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Jacksonville Cruise Terminal

Jacksonville Cruise Terminal is the northernmost in Florida. It is conveniently close to the interstate highway and the airport.

Jaxport constructed the 63,000-square-foot cruise facility at its Dames Point site, bordered by Heckscher Drive and State Road 9-A in Northeast Jacksonville. For a convenient place to stay, see hotels close to the Jacksonville cruise terminal .

Jacksonville International Airport is just 15 minutes from the cruise port. More than a dozen major airlines and a network of regional carriers provide some 200 daily arrivals and departures at JIA.

Parking and Directions

Parking for Jacksonville cruises is located next to the terminal building. The parking lot is well lighted, fenced and patrolled by security 24 hours a day. No reservations are required for parking.

The terminal is located at 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226. Driving and Parking directions are provided at the Jaxport website and we won't reproduce them here. Jacksonville Cruise Terminal is only a few miles from Interstate I-95. An interactive map of the Jacksonville cruise terminal location.

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Jacksonville Port Transportation

Last updated on June 30th, 2023 at 12:51 pm

For transportation from Jacksonville International Airport to the cruise port or nearby hotels, taxis, ride-sharing services, and private shuttles are available. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services for their guests, while others can be reached by arranging a pick-up or using local transportation options.

What is the closest airport to Jacksonville Cruise Terminal?

• Taxi: (904) 355-8294
• Shuttle: (904) 353-8880

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Jacksonville taxis, jacksonville airport & cruiseport shuttles, cruise planning at this port.

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JAXPORT’s international seaport offers you worldwide cargo service from dozens of ocean carriers , including direct service with Asia , Europe , Africa , South America , the Caribbean and other key markets.

When you add Jacksonville’s 845,000+ labor force , plus our integration with three U.S. interstates , on-dock rail , 40 daily trains , and more than 100 trucking firms , you’ll enjoy reliable and seamless transportation to your destination.

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JAXPORT commercial team members visited Puerto Rico in late February, attending the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association’s 1st Supply Chain & Logistics Summit.

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In 2024, Industry West remains focused on its business-to-business growth to meet the current market demand following the pandemic.

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Port of Jacksonville

Port Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Port Name: JAXPORT Cruise Terminal

Port Authority: Jacksonville Port Authority

Address: 9810 August Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226

Phone: (904) 357-3000

Email: [email protected]

Web Site: http://www.jaxport.com/cruise

Driving Directions to the Port of Jacksonville:

From North of Jacksonville

• Take I-95 South to exit 362A – State Road 9-A South Merge onto Zoo Parkway / Heckscher Drive.
• Take State Road 9-A South six miles.
• Turn right on Zoo Parkway (State Road 105).
• Cross New Berlin Road, and go about 1/2 mile.
• Turn left on August Drive into cruise terminal entrance.
• Stop at guard station.
• Follow signs to parking.

From South of Jacksonville

• Take I-95 North to exit 358A – State Road 105 (Zoo Parkway / Heckscher Dr.).
• Merge onto Zoo Parkway / Heckscher Drive.
• Stay on Zoo Parkway / Heckscher Drive; pass the Jacksonville Zoo, and travel about four miles.
• Turn right on August Drive into cruise terminal entrance.

From West of Jacksonville

• Take I-10 East toward Jacksonville
• Take I-295 North (this becomes State Road 9-A), exit 356.
• Pass the interchange for I-95, staying on I-295/SR 9-A South for six miles to Heckscher Drive/Zoo Parkway exit.
• Turn right on Zoo Parkway (State Road 105 South).

From Jacksonville International Airport

• Leave JIA via Airport Road, east toward I-95.
• Take I-95 South for 1 mile to State Road 9-A South (Exit 362-A, one mile past Jacksonville International Airport).

From Jacksonville Beaches

• Take Atlantic Blvd. West to State Road 9-A North.
• Take State Road 9-A over the Dames Point Bridge (also known as the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge).
• Take first exit off bridge, Zoo Parkway (SR 105 South).
• Turn left on Zoo Parkway (SR 105 South).
• Go about 1 mile, then turn left on August Drive into cruise terminal entrance.

Parking Information and Fees: Parking is $15 per day per passenger vehicle ($60 for a 4-day cruise and $75 for a 5-day cruise), and $25 per day for oversized recreational vehicles ($100 for a 4-day cruise and $125 for a 5-day cruise). An oversized recreational vehicle is any vehicle that takes up more than one regular sized parking space. Cash or major credit cards are accepted. The parking lot is well lighted, fenced and patrolled by JAXPORT security 24 hours per day. The lot is located adjacent to the terminal building, requiring only a short walk. No reservations are required for parking.

