Jacksonville:  Cruisings Little Secret

Carnival provides a wide range of short cruises to the Bahamas cruises from Jacksonville.  Jacksonville offers a convenient cruising option, especially for those within driving distance.

Traveling in Jacksonville

Located on the Northeast Coast of Florida, Jacksonville is often referred to as "Southern Georgia" as it's less than 25 miles from the Florida-Georgia line.  Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is just 22 minutes from the Jacksonville port.  It’s located about 12 miles from the cruise terminal and takes about 20 -30 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi's from Jacksonville Airport to the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal can be a little pricy with the average cost of a trip running around $34.  Uber and Lyft are good options as well.

Uncovered pier parking is $15 per day per passenger vehicle and $25 per day for oversized vehicles. The lot is a short saunter to the terminal building.  Still, many passengers find it easiest to drop off one passenger and the luggage at the port's terminal entrance. No reservations are required for parking. The parking lot is well lit, gated, and patrolled by JAXPORT security 24 hours per day.  Cash or major credit cards are accepted.

Jacksonville offers great pre and post-cruise options!

Jacksonville Beach is a pristine area offering many oceanfront resorts, hotels, and home rental options.  Enjoy laid back beaches, fabulous eclectic dining options, and an array of attractions to suit every whim.

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 (there is a fee for this) 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.

Kingsley Plantation: It’s wonderful to just walk around the gardens and get a feel of how life was at that time.  Built in 1798, this historic structure is the oldest plantation house remaining in Florida. Visitors experience remarkably preserved slave quarters, barn, plantation house, kitchen house and interpretive garden all located on the waterfront. 

Museum of Southern History: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history, ideals and chivalry of the South.  The well-executed exhibits detail the politics and fashion of the region and include artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil War.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens:  These exquisite gardens and the amazing art museum are located on the banks of the St. Johns River, where rare horticultural specimens are nestled under a canopy of mature live oak trees.  With over 5000 works of art, this is a beautiful art museum recognized for Old Master and American paintings, not to mention its collection of renowned Meissen porcelain.