Jacksonville Cruise Port is about 4 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Its strategic location alongside the St. Johns River offers cruise ships with quick access to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and different thrilling locations. This information will cowl all the things it’s essential find out about this common departure level so you may take pleasure in a pleasing go to.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Location and Handle
The Jacksonville Cruise Port is formally referred to as JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, and it’s operated by the Jacksonville Port Authority. This 63,000-square-foot facility was launched in 2003 as a short lived cruise ship port however continues to function as a significant cruise hub for the northwestern nook of Florida.
The immense financial affect the cruise business has had on town was sufficient for the momentary port to stay busy proper up till the current day.
The port is roughly 4 miles northeast of Jacksonville’s downtown core and simply over 12 miles from Jacksonville Worldwide Airport, making it accessible to native and non-local cruise passengers. The port can also be simply accessible to the I-95 and I-295 highways, making it simple for these driving from exterior of the state.
As talked about, the cruise port and the extra transport services which might be a part of the Port of Jacksonville are situated alongside the St. Johns River. This permits cruise ships to achieve the Atlantic simply and offers visiting cruise passengers with nice views as their ship navigates the river.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Handle:
In case you are planning on driving to the port, you’ll find it on the following handle:
JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Which Cruise Strains Use Which Terminal?
In October 2003, Superstar Cruises turned the primary main cruise line to start working a daily service from Jacksonville Cruise Port. Whereas this lasted for a number of years, their MV Zenith cruise ship, the one ship of their fleet that used JAXPORT as a homeport, was retired. At present, their cruise ships solely often use the port as a beginning embarkation level.
Carnival Cruise Line is presently the one main cruise line that operates out of the port frequently, however it runs ceaselessly sufficient to make JAXPORT a dependable departure level for inexpensive cruise holidays.
Carnival started utilizing the port in 2004 and continues to take action to at the present time, with its ships Carnival Elation and Carnival Ecstasy frequently crusing from JAXPORT to locations that embody the Bahamas and Japanese Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) plans to start working out of Jacksonville Cruise Port in late 2025. Norwegian Cruise Line plans to run 12-day voyages to the Caribbean and Key West, which means the port will supply longer cruise holidays presently obtainable by Carnival.
This transfer will contain relocating three of their ships from Miami Cruise Port additional north to Jacksonville, which might characterize a major financial growth for the a lot smaller port.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
The Jacksonville Cruise Port solely contains a single terminal constructing because it was initially a short lived cruise port. This construction, together with the single cruise ship berth, was constructed in simply six months in 2003.
Regardless of its comparatively restricted scale, the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal Constructing nonetheless offers visiting cruise passengers a seamless safety and boarding course of. Minor renovations and upgrades had been made in 2008 to assist the port facility maintain tempo with the rising variety of passengers passing by it.
Terminal Facilities and Companies
Whereas it’s a small terminal constructing, it does supply some primary companies:
Wi-Fi
Sadly, free Wi-Fi just isn’t presently obtainable on the port, however Carnival Cruise Line passengers can connect with the onboard Wi-Fi service previous to boarding their respective ships.
Accessibility
Regardless of its restricted dimension and facilities, the complete terminal constructing is completely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and devoted seating areas for passengers with accessibility wants. A number of restrooms inside the terminal constructing have wheelchair-friendly stalls.
Test-In and Baggage Space
A number of check-in counters can be found within the constructing so passengers can take pleasure in an environment friendly check-in and safety processing expertise. JAXPORT Safety tends to be environment friendly, so you shouldn’t have to attend in line for very lengthy. There’s additionally a 28,000-square-foot devoted baggage dealing with space, so baggage and carry-on baggage may be cleared rapidly and effectively.
Parking for Your Jacksonville Cruise
Parking at Jacksonville Cruise Port is easy and inexpensive, with official parking choices and close by off-site heaps obtainable for vacationers. Sadly, there isn’t any free parking inside an affordable distance of the port, however it’s nonetheless inexpensive and simple.