Handicap parking

JAXPORT provides designated handicapped parking spaces. Parking is $15 per day per passenger vehicle, and $25 per day for oversized recreational vehicles. Exception to parking fee: Florida Statute allows cruise terminals to charge for handicapped parking, “except any vehicle with specialized equipment, such as ramps, lifts, or foot or hand controls, for use by a person who has a disability, or any vehicle that is displaying the Florida Toll Exemption permit, is exempt from parking fees”. (Per Florida Statute 316.1964)

JAXPORT will provide special assistance to our disabled guests from the parking lot to the terminal. Please advise the guard upon entering the port that you will need assistance

Map the Port of Jacksonville: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Jacksonville&state=FL &address=9810+August+Drive

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Jacksonville Cruise Ship Terminal Directions and Parking

Jaxport Cruise Terminal 9810 August Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226 Google Maps : View Map Website :  www.jaxport.com

Parking Information Rates are subject to change. 

• $17.00 USD  per day for passenger vehicles.
• $34.00 USD per day for oversized vehicles that takes up two regular-sized parking spaces. 
• Reservations are not required; cash or major credit cards accepted. 
• You can also pay for parking online in advance:  www.jaxportcruiseparking.com
• Located steps away from the cruise terminal building.
• Well-lighted and fenced on JAXPORT property.
• Monitored by JAXPORT security 24 hours a day.
• Designated disabled parking spaces available.

For additional information, you may contact JAXPORT at 904 357-3006, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, ET.

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Port Jacksonville (JAXPORT)

Jacksonville’s cruise gateway to the bahamas.

Cruise Terminal at JAXPORT

Overview of the cruise terminal.

Terminal Features

JAXPORT is not just a point of departure but a fully equipped facility designed to cater to the needs of its passengers. From convenient parking to nearby dining and shopping options, the port ensures that your cruise experience begins with ease.

• Passenger Convenience : JAXPORT’s terminal offers spacious lounges, quick check-in services, and clear signage to guide passengers through the embarkation process smoothly.
• Amenities : Inside the terminal, passengers can find basic amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, and vending machines for last-minute snacks and drinks.
• Accessibility : The terminal is designed to accommodate all passengers, with accessible facilities and services available for those with special needs.
• Nearby Attractions : While the terminal itself provides essential amenities, Jacksonville’s vibrant dining scene and shopping districts are just a short drive away, perfect for passengers arriving early or staying in Jacksonville post-cruise.

The cruise terminal at JAXPORT ensures a comfortable and efficient beginning to your cruise, allowing you to start your vacation in a relaxed and stress-free manner.

Carnival Cruise Line from JAXPORT

Family-Friendly Bahamian Adventures

Discover Exotic Bahamian Destinations

• Nassau : Dive into the vibrant capital of the Bahamas, with its rich history, bustling markets, and stunning coral reefs.
• Freeport : Explore the natural wonders of Grand Bahama Island, from its expansive national parks to its peaceful sandy shores.
• Bimini : A tranquil island known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Bimini also hosts several historical sites, offering a glimpse into the island’s intriguing past.
• Princess Cays : Carnival’s private island provides a secluded beach experience with exclusive activities and serene beaches.
• Celebration Key : A picturesque island retreat that epitomizes relaxation and leisure. Celebration Key is renowned for its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop for sunbathing, swimming, and reconnecting with nature.

Departing from Jacksonville, the cruise lines offer a more personal and immersive cruising experience, focusing on the beauty of the Bahamas, where each journey is crafted to provide a perfect balance of exploration, relaxation, and personalized service.

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The Jacksonville International Airport

Traveling from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) to the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal offers several transportation options, catering to various preferences and budgets.

Parking Facilities at Port of Jacksonville

JAXPORT offers secure on-site parking close to the terminal , with affordable rates for both short-term and long-term parking.

Enhancing Your Cruise Experience in Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s Delights Unveiled

Opting to arrive in Jacksonville before your cruise departure opens up opportunities to explore this sprawling city , from the picturesque beaches of the Atlantic coast to the cultural vibrancy of its downtown. Jacksonville’s laid-back charm and rich history add depth to your cruising experience.

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Perusing the Jacksonville cruise monthly guide is recommended to gain a comprehensive understanding of local events and weather, ensuring you’re fully prepared for both your time in Jacksonville and the cruising adventure that lies ahead.

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• Arrival Guidelines : Follow your cruise line’s recommended arrival times to allow for a relaxed check-in process and to take advantage of terminal amenities.
• Travel Documents : Ensure all necessary documents, such as passports and boarding passes, are readily accessible for a smooth check-in experience.

