Carnival Cruises Out Of Jacksonville
Carnival Cruises from Jacksonville sail to the Bahamas. Enjoy the pool decks, restaurants, casino, lounges, and spa. Camp Carnival programs will keep the kids happy. Come aboard and see for yourself why Carnival Cruises are the fun ships.
4-day and 5-day cruises take you to Bahamas ports like Nassau, Freeport, Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay . These are quick, inexpensive vacations.
Upgrade To Jaxport Cruise Terminal
It gets even better with a planned upgrade and passenger experience as part of the extended agreement. No details about the upgrade have been revealed but if the cruise line is to continue sailing from Jacksonville then we can expect a decent investment in the least.
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, said:
With Carnival Elation sailing year-round from Jacksonville, weve seen great demand from the area.
This agreement ensures we can continue to offer the great value, incredible service and the most fun our guests sailing from Jacksonville have come to expect from Carnival.
Also Read: Jacksonville Port , Florida Cruise Terminal Tips
Carnival Elation will continue to offer cruises to the Bahamas year-round. Starting in May 2019 the recently refurbished 2,056 passenger Carnival Ecstasy will assume Elations 4-day and 5-day itineraries. Around 170,000 guests sail from the Florida port with Carnival Cruise Line and more than 2.2 Million travelers have sailed from JAXPORT during 15 years of service.
Feel free to discuss this topic and all things cruise at our new boards. A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports.
And if you like, feel free to cast your vote in the 2021 Cruise Ship Awards covering a range of categories, including best cruise ship and best cruise line.
Easy Access Attracts Passengers
With more than 98 million consumers living within a days drive of Jacksonville, JAXPORT is a growing drive-to cruise destination. The area also offers an international airport with dozens of daily flights.
A recent study conducted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council reported 60 percent of travelers cruising from JAXPORT cited easy access to the port as the primary reason for cruising from Jacksonville. JAXPORT has welcomed passengers from 40 states, the District of Columbia and overseas.
Don’t Miss: What Cruise Lines Leave From Mobile Alabama
What Cruise Lines Leave From Jacksonville Fl
The two cruise lines that depart from Jacksonville are Carnival Cruise Line and American Cruise Lines. One is a large ship and the other has small ships. And size isn’t their only difference. The ships are completely different in style and the places they go.
1. Carnival Cruise Line: the big ship makes 4- and 5-day cruises to the islands of the Bahamas from Jacksonville. Features include WaterWorks water park and Camp Carnival for kids. Adults will like the Serenity adults-only retreat, Spa Carnival, and live entertainment.
2. American Cruise Lines: these small ships offer 7-night “Great Rivers of Florida” cruises and 7-night “Historic South and Golden Isles” cruises out of Jacksonville. The ships may be small, but they have big staterooms, lounges, and observation decks. Other features include entertainment every evening, daily presentations about local topics, and complimentary cocktail hour. American’s ships are made in the USA, and carry an American crew.
American Cruises From Jacksonville
The small ships of American Cruise Lines are ready to give you a unique experience out of the Jacksonville, Florida. The modern 100-passenger ships are small enough to travel calm inland waterways and dock at quaint ports.
Amenities on American Cruise Line include guest lecturers, musical entertainment, good food, complimentary cocktails, resort casual dress, comfortable lounges and large observation decks. Many of the spacious staterooms have private balconies.
You May Like: Cruise With The Best Food
Bermuda Cruises From Jacksonville
Just one cruise to Bermuda was available out of Jacksonville. It was in the spring and included an overnight stay at the island.
Things to do at the Royal Naval Dockyard on Bermuda include Dophin Quest, where you can swim with the dolphins. The dockyard is also home to the National Museum of Bermuda featuring shipwreck artifacts, a giant mural, and fortifications history. Explore the crafts market and other shops. Enjoy the restaurants. Swim at Snorkel Park. Rent a jet ski.
From the dockyard you can catch a ferry to the historic towns of Hamilton and St George. Experience the nightlife on colorful Front Street. Walk the pink sand at Horseshoe Bay Beach and Elbow Beach. Ride a bike on the 18-mile Bermuda Railway Trail. April is a good time for whale watching in Bermuda.
Shore excursions offered by the cruise line at Bermuda include an island tour, ultimate catamaran sail, aquarium & caves, and snorkeling.