Whereas parking is pretty simple, as there may be an on-site parking zone at 9810 August Drive, the lot can solely accommodate 600 autos at any given time, so you’ll want to guide forward of time if you happen to plan on leaving a automobile behind throughout your cruise.
Official JAXPORT Cruise Terminal Parking Lot
As talked about, the official cruise parking zone at JAXPORT is situated instantly beside the terminal on August Drive, so it’s simple to find. The lot can also be gated and has 24-hour safety, so you may really feel assured leaving your car behind when you take pleasure in your cruise.
Parking for standard-sized autos is $17 per day, and whereas reservations are usually not obligatory, they’re strongly advisable. Keep in mind, the lot solely has 600 parking areas, they usually are likely to go quick through the fall and winter months.
Parking may be reserved in multi-day blocks, with a $68 charge for a 4-day cruise and $85 for a 5-day cruise. Outsized autos should pay an elevated charge of $34 per day.
In case you want a better parking spot attributable to bodily wants, the parking zone has handicapped-accessible spots put aside. These spots are situated proper beside the terminal entrance. Simply needless to say you have to to current a legitimate cross.
Close by Unofficial Parking Lot
In case you’re in search of alternate parking choices and even simply need to avoid wasting cash, there’s a close by off-site parking zone that gives a complimentary shuttle service on to the cruise terminal constructing.
JAX Parking Mall
Positioned lower than a mile from the terminal at 3372 Zoo Parkway, the JAX Parking Mall is an inexpensive lot with extra spots obtainable than the official lot. With charges as little as round $10 per day and full 24/7 safety monitoring, it’s an amazing deal for these trying to avoid wasting money. They even supply multi-day cruise parking packages which might be cheaper.
As well as, additionally they present a complimentary, on-demand shuttle service that can take cruise passengers throughout the bridge to the cruise terminal. They even supply a steady baggage supply service that runs each quarter-hour, so it’s a stress-free choice for these unable to park on the official parking zone.
Touring to Jacksonville Cruise Port from Close by Airports
For these flying into Jacksonville earlier than their cruise, Jacksonville Worldwide Airport (JAX) is by far essentially the most handy choice.
With that mentioned, some cruise passengers will select to fly to different regional airports, both as a result of they had been capable of guide a less expensive flight or as a result of they need to spend a while in one other metropolis previous to their cruise. Right here’s a primary breakdown of all the things it’s essential find out about attending to the cruise port from the close by airports.
Jacksonville Worldwide Airport (JAX)
As talked about, Jacksonville Worldwide Airport is simply 12 miles northeast of the cruise port. Which means that most vacationers will be capable to get from the airport to the cruise port in as little as 20 minutes, relying on site visitors.
With nonstop flights from greater than 30 main American cities and over 160 flights arriving every day, it’s no marvel that flying into JAX is the most well-liked solution to get to the cruise port from exterior town. Listed here are the driving instructions:
- Exit Yankee Clipper Drive and merge onto the I-95 South
- Proceed for 3.6 miles, then take exit 362A to merge onto the I-295 South
- After 6 miles, take Exit 41 to affix the South Zoo Parkway
- Proceed and cross New Berlin Street Bridge, then look ahead to August Drive
- Hold an eye fixed out for indicators for JAXPORT Cruise Terminal
If, like most cruise passengers, you do not need to drive your self, the next choices are available.
Sadly, there are not any direct public transport choices, however taxis and rideshare autos are each available at Jacksonville Worldwide Airport.
Whereas flat charges are usually not enforced, many cab drivers will supply a flat fare of $30 to journey one-way from the airport to the cruise port. There’s a taxi pickup zone simply exterior of the airport’s arrivals terminal, so that you don’t have to fret about calling your individual cab.
Rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, are common in Jacksonville, so you may name one if you happen to desire to name your individual car. Charges are typically a bit cheaper than the flat fare most taxis supply, however you have to be conscious of surge pricing if you happen to arrive throughout rush hour.
