Cruises From Jacksonville Fl
Jacksonville, in the state of Florida on the east coast of USA, is situated on the St Johns River about 20 km upstream from the Atlantic. This metropolis is America’s second-largest city in terms of size, in a particularly amiable location. Tourism is life in Jacksonville, mainly due to its impressive year-round beaches and coastline. Discovered in 1513 by the Spanish, Jacksonville has a rich heritage and the tourist attractions are filled with historic information about rich past. Read more
Those interested in history should visit the Museum of Weapons and Early American History, and the Museum of Science and History filled with scientific wonders, hands-on displays, dinosaur exhibits and a planetarium.
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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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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About Jacksonville Cruise Port
Jacksonville is a quaint Caribbean cruise port that will captivate you with its colorful history. This cultural hub offers a myriad of activities and a number of fascinating attractions. Get a peek of over 2000 species of animals at the Jacksonville Zoo. Spare an extra day to head to Amelia Island to ride a beautiful horse along the beach. Jacksonville features 22 miles breathtaking beaches which must not be missed.
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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.
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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.
East Coast Inland Passage
This 14-night East Coast Inland Passage takes place on the protected Intracoastal Waterway and youll stop at Jekyll Island, St. Simons 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, youll 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 owners suite with private balcony
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Cruise Lines Could Be Fined
Three cruise lines could be in some trouble related to Floridas vaccine passport ban. The Orlando Sentinal reports that the Florida Department of Health released a list that features 120 cases of businesses in Florida that may have broken the vaccine passport law.
Currently, these listed cases are under review, and that includes three cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line are all on the list as they operate cruise ships that depart from Florida. Cruise ships operate out of four different Florida homeports, including PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and Port of West Palm Beach.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation to ban vaccine passports in Florida in May 2021, a month after the emergency order was issued. This means no business operating in the state can request a person to show proof of vaccination.
If a company does ask for proof, there could be a fine of up to $5,000 per violation, which could add up depending on the number of people.
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Since the ban on vaccine passports has been in place and cruise ships have restarted operations from Florida, the way around the ban is for cruise passengers to show their vaccination status freely.
Depending on the cruise line, if guests dont show that they are fully vaccinated, they may not be allowed onboard or follow sticker protocols during the cruise.
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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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?
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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.
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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.
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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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.
Cheap Cruises From Jacksonville Florida
One of the benefits of cheap cruises from Jacksonville is location! Florida is an excellent destination to depart from and head off to tropical destinations like the Bahamas. We offer cheap cruises from Jacksonville FL year-round, and even include seasonal trips to Canada and New England.
We work with Carnival Cruise Line to offer you quality, inexpensive and convenient trips to the Bahamas. This means worrying less about losing money over a trip, and focusing more on enjoying yourself and the beautiful sights that this cruise line has to offer. Cheap cruises from Jacksonville FL have never been easier to find. Simply look through our selection at CruiseCheap.com and book your tropical vacation.
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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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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.
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Carnival Cruise Line Restarts Sailings From Jacksonville Florida
Carnival Cruise Line is officially back to sailing from Jacksonville, Florida.
The lines ship Carnival Spirit arrived into the city last week, and today welcomed her first passengers in nearly two years. The ships resumption in Florida also marks the first time it has sailed from the United States in nearly 10 years previously she had been sailing from Sydney, Australia since fall 2012.
To celebrate, Carnival Cruise Line and JAXPORT held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off embarkation this morning.
The ship is kicking off a series of four and five-night Bahamas voyages, starting with todays five-night itinerary to Nassau and Carnival Corporations private destination on Eleuthera, Princess Cays.
Carnival Spirits Jacksonville program will also include port calls to other Bahamian destinations Freeport and Bimini.
In April, the vessel will depart on a 16-night repositioning cruise to the west coast. The Panama Canal itinerary will sail from Miami to Seattle, stopping in Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia.
After arriving in Seattle, Spirit will kick off a series of six to eight-night Alaska cruises to ports including Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria.
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Before resuming service today, Carnival Spirit underwent a dry dock in Dubai. In addition to undergoing routine maintenance, the ship was repainted with Carnivals new blue, red, and white livery.
