Is Carnival Sailing Out Of Jacksonville Florida
Carnival Ecstasy to sail out of Jacksonville in November for the first time in over a year. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Carnival Cruise Line announced plans to resume more cruises in September and October, with more than half its fleet to be sailing in the coming months. The pandemic hasnt been so easy on the cruise lines.
Pre And Post Cruise Options In Jacksonville
Jacksonville Beach is a beautiful stretch of land set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intra-Coastal Waterway. How nice it would be to spend a few days before your cruise in one of the many oceanfront hotels or resorts. Enjoy the wide sandy beaches, great shopping, and fabulous places to eat. And if thats not enough for you, Jacksonville has lots of great attractions.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: This top-rated area attraction has more than 1500 animals and 1,000 species of plants. A not to be missed exhibit is the Range of the Jaguar, a two-time national award-winning South American area. Guests can walk along the 1,400-foot long boardwalk and see cheetahs, leopards, lions, and elephants in their large, open environment called the Plains of East Africa.
The Budweiser Brewery: There is a really cool free tour here that gives you an overview of the plant and how they do what they do In addition, the Beermaster Tour includes a visit to the Brew Hall, Primary Fermentation Cellar, Lager Cellar, Packaging Facility, Quality Assurance, and Finishing Cellar, including sampling directly from a Finishing Tank. For those over the age of 21 there is sampling in the Tour Center Hospitality Room where you can try the seasonal beers or new products.
For more information on cruises departing from Jacksonville, call Direct Line Cruises at 1-800-352-8088.
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Does Jacksonville Have A Cruise Port
Located on the north side of the city, on the banks of the broad St Johns River, Jacksonvilles deep-water port is well located for cruise ships. There is plenty of space for cruise port parking near Jacksonville cruise terminal, making it very easy to drive, park and cruise from this north Florida location.
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Which Carnival Cruise Ship Is The Most Fun
Even as it has been compared with Vista as a serious ship, Carnival Glory is still considered casual fun. Each of the stateroom is decorated in a vibrant color, so when you arrive at your destination, you will see a very distinct style and atmosphere. Theres nothing like laughing until your eyes fill with tears at the Punchline Comedy Club, or splashing around in water at the waterworks.
When Booking A Hotel Stick Close To The Port
If booking a hotel, choose one close to the port .
In the ideal world, you will have plenty of time to get from any hotel in town to the port. But, in reality, lots of unexpected and uncontrollable things happen. Like construction, traffic delays, and road hazards. Or a pre-embarkation shopping trip that goes awry. It is much better to have a shorter distance to cover on embarkation day.
Each of the major Florida cruise port cities has excellent hotel options:
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Florida Cruise Ships Could Sail Again By The Summer Desantis Says
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. A day after a federal judge heard arguments in Floridas request for a preliminary injunction against federal restrictions that have idled the cruise industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed optimism that he would be successful in court and cruise ships would set sail again by the summer.
If we are successful in the courts, Im willing to bet anyone that people are going to want to cruise from the state of Florida, DeSantis said during a Thursday news conference in Ormond Beach.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, backed by DeSantis, filed a lawsuit last month challenging limits imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moody argues that the CDC has violated a law known as the Administrative Procedure Act by issuing guidelines that have kept cruise ships from sailing.
We had a great hearing I think, by and large, reports I heard in Federal Court yesterday, DeSantis said. We think that we got our points across, we think the judge was receptive. I mean, well see what happens.
There is also an ongoing fight over so-called vaccine passports.
Recently, DeSantis signed a bill that makes permanent a ban on COVID-19 vaccine passports, putting him at odds with at least one cruise line.
The CDC said ships are able to sail for the first time since March 2020 if they can prove that at least 98% of the crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated.
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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 wont be disappointed.
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Jacksonville Florida Cruise Port
During the 16th century, Northeastern Florida was a popular place repeatedly fought over by the French, Spanish and British. In 1513, Spain claimed Pascua Florida for the King of Spain. However, in 1562, Jean Ribault landed to claim it for the King of France. He constructed a stone monument honoring the event, and later established a colony after two years. It made the Spanish mad they demolished both the colony and the French fleet. Finally the inexperienced United States government attained the territory and put an end to the matter once and for all. On June 15, 1822, Jacksonville city was established, 23 years before Florida was granted Statehood.
Prior to the civil war, lumber was a key business in Jacksonville, tourism dominated in the 1880s when docks were constructed in the late 1890s the city became a vital port.
Jacksonville, or simply referred by the locals as Jax, is a beautiful urban atmosphere filled with nature and wildlife preserves. The city has the most public park space compared to any city in the U.S. The port is an ideal start or finish to a cruise to the Caribbean. The average high temperature in Jacksonville is 79 degrees.
The beaches in Jacksonville can compete with those of any tropical destination having soft white beaches and warm blue water ideal for relaxing and swimming. With numerous activities ranging from breweries to museums to entertainment complexes, your time in Jacksonville will be nothing but entertaining.
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.
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Carnival Cruise Line Resumes Sailings From Jaxport
Carnival Cruise Line resumed operations March 7 from JaxPort.
The ship headed out with about 1,500 passengers at 5 p.m. on a five-day Bahamas cruise with stops in Nassau and Princess Cays as part of the first major cruise line departure from Jacksonville in nearly two years since the pandemic lockdowns.