Daytona Seaside Worldwide Airport (DAB)
Positioned roughly 97 miles south of Jacksonville, driving to the cruise port from Daytona Seaside Worldwide Airport usually takes about an hour and a half.
Whereas it’s far much less handy than flying into Jacksonville, Daytona Seaside is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, so many cruise passengers will go to this coastal resort metropolis for some on-shore adventures earlier than or after their cruise.
Whether or not you need to tack on a visit to the Daytona Worldwide Speedway onto your trip or simply handle to discover a cheaper flight, you may often drive from the airport to the cruise port in about an hour and a half. Listed here are the driving instructions:
- Exit Catalina Drive and merge onto the I-95 North
- After 92 miles, take Exit 41
- Flip left onto FL-105 South after which take a slight left onto August Drive
- Search for indicators for JAXPORT Cruise Terminal
Since it’s not a very fashionable route, no direct shuttle companies run between Daytona Airport and Jacksonville Cruise Port. With that mentioned, you might pre-book a non-public shuttle service to take you there.
Taxi drivers might drive between the 2 cities, however be ready to pay between $100 and $150 for the experience. Most individuals planning to go to Daytona Seaside earlier than their cruise find yourself renting a car and driving themselves. Since a lot of the drive is on the I-95 North, it’s a reasonably easy journey.
Methods to Get to Jacksonville Cruise Port
Attending to Jacksonville Cruise Port is extremely simple. The town is situated on the crossroads of Interstate 10 and Interstate 95, so driving from different components of Florida and outdoors the state couldn’t be less complicated.
In case you wouldn’t have your individual car, there are additionally a number of different transportation choices obtainable to satisfy your wants:
Amtrak Railroad
The Jacksonville Amtrak Station is simply 13.4 miles away from the cruise port on town’s north finish. With direct companies to different main cities, it’s an inexpensive solution to get to town from elsewhere. As soon as your practice arrives in Jacksonville, you may simply take a brief cab experience from the practice station to the cruise port.
River Taxis
For one thing a bit bit totally different, you may take the St. Johns River Taxi, which offers fast and simple transportation alongside the river.
With pickup places within the coronary heart of town’s downtown and a taxi pickup terminal proper exterior of the EverBank Stadium, house of the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s a surprisingly sensible and pleasant solution to navigate town. Plus, an all-day cross is simply $15, so it’s even cheaper than taking a typical taxi.
Taxis and Rideshare Companies
Like all main metropolis, Jacksonville is house to loads of taxis, which may be hailed from all main sights. A experience from downtown Jacksonville to the cruise port will run between $20 and $30, so charges are pretty affordable. You can too name a taxi to your lodge very simply.
There are many Uber and Lyft drivers working within the metropolis, so you may as well order a car to your precise location, which may be extra handy than making an attempt to hail a cab.
Shuttle Buses and Personal Drivers
Personal shuttle companies, together with JAX City Automobile & Limo and SuperShuttle Specific, can be found within the metropolis. These personal shuttles may be booked beforehand, making them a sensible choice for bigger teams.
Many of those shuttle suppliers supply affordable charges between Jacksonville Worldwide Airport and accommodations within the downtown space and to and from JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.
Eating Close to Jacksonville Cruise Port
Whereas eating choices inside the port are just about restricted to a couple merchandising machines, a number of eating choices are situated inside a brief distance of Jacksonville Cruise Port. In case you are in search of one thing to eat earlier than or following your cruise, the next are nice choices that you just received’t need to journey far to get to:
Chowder Ted’s
Positioned 3.3 miles east of the cruise port, Chowder Ted’s isn’t precisely walkable, however it’s nicely price visiting. This quaint seafood eatery affords quite a lot of fried ship baskets, fish sandwiches, and different Florida favorites. Plus, they’ve a full bar and a number of other chilly beers on faucet, so it’s a great spot to kill a while.
Previous Soul Donut Firm
If you wish to really feel like you’ve got traveled again in time, hop in a cab or drive your car to Previous Soul Donut Firm. Positioned simply 3 miles north of the port, this old style donut store affords all kinds of traditional donuts, in addition to fresh-made pitas, croissants, and extra.