Nassau & Freeportports Of Call
Both Freeport and Nassau ports of call are similar in the sense that the ships are able to pull right into the pier. In addition, both Nassau and Freeport offer unforgettable fun activities and beautiful beaches.
Whether you like to swim with dolphins, try horse-back riding, go snorkeling, hang out at a world-renowned resort being treated like royalty all day, or you just want to interact with the locals and buy duty-free goods, you can do all that in Nassau and Freeport.
You may also want to know that the Nassau Port gives you access to the world famous, Atlantis Resort, a popular getaway destination on Paradise Island.
Carnival Fascination at JAXPORT
To experience an inclusive cruise from Jacksonville, you will sail with Carnival. To date, Carnival Cruise Line offers the only cruises to the Bahamas from Jacksonville.
Furthermore, there is only one Carnival Funship that sails from Jacksonville. Currently, that ship is the Carnival Ecstasy, but this is subject to change.
Although the Carnival Ecstasy is one of Carnival’s smaller Fun Ships, you will not be disappointed.
The ship offers the same fabulous features that have made Carnival the most popular cruise line in the world.
Expect an active, high-energy and party atmosphere for the young and young at heart.
Read Also: Cruise Line Mobile Al
Carnival Cruise Line Stays In Jacksonville
Even though the port in Jacksonville or officially named JAXPORT is not a major cruise home it is good to know that Carnival is committed and will continue offering cruises from there. The cruise line and port came to an agreement that Carnivals contract will be extended for three years with an option for three additional two-year renewals.
JAXPORT Chief Executive Officer Eric Green said:
We are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with Carnival into the next decade.
In addition to bringing jobs and economic opportunity to Northeast Florida, cruise service boosts tourism in our area and offers a platform to promote all that this region has to offer.
Available Inclusive Cruises From Jacksonville
Ship |
1. The Carnival Ecstasy offers a 4-day cruise to Nassau and Freeport. This cruise itinerary is available year-round. 2. Carnival Ecstasy also offers a 5-day cruise to Princess Cays and Nassau. This cruise itinerary is available year-round. Check with a Travel Agent for available sailings. |
Note: Itineraries listed above are subject to change at anytime by the cruise line, which re-positions ships at will.
How to Book Inclusive CruisesFrom Jacksonville
Booking a cruise ship vacation from Jacksonville is easy.
If you have a Travel Agent, call that person. If you don’t, use the search box below to find your cruise.
Or, you may visit our booking website, Petes Travel Center to book.
Finally, you may call the cruise line directly to book Jacksonville cruises.
Also Check: Cruises That Leave From Bayonne Nj
Cruising With Carnival Elation
The ship that sails out of Jacksonville’s JAXPORT is the Elation, owned by Carnival Cruise Lines. The Elation debuted in 1998, and is part of Carnival’s Fantasy-class, which was concluded shortly after the Elation’s launch. While Carnival is concentrating on their bigger and newer vessels, Cruise Critic noted that the Elation has not been neglected.
In fact, it has undergone extensive upgrades under Carnival’s $350 million “Evolutions of Fun” program. In addition to upgrades with decks and buffet additions, Elation was also the first ship to be equipped with Azipod Propulsion. This state-of-the-art system helps with the ship’s maneuverability with the bonus of saving hull space.
The Elation can hold up to 2,130 passengers and is 855 feet in length. It operates itineraries that range from 2-5 days and 6-9 days. Part of the ship’s last upgrade included the addition of Guy’s Burger Joint , BlueIguana Cantina, the RedFrog Rum Bar, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and WaterWorks, Carnival’s onboard water park.
Not surprisingly, the itineraries out of Jacksonville are geared towards popular Caribbean spots, a specialty area for Carnival. There are also longer cruises to Bermuda.
Jacksonville Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: visit the JAX zoo and meet more than 20 mammals and reptiles species. Get close to 1600 animals in amazing landscape area.
- Fort Clinch State Park: it dates from 1847. The old seafront fort will guide you through the daily life of the Union Soldier in the era of the Civil War.
- Museum of Science and History: or MOSH. The exhibitions are interesting for visitor from all ages.
- Museum of Southern History: go back to the Antebellum period.
