The Jacksonville cruise port, also known as “JAXPORT,” is one of the smaller ports in Florida. It is basically a hub just for Carnival, but it still sees a steady flow of over 1 million cruise passengers yearly. JAXPORT is tiny compared to the other Florida ports, including two of the biggest in the world — Port Canaveral and Port Miami.
Unlike the other cruise ports in Florida, which generally service many of the major cruise lines, as noted, the Jacksonville Cruise Port offers cruise service solely from Carnival, where cruises depart from the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal in North Jacksonville year-round, including four-day and five-day cruises to The Bahamas.
Carnival ships sailing out of Jacksonville Cruise Port are Ecstasy and Elation. While JAXPORT is exclusive to Carnival, Norwegian has announced plans to sail from the Jacksonville cruise port starting in November 2025.
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The Jacksonville cruise port is about 10 miles from the Jacksonville airport, which is about a 15-25-minute drive, depending on traffic. Since JAXPORT is such a small cruise port, transportation options from the airport to the port are more limited than those of other departure ports. To add additional limitations to transportation options, no rental car companies are located at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.
The JAXPORT Cruise Terminal parking facility address is 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226, and directions are available on the facility’s website. Situated on JAXPORT property, the parking area is well-lit, securely fenced, and conveniently located just steps away from the cruise terminal building.
JAXPORT security personnel monitor parking round the clock, and designated disabled parking spaces are provided for those in need. The Jacksonville Cruise Port does not require reservations, although advance bookings are available for added convenience on the Jaxport Cruise Terminal Parking website.
The cost of parking at the Jacksonville Cruise Port is $17 per day, or $34 per day for oversized vehicles.
Cruisemapper provides a real-time ship schedule for JAXPORT.
If you’re staying in a hotel the night before your cruise from JAXPORT or have a morning to kill before your cruise, there are plenty of things to do in the area.
The city’s vibrant cultural scene offers attractions such as the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Zoo and Anheuser Busch Brewery are also big attractions in the area, along with the scenic downtown Riverwalk,
Finding good hotel options near JAXPORT can be difficult, as this is a tiny port compared to the other Florida cruise ports. There are very limited options for properties located within just a few miles of the Jacksonville cruise port.
Below, however, are four great Jacksonville hotel options that I recommend for cruisers: a rare one that is located right at the port, one with oceanfront access for an extra beach day, a downtown option on the iconic Riverwalk, and a hotel close to the Jacksonville airport.
Holiday Inn Express, Jacksonville – Blount Island
Address: 10148 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226
This property is one of the few choices located at the port, just 1.5 miles, a 5-minute drive. There are numerous locations within a 15-minute drive, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Anheuser Busch Brewery.
The hotel partners with a local driver who can transport guests to the cruise port for $5 per person. All guests receive free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast. Parking is free for guests during their stay, but Holiday Inn Express does not provide an extended parking option for cruisers, even at an additional cost.
Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Airport/I-95N
Address: 14670 Duval Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218-9429
Airport hotels aren’t generally the sexiest properties, but the Crowne Plaza is one of the top-rated Jacksonville hotel choices among cruisers because it hits all the marks: reasonably priced, great location, and recently renovated. It also provides a free airport shuttle to guests, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor heated pool.
On-site breakfast is available, although it is not free. For cruisers driving in, parking is a great value: it is free the night of your stay and $5 for each additional night. The property is less than 3 miles from the Jacksonville airport, close to many of the major Jacksonville attractions, and just 15 minutes to Jaxport.
Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
Address: 10573 Brightman Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246-7502
Given the lack of options at Jaxport, cruisers may opt to explore Jacksonville and stay at a hotel a little further out. This property is a great choice, as it provides an extra beach day at Jacksonville Beach before the start of your cruise vacation. Located about 30 minutes from the port, it’s close enough not to add much time to transportation to Jaxport on embarkation day.
Most rooms offer private balconies with oceanfront views, and guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast. Unlike many Florida beachfront hotels, this property does not charge a resort fee, and loungers and umbrellas are available to rent at the beach.
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Address: 225 E Coastline Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202-5458
This property puts guests in downtown Jacksonville and right on the scenic Riverwalk, which is at the heart of the city’s business, entertainment, and sports districts, offering dining, entertainment, and proximity to various activities.
There is no airport, port shuttle, or complimentary breakfast at this property, but its benefit is its location and river views. Free Wi-Fi is available to all guests, and it is about 20 minutes from Jaxport.
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