Jacksonville offers a convenient and welcoming gateway for your cruise adventures, blending the ease of embarkation with the charm and attractions of Jacksonville. Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation or a romantic getaway, your journey begins with the promise of an unforgettable experience.

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Jacksonville (JAXPORT, Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-06-03 09:56

Port Jacksonville cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Jacksonville, JAXPORT, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Jacksonville cruise port JAXPORT is located in northeastern Florida, USA.

The port's cruise ship schedule has listed mainly roundtrips to The Bahamas (4-5-7-day long itineraries) on the Carnival Cruise Lines ship Carnival Elation . The ship's current call ports are Nassau (New Providence) , Freeport (Grand Bahama) and the private island Half Moon Cay , combined with Key West Florida on longer itineraries. Jacksonville is sometimes included as a call port in Panama Canal transition and World Cruise itineraries.

Port's first-ever cruise vessel with regularly scheduled service from JAXPORT was MV Zenith - starting turnaround operations in October 2003. Back then, the liner was operated by Celebrity Cruises . This service was discontinued in 2005.

On February 27, 2004, here was christened Carnival Miracle , starting regular roundtrips from Jacksonville. In 2004 (May through August), Miracle was replaced by MS Jubilee (2017-scrapped). On October 12, 2004, here was homeported MS Celebration for year-round roundtrips. The service was temporarily discontinued in 2008 (April through August) after which was restarted Carnival's Jacksonville-Bahamas cruise homeporting of Carnival Fascination . In May 2016, Carnival Elation replaced Fascination for the year-round Florida-Bahamas passenger shipping service.

In February 2005, during the Super Bowl XXXIX, JAXPORT housed 4 floating hotels, with a total of 3500 staterooms for the football fans in addition to all the onboard nightclubs, restaurants, bars and cafes.

In January 2024, JAXPORT's Board of Directors approved a 3-year homeporting agreement with NCL/Norwegian Cruise Line to provide passenger cruise shipping from Jacksonville seasonally (November to April every year through 2028) starting November 2025 with Norwegian Gem ship . NCL's Jacksonville homeporting operations are based on roundtrip voyages visiting The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean island destinations. Bookings opened on February 15th (2024).

Norwegian Gem's Jacksonville cruise schedule (during the inaugural season 2025-2026) included mainly 4-5-day Bahamas cruises (to Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau) as well as 3x 12-day and 2x 11-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries (visiting Great Stirrup Cay, Puerto Plata Dominicana, St Thomas USVI, St John’s Antigua, Basseterre St Kitts, San Juan Puerto Rico).

JAXPORT is one of the USA's 16 strategic ports, Florida's only port that handles military cargo (22,000 tons in 2013) and is currently ranked the 5th largest US port by annual cargo tonnage. JAXPORT is operated by Jacksonville Port Authority company - an independent agency responsible for seaport's development and also managing all the 4 deepwater terminals (1 cruise terminal and 3 cargo terminals). The cruise terminal is located just 15 min from JAX (Jacksonville Airport). The Port Authority owns all terminals, supports 132,000+ jobs (nationwide-logistics, including 26,000 local) and generates USD 31+ billion in annual economic impact for Florida.

For FY2016 (Fiscal Year 2016/ending September 30th), JAXPORT reported double-digit growth in imported vehicles (467,898) or 19% increase over 2015. Overall vehicle shipping volume was 636,000+ units. A record number of TEU-containers (968,279 units) was also reported. For FY2017, the seaport reported record growth of its cargo terminals in terms of handled TEUs, vehicles and overall cargo tonnage. In 2017, JAXPORT handled over 1 million TEUs (7% increase over FY2016).

JAXPORT's record for container volumes was set in May 2021 (128900+ TEUs / 37% increase over May 2020). Port's previous record (123700 TEUs) was in October 2019. Port’s two largest TEU-shiping lanes (as of 2021) are to Puerto Rico (19%) and Asia (18%).

When combined with the TEUs handled at port's private terminals, 1,3+ million TEU units are moved through JAXPORT annually, ranking Jacksonville Florida’s largest containership port. Asian container shipping volumes in 2016 grew 19% (nearly 400,000 TEUs). Currently, the Port's Asian sector accounts for ~40% of the total cargo shipping volume, which in 2013 was just 24%. After 13 years of cruise homeporting operations, in July 2016, JAXPORT welcomed its 2-millionth passenger.