- Kingsley Plantation: if you visit this cotton plantation, you will feel like you are in the late years of the 18th century. This is the Sunshine States oldest plantation.
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: along St Johns River you will find the amazing Ninah and Arthur Cummer artistick works collection. They shared the collection in 1961. Since then it rose from 60 to 5,000 works.
- Jacksonville Maritime Museum: great place to visit if you want to discover Florida naval vessels. There are a lot of interactive exhibitions and Titanic scale model.
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: chose between guided tour or own walk in the beer brewing process. If you are over 21, dont miss the Tasting Room.
| Day |
|---|
Also Check: Best Cruise Lines For Vegans
Platinum Trusted Service Award 2021
Independent Service RatingRead all reviews
Simply the best
Second to none. We are on our third reschedule of a Caribbean cruise, nothing is too much trouble for them, always very helpful, enthusiastic and courteous. Definitely would recommend.
Mr Cotton / October 2021
Easy & Informative Experiance
I found my experiance with Cruise King was so easy hassle free and Scott made it a very infornative experiance I would highly reccommed Cruise King to my family and friends.
Mrs Fillingham / October 2021
Helpful, straightforward process..
Scott was very helpful and the booking process made straightforward. Paperwork sent out quickly yo confirm our booking.
Mrs Miller / October 2021
East Coast Inland Passage
This 14-night East Coast Inland Passage takes place on the protected Intracoastal Waterway and you’ll stop at Jekyll Island, St. Simon’s Island, and Savannah, Georgia. Next is South Carolina with stops in Hilton Head, Beaufort, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. North Carolina ports of call include Wilmington, Morehead City, and Kitty Hawk. Finally, you’ll visit Norfolk, Virginia, before ending your 14-night journey in Baltimore, Maryland.
This cruise takes place on the Independence ship, one of the ships with the most suites that have private balconies. It includes the same amenities as the Great Rivers of America cruise.
- Prices: Start at $7,710 for category A, $9,900 for a single, and $12,775 for an owner’s suite with private balcony
Don’t Miss: Mobile Al Cruise Parking
Great Rivers Of Florida
American Cruise Lines offers an eight-day/seven-night “Great Rivers of Florida” cruise that departs in Jacksonville from Amelia Island. On this journey, you’ll follow the route of 19th century explorers. You’ll start on the St. John’s River, an American Heritage River that flows north it’s one of the few north-flowing rivers above the equator. Next, you’ll travel to Palatka, known for its beautiful plantation homes, and the Ocala National Forest where you can observe manatees, alligators, and maybe even a see a bald eagle.
Green Cove Springs is another stop. The area is noted for its warm mineral springs believed to have medicinal qualities. The views along the Tolomato River on day five are stunning. Be sure to catch the onboard naturalist’s talks during this part of the cruise. Next is St. Augustine, a destination where oil tycoon Henry Flagler’s stamp is clearly noticeable. You’ll find historic ruins, interesting architecture, and the reminiscent vibe of the “golden era.”
This cruise takes place aboard the American Star. Accommodations range from single staterooms, ideal for solo travelers, up to the owner’s suite which offers a hotel-sized bathroom, sitting area, writing desk, closet, and a private balcony.
Prices include breakfast room service, free Wi-Fi access, complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner, evening entertainment, free cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres every evening, and more.
Where Is Jacksonville Cruise Port Located
The official address for Jaxport cruise terminal facility is:
- 9810 August Drive
- Jacksonville, FL 32226
- Tel. 357-3302
The cruise terminal is located on the final bend of the St Johns River before it flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the commercial and military port and is considered a temporary cruise terminal. There are plans to build a dedicated cruise port terminal along the river in the near future, possibly at Dames Point.
From I-295 south, take exit 41 Zoo Parkway/Heckscher Drive. Turn left on August Drive and follow signs into the cruise terminal and onsite parking lot.
Recommended Reading: Round Trip Cruises To Hawaii From California
Carnival Cruise Line Delays Cruises From Jacksonville Until 2022
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Itching to go on a cruise? If you’re looking to sail out of Jacksonville, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.
Carnival announced last week that the restart of sailing for five ships operating out of U.S. home ports will be moved to 2022, which includes the Carnival Ecstasy based in Jacksonville.