Carnival Spirits cruise also is part of the lines Sailabration festivities, which celebrate Carnivals 50th Birthday.
Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Guest Operations Sarah Beth Reno and JaxPort board Chair Wendy Hamilton hosted a Back to Fun and 50th Birthday event at the cruise terminal, according to a news release.
After nearly two years, the wait is over, and the sight of our guests boarding a Carnival ship at JAXPORT once again is certainly a welcome one, said Sarah Beth Reno, vice president of guest operations at Carnival Cruise Line, in the release.
Were proud to be the first major cruise line to return to Jacksonville and to contribute to the Jacksonville area economy.
Hamilton said Carnival brings passengers from across the U.S. to Northeast Florida.
As a drive-to cruise market with nearly 100 million residents within a days drive, Jacksonville offers convenient cruise access for passengers throughout the Southeast US and beyond, Hamilton said.
Carnival Cruise Line began offering itineraries from Jacksonville to the Bahamas in 2004 and eventually to the Eastern Caribbean.
Free Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking For Disabled
Free parking is available at the official port parking lot for cars with disabled drivers or passengers. Cars must have a state-issued disabled/Veterans license plate and/or a Florida toll Exemption decal.
Vehicles that are adapted for a disabled driver, such as a wheelchair ramp or modified hand and foot controls, are eligible for free cruise port parking with a disabled placard or official decal.
When parking at the port, there are dedicated disabled parking bays, porters on hand to assist with luggage and golf cart transport right to the ship. Wheelchairs are also available to the ship but cannot be taken onboard.
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New Cruise Line Brings Passengers Back To Jacksonville Terminal
American Queen Voyages is starting new 12-day cruises sailing out of Jacksonville, but the company and its small-scale ship are no strangers to the city.
The second of American Queen’s cruises aboard the 202-passenger Ocean Voyager left the Jaxport cruise terminal on the St. Johns River on Monday, setting sail for stops in Savannah and Charleston before turning back south and visiting Brunswick, Ga., Amelia Island, Port Canaveral and Freeport in the Bahamas. The company has plans for 11 more cruises out of Jacksonville this year.
The ship bears little resemblance to a traditional cruise ship. It has no water slides, no go-kart tracks, no casinos. That’s no surprise, since it has about 1/10th of the capacity of the Carnival Miracle, the large cruise ship that also homeports in Jacksonville. Cabins aboard the Ocean Voyager for the 12-day Southeast USA cruise start at $5,599 per person.
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, youll follow the route of 19th century explorers. Youll start on the St. Johns River, an American Heritage River that flows north its one of the few north-flowing rivers above the equator. Next, youll 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 naturalists talks during this part of the cruise. Next is St. Augustine, a destination where oil tycoon Henry Flaglers stamp is clearly noticeable. Youll 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 owners 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 doeuvres every evening, and more.
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Are Cruise Ships Sailing Again
Nearly 18 months after their last outing under Covid 19, cruise lines are returning to the water again. A new American Cruise Lines brand took off from Florida in March. During the month of July, Crystal Cruises resumed its operations in the Bahamas with two vessels. Viking Ocean Cruises has almost entirely completed their 2022 itineraries.
Why Is Carnival Not In Key West
The cruise line told booked guests in a letter that destination requirements are continuing to evolve, necessitating the changes. Instead, Carnival has added a call at the Bahamian island of Bimini. Key West may be off the list due to its recent efforts at limiting the majority of cruise ship traffic it sees.
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What Airport Should You Fly Into To Save Time And Money
Each of these Florida cruise ports has at least one major airport within an hours drive. But sometimes the most obvious airport may not actually be your best option for kicking off your cruise.
Depending on where you live, the price for air tickets may be cheaper if you fly to a nearby city and drive the remaining distance. You can often find affordable shuttle services to cover that distance. Or, you may find that taking a car service or renting a car still yields overall cheaper travel costs. Also, if you investigate options at other Florida airports, you may find more convenient travel times to fit your schedule.
If you do exercise your option to fly to an alternative airport for your cruise, make sure that you make prior arrangements for a ride to take you from the airport to the other city.
Porters At Disembarkation Ports Wont Wait With You Once You Exit The Terminal
This is something that may not be obvious to everyone. It certainly wasnt obvious to me at first.
When you are leaving your cruise ship, there will usually be porters with luggage carts running around to help you collect your luggage from the discharge area. They will wait with you in line and walk with you through customs. The porters will walk you all the way to the curbside pick-up or the taxi line. But they will not continue to wait with you once you have stepped foot outside the terminal.
They will deposit your luggage at the curb and return inside.
So why is this worth mentioning? If you have a significant amount of luggage, it is yet another reason to arrange for a ride ahead of time.
You dont want to have to struggle with your luggage through a long taxi line nor is it ideal to have your luggage deposited near the front of the line to wait for you when you are dozens of people deep in the line. The terminal areas in the major Florida cruise ports are very busy, and it is not a comfortable feeling to have all of your luggage beyond arms reach.
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Florida provides great opportunities for kicking off your fun-filled family vacation. And, incorporating these simple steps in your advanced planning will help you sail off and return smoothly.
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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.
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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.
Carnival Cruise Line Delays Cruises From Jacksonville Until 2022
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Itching to go on a cruise? If youre looking to sail out of Jacksonville, youll 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 peoples plans for embarkation.
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