25-minute drive northwest of the Jacksonville cruise port. You can book transportation from JAX to JAXPORT via one of the multiple shuttle service companies that are available at the airport, including Super Shuttle and GO.

In February 2022, Carnival Spirit replaced Carnival Ecstasy and temporarily sailed from JAXPORT until April 2022, when Carnival Elation was deployed for a long-term homeport. The ship is scheduled to remain in Jacksonville through 2024, sailing her series of 4-, 5-, and 7-day cruises to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. Take a short day trip to this island located just off the coast of Florida, and engage in a number of different activities that make the island an unforgettable experience. From horseback riding along the beach to enjoying a meal of fresh shrimp and other shellfish, visiting the island is a great way to experience the beauty of Florida.

Carnival has been cruising out of Jacksonville for 20 years, carrying more than 3 million passengers. The Carnival Sensation, which had been sailing out of Mobile, will have its restart delayed. The Carnival Spirit, which had been cruising out of Brisbane, Australia, will now come to Jacksonville. It will handle the same itineraries that had been scheduled for the Ecstasy, with the same restart date of March 7. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Starting next month, Carnival Cruise Line will be using a different ship for its cruises out of Jacksonville. Theater and comedy shows provide nightly entertainment, with an onboard water park, pool, mini golf course, and other outdoor activities rounding out the amenities.