Other ships that have been delayed to 2022 including the Carnival Liberty in Port Canaveral, Carnival Sunshine in Charleston, Carnival Paradise in Tampa, and the Carnival Sensation in Mobile.
In July 2020, it seemed as if cruises were going to be sailing again, with the company selling cabins for an Oct. 1. 2020 launch. However, the no sail order was once again extended by the CDC in mid-July which put a damper on people’s plans for embarkation.
Why Cruise From Jacksonville Florida
Accessible, conveniently located, and full of things to do, Jacksonville is a great choice for your departure port.
Cruises from Jacksonville, FL include the Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Elation, which will whisk you away to explore the sights of the Bahamas like never before. While youâre waiting to depart, you can get a taste of the island bliss to come â visit Jacksonvilleâs beautiful beaches or the scenic Southbank Riverwalk to enjoy waterside views. For another side of nature, check out Jacksonvilleâs extensive system of parks. Jacksonville has so much to offer any cruise traveler.
Cruise Marketplace has years of experience helping travelers like you find deals on cruises departing from ports across the United States and around the world. Contact us online or via telephone to see how we can help senior travelers, families, and solo passengers save on cruises from Jacksonville in 2021, 2022, 2023, and beyond.
Why do it yourself? Call our personal agents for help. You won’t be disappointed.
Recommended Reading: What Cruise Lines Depart From New York City
Find Your Perfect Cruise
That is it. You will notice that there are not many variations of sailings from JAXPORT. However, as you get ready to plan your family cruise vacation, there are two great things to note:
1. You will have the same fun on these cruises and,
2. Inclusive cruises from Jacksonville are available year-round.
Please return to this website to tell us about your experience when you get back and share your store at Carnival cruise review. Promise?
Thanks!
Which Cruises Sail Out Of Jacksonville Cruise Terminal
Often referred to as Jaxport, Jacksonville cruise port currently serves as the home port for Carnival Cruise Line. The name Jaxport comes from the IATA code of the Jacksonville International Airport just 11 miles away.
Visitors may be surprised to learn that Jacksonville is the most populated city in Florida and by area it the largest city in the contiguous United States. It has a large deep-water port and is home to several military bases including the Naval Air Station and the Naval Submarine Base. Being just 450 miles from the Bahamas, it is a popular departure point for cruises to the Bahamas.
In 2020, the only cruise line operating out of Jaxport as their home port is Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Ecstasy is a smaller cruise ship carrying 2,056 passengers on 4-day and 5-day cruises to the Bahamas. They usually sail year-round. Ports of call vary depending on the cruise itinerary but generally include Freeport, Grand Bahama Island Nassau, New Providence Island and/or Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Once youve chosen your cruise itinerary, you need to book your Jacksonville cruise port parking without delay.
Don’t Miss: Cruise Leaving Out Of New York
Jacksonville Hotels Offering Park And Cruise Packages
Many hotels near Jacksonville cruise port offer short-term parking for those staying the night with a Park and Cruise package. The price includes a double room, shuttle transport and parking for the duration of your cruise. More details can be found in our article on Jacksonville hotels for cruise passengers.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking On
The official Jaxport Cruise Port Parking is available right next to the cruise terminal at Berth 10. The parking lot opens at 10.30 am on embarkation day. Convenient and secure with 24-hour monitoring, lighting and fencing, this is the easiest option.
You simply park your car and walk a few steps to the ship with your luggage. Porters are on hand to offer assistance. Book online ahead of time to be sure of a reserved parking space, although reservations are not essential.
Cruise parking prices for a standard vehicle including sales tax are $68 for a 4-day cruise and $85 for a 5-day cruise.
Oversized vehicles that require more than one standard size parking space are charged at $34 per day, which works out at $136 for a 4-day cruise and $170 for a 5-day cruise.
There is free cruise parking for disabled drivers or passengers complying with the necessary specifications outlined in detail below under the heading Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking for Disabled.
Handicapped parking spots are closer to the terminal but are limited in number. There are porters on hand and golf cart transport right to the ship, if required. Wheelchairs are also available for transfer to the ship.
- Address: 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226
- Distance to port: onsite
- Shuttle service: No. Golf cart or walk a few steps to ship
- Cost: From $17 per day
- Tel: 357-3006
Recommended Reading: How Much Does An Alaskan Cruise Cost