Decelerate from the hustle and bustle of journey and take a little bit of time to seize a scorching cup of espresso and a tasty donut. Widespread with locals and vacationers alike, it’s nicely price visiting when you’re within the metropolis.
Candy Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin’
If you wish to strive one thing totally different, Candy Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin’ is 9 miles south of the cruise port. This soul meals favourite serves all the usual soul meals favorites, together with rooster and waffles, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread, and even some dishes distinctive to town, like pan-seared fish and fried shrimp.
Candy Mama’s is a bit bit totally different, however why not strive one thing distinctive while you’re on trip?
Sandollar Restaurant & Marina
In case you are prepared to journey a bit additional, Sandollar Restaurant is roughly 10 miles east of the cruise port. This Jacksonville favourite has been round since 1954 and serves among the freshest seafood you can find wherever within the state.
It’s massively common with metropolis residents and simply as welcoming to vacationers. With dwell music, beautiful views of the river, and, in fact, unimaginable seafood, you’ll want to spend the entire afternoon having fun with all the things the Sandollar Restaurant has to supply.
Traditionally Hoppy Brewing Firm
For beer lovers hoping to take pleasure in some native suds, Traditionally Hoppy Brewing Firm is 9 miles from the port however affords a variety of scrumptious beers and a tasty meals menu.
Though it has solely been round since 2018, the brewery has change into a fan favourite in Jacksonville, with lots of the native bars and eating places carrying its beers on faucet. Why not head down for your self and see what all of the hype is about?
If you wish to do some purchasing in Jacksonville, there are a number of choices that aren’t too removed from the cruise port. Sadly, the cruise port solely has a small memento store, which mainly simply carries snacks and some trinkets, however you may scratch your purchasing itch at both of the next places.
River Metropolis Market
Positioned roughly 9 miles north of the cruise port, the River Metropolis Market is a semi-outdoor shopping center with over 70 shops and a movie show. Whilst you can simply discover a mix of impartial retailers and main retailers, it is usually situated beside Wal-Mart and Greatest Purchase, so it’s a good place to go to if you happen to simply want a number of last-minute cruise provides and necessities.
Additionally, you will discover quite a lot of fast-food chain eating places, together with Panera Bread, Chipotle, McDonald’s, and extra. In case you are touring with a choosy eater who doesn’t need to strive some native seafood, these nationwide chain eating places are a superb choice.
St. Johns City Middle
For these in search of extra upscale purchasing, St. Johns City Middle is simply 13 miles south of the cruise port. This high-end mall is among the premium purchasing locations in Jacksonville. With main retailers like Nordstrom, an Apple Retailer, and designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton, GUCCI, Tiffany & Co., and BOSS, there are many choices for these seeking to spoil themselves.
The St. Johns City Middle options over 175 shops, unfold amongst a regular indoor mall and a collection of street-side retailers. Throughout from the mall, additionally, you will discover a variety of native eateries and recognizable chain eating places, like a Cheesecake Manufacturing unit.
When Is the Greatest Time to Go to Jacksonville?
Whereas it’s comparatively small in comparison with among the bigger ports in Florida, Jacksonville Cruise Port remains to be a year-round cruise ship departure level.
Undoubtedly, the busiest time to go to is between late fall and early winter, with January being one of many busiest months of the yr. This additionally occurs to be when a few of Carnival Cruise Line’s cruise ships return from their summer time itineraries in Europe.
Learn Additionally: Most Ideally suited Accommodations Close to Jacksonville Cruise Port
The stretch between November and April is the very best time of yr to discover town, because the climate is cooler and the humidity drops to much more pleasant ranges. In case you are touring through the summer time, keep in mind that Jacksonville generally is a scorching and muggy metropolis, with common temperatures within the excessive 80 to low 90° F vary.
With that in thoughts, cruising throughout these a lot hotter months can also be a time whenever you’ll encounter fewer crowds and could possibly rating higher cruise offers.
