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 every part it’s essential to learn about this common departure level so you possibly can get pleasure from a nice go to.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Location and Tackle
The Jacksonville Cruise Port is formally generally known 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 serious cruise hub for the northwestern nook of Florida.
The immense financial impression the cruise business has had on the town was sufficient for the short-term 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 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 are a part of the Port of Jacksonville are situated alongside the St. Johns River. This enables cruise ships to succeed in the Atlantic simply and offers visiting cruise passengers with nice views as their ship navigates the river.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Tackle:
If you’re planning on driving to the port, you’ll find it on the following deal with:
JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Which Cruise Strains Use Which Terminal?
In October 2003, Movie star Cruises grew to become 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 this time, their cruise ships solely often use the port as a beginning embarkation level.
Carnival Cruise Line is at the moment the one main cruise line that operates out of the port repeatedly, however it runs often 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 today, with its ships Carnival Elation and Carnival Ecstasy repeatedly 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 at the moment out there by way of Carnival.
This transfer will contain relocating three of their ships from Miami Cruise Port additional north to Jacksonville, which may signify a major financial growth for the a lot smaller port.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
The Jacksonville Cruise Port solely encompasses 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 have been made in 2008 to assist the port facility preserve tempo with the growing variety of passengers passing by way of it.
Terminal Facilities and Providers
Whereas it’s a small terminal constructing, it does supply some fundamental companies:
Wi-Fi
Sadly, free Wi-Fi isn’t at the moment out there 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, all the terminal constructing is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and devoted seating areas for passengers with accessibility wants. A number of restrooms throughout the terminal constructing have wheelchair-friendly stalls.
Verify-In and Baggage Space
A number of check-in counters can be found within the constructing so passengers can get pleasure from 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 may be additionally a 28,000-square-foot devoted baggage dealing with space, so baggage and carry-on baggage might be cleared rapidly and effectively.
Parking for Your Jacksonville Cruise
Parking at Jacksonville Cruise Port is straightforward and inexpensive, with official parking choices and close by off-site heaps out there for vacationers. Sadly, there isn’t any free parking inside an inexpensive distance of the port, however it’s nonetheless inexpensive and simple.
Whereas parking is pretty simple, as there may be an on-site car parking zone at 9810 August Drive, the lot can solely accommodate 600 automobiles at any given time, so it would be best to e book forward of time if you happen to plan on leaving a automotive behind throughout your cruise.
Official JAXPORT Cruise Terminal Parking Lot
As talked about, the official cruise car parking zone at JAXPORT is situated immediately beside the terminal on August Drive, so it’s simple to find. The lot can be gated and has 24-hour safety, so you possibly can really feel assured leaving your automobile behind whilst you get pleasure from your cruise.
Parking for standard-sized automobiles is $17 per day, and whereas reservations will not be mandatory, they’re strongly advisable. Keep in mind, the lot solely has 600 parking areas, they usually are inclined to go quick throughout the fall and winter months.
Parking might be reserved in multi-day blocks, with a $68 price for a 4-day cruise and $85 for a 5-day cruise. Outsized automobiles should pay an elevated price of $34 per day.
In case you want a more in-depth parking spot because of bodily wants, the car 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 sound go.
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 car 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 out there than the official lot. With charges as little as round $10 per day and full 24/7 safety monitoring, it’s an ideal deal for these wanting to avoid wasting money. They even supply multi-day cruise parking packages which are 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 possibility for these unable to park on the official car 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 probably the most handy possibility.
With that mentioned, some cruise passengers will select to fly to different regional airports, both as a result of they have been capable of e book 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 fundamental breakdown of every part it’s essential to learn 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 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 surprise that flying into JAX is the preferred strategy to get to the cruise port from exterior the 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 hitch the South Zoo Parkway
- Proceed and cross New Berlin Highway 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 aren’t any direct public transport choices, however taxis and rideshare automobiles are each available at Jacksonville Worldwide Airport.
Whereas flat charges will not be 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 personal cab.
Rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, are common in Jacksonville, so you possibly can name one if you happen to want to name your personal automobile. Charges are usually a bit cheaper than the flat fare most taxis supply, however you ought 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 sometimes 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 possibly can normally 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 isn’t a very talked-about route, no direct shuttle companies run between Daytona Airport and Jacksonville Cruise Port. With that mentioned, you could possibly pre-book a personal 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 trip. Most individuals planning to go to Daytona Seaside earlier than their cruise find yourself renting a automobile and driving themselves. Since many of the drive is on the I-95 North, it’s a reasonably easy journey.
How you can 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 out of doors the state couldn’t be easier.
In case you should not have your personal automobile, there are additionally a number of different transportation choices out there to fulfill your wants:
Amtrak Railroad
The Jacksonville Amtrak Station is simply 13.4 miles away from the cruise port on the town’s north finish. With direct companies to different main cities, it’s an inexpensive strategy to get to the town from elsewhere. As soon as your prepare arrives in Jacksonville, you possibly can simply take a brief cab trip from the prepare station to the cruise port.
River Taxis
For one thing somewhat bit totally different, you possibly can take the St. Johns River Taxi, which offers fast and simple transportation alongside the river.
With pickup areas within the coronary heart of the 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 pleasing strategy to navigate the town. Plus, an all-day go is simply $15, so it’s even cheaper than taking a typical taxi.
Taxis and Rideshare Providers
Like several main metropolis, Jacksonville is house to loads of taxis, which might be hailed from all main points of interest. A trip from downtown Jacksonville to the cruise port will run between $20 and $30, so charges are pretty affordable. You too can name a taxi to your resort very simply.
There are many Uber and Lyft drivers working within the metropolis, so you may also order a automobile to your precise location, which might be extra handy than making an attempt to hail a cab.
Shuttle Buses and Personal Drivers
Personal shuttle companies, together with JAX City Automotive & Limo and SuperShuttle Specific, can be found within the metropolis. These non-public shuttles might be booked beforehand, making them a sensible possibility 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 throughout 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. If you’re in search of one thing to eat earlier than or following your cruise, the next are nice choices that you simply 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 properly 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.
Outdated Soul Donut Firm
If you wish to really feel like you’ve gotten traveled again in time, hop in a cab or drive your automobile to Outdated Soul Donut Firm. Positioned simply 3 miles north of the port, this old school donut store affords all kinds of basic 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 sizzling cup of espresso and a tasty donut. Common with locals and vacationers alike, it’s properly price visiting whilst you’re within the metropolis.
Candy Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin’
If you wish to attempt 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 the town, like pan-seared fish and fried shrimp.
Candy Mama’s is somewhat bit totally different, however why not attempt one thing distinctive if you are on trip?
Sandollar Restaurant & Marina
If you’re keen to journey somewhat additional, Sandollar Restaurant is roughly 10 miles east of the cruise port. This Jacksonville favourite has been round since 1954 and serves a few of the freshest seafood one can find wherever within the state.
It’s vastly common with metropolis residents and simply as welcoming to vacationers. With dwell music, gorgeous views of the river, and, after all, unimaginable seafood, it would be best to spend the entire afternoon having fun with every part the Sandollar Restaurant has to supply.
Traditionally Hoppy Brewing Firm
For beer lovers hoping to get pleasure from 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.
Regardless that it has solely been round since 2018, the brewery has turn out to be 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 perform a little buying in Jacksonville, there are just a few 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 possibly can scratch your buying itch at both of the next areas.
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. When you can simply discover a mix of impartial retailers and main retailers, additionally it is situated beside Wal-Mart and Finest Purchase, so it’s a good place to go to if you happen to simply want just a few 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. If you’re touring with a choosy eater who doesn’t need to attempt some native seafood, these nationwide chain eating places are possibility.
St. Johns City Middle
For these searching for extra upscale buying, St. Johns City Middle is simply 13 miles south of the cruise port. This high-end mall is among the premium buying 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 trying to spoil themselves.
The St. Johns City Middle options over 175 shops, unfold amongst a typical 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 facility.
When Is the Finest Time to Go to Jacksonville?
Whereas it’s comparatively small in comparison with a few of the bigger ports in Florida, Jacksonville Cruise Port continues 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 Preferrred Motels Close to Jacksonville Cruise Port
The stretch between November and April is the most effective time of yr to discover the town, because the climate is cooler and the humidity drops to much more pleasing ranges. If you’re touring throughout the summer time, keep in mind that Jacksonville is usually a sizzling 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 be a time while you’ll encounter fewer crowds and might be able to rating higher cruise offers.