Besides TEU-containers, JAXPORT's terminals also handle bulk- and break-bulk cargoes, including forest products (cellulose and fluff pulp, plywood, paper board, coated and recovered paper, wood chips and pellets, logs and lumber). The cargo terminals are serviced by 3 US highways (I10, I95, I75) and 3 railroads (CSX, Norfolk Southern, Florida East Coast Railway) with 40 daily train departures. The seaport serves 40+ international marine shipping companies. Direct shipping lines link to ports in the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia.

In 2017, JAXPORT scheduled a deepening project for the Jacksonville shipping channel (to max draft 14,3 m / 47 ft). This will result in increased cargo volumes by allowing access to some of the world's largest cargo vessels.

By this plan (2017-2021) were scheduled the following works:

• Harbor Deepening/dredging of St Johns River to max draught 47 ft (14,3 m). This project created 15396 jobs and added ~2 million TEUs to the Port’s annual container capacity. It was estimated that every US$1 invested will return $24,67 to the economy.
• Mile Point harbor improvement project (USD 43,5 million) resulted in removing navigational restrictions for larger ships under certain tidal conditions. The state advanced  for design and
• Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) at Dames Point facilitates the direct transfer of TEUs between the boxships and freight trains. ICTF has daily capacity 2 unit trains (1 inbound, 1 outbound) carrying max 200 TEUs each. This reduced truck traffic on the local roads and highways.
• JAXPORT purchased three new ZPMC 100-gauge container cranes (100 ft) in addition to the existing two. All gantry cranes serve Blount Island Marine Terminal. By this USD 15-million project was upgraded Berth 35 with new gantry cranes, with planned a total of 10 new electric cranes.
• Heavy Lift Berth at Blount Island Marine Terminal has one of USA’s largest by capacity weight-bearing docks with max load capacity 1800 pounds (816 kg) per ft2. The upgrade increased berth's rail capability to 78 kips (78K pounds-force) per axle for on-dock rail cargoes.
• Infrastructure improvements (USD 100 million) at Blount Island Terminal and Talleyrand Terminal resulted in upgraded and expanded wharves, new on-site rail tracks and dock pavements.

FY2017's general cargo shipping growth was another record - 9,3 million cargo tons (7% increase over FY2016). Dry-bulk cargoes increased 21% over FY2016 (total 862,338 tons). The container trade with Puerto Rico grew by 10%. Note: JAXPORT is USA's primary seaport for trade with the island.

In November 2017, JAXPORT started the construction of a new car terminal for processing and storage of new (foreign- and USA-made) vehicles. The new Dames Point Marine Terminal will increase by 25% port’s vehicle-handling capacity. It covers an area of 100+ acres (40 hectares) and provides direct quayside access (for vehicle loading/unloading), as well as access to major interstate highways (connections less than 1 mi away) and rail capabilities.

In 2017, JAXPORT's total vehicle throughput was 693,000 units (record year). By volume, the port is the USA's second-largest vehicle-handling port. JAXPORT serves 3 major auto processing companies (AMPORTS, "Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics", Toyota) and offers international service from 13 of the world’s largest Ro-Ro carriers.

On April 30, 2018, Carnival Corporation signed with JAXPORT an extension for cruise shipping services for additional 3 years. The agreement also included 3 additional 2-year renewal options and terminal improvements. The contract (May 2021, potentially through 2027) serves the 2019-upgraded Carnival Ecstasy to operate on year-round 4-5-day cruises. In March 2024 was signed the JAXPORT-Carnival Cruise Line agreement to extend CCL's cruise service from North Jacksonville Cruise Terminal through 2026, with an optional extension through 2030.

Carnival's JAXPORT cruise operations serve annually around 170,000 passengers. In FY2018 were handled 199,899 passengers.

On March 4, 2019, JAXPORT's Board of Directors approved a 25-year lease deal with SSA Marine (port terminal operator) for development and management of the container terminal at Blount Island. The USD 238,7 million facility (SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal) will have deepwater berths and capacity to handle larger boxships (even when fully-loaded).

• By this project, SSA Marine will expand the terminal from 50 to 80 acres (optional up to 120 acres). The project will create ~3500 local jobs over the contract's first 10 years. Upon completion of the JAXPORT Harbor Deepening project (in 2023), the expanded terminal will have a new turning basin and max draft (water depth) 14 m / 47 ft.
• SSA Marine contributed USD 28 million for the exclusive use of port's three gantry cranes (100-gauge each). SSA Marine also contributed USD 129,7 million for the exclusive terminal use and upgrades, including three new 100-gauge cranes. JAXPORT contributed USD 109 million in dock rehabilitation and terminal upgrades resulting in berthing capacity two Post-Panamax boxships simultaneously.
• Construction works on the new Blount Island Marine Terminal officially started on November 22, 2019. The new terminal has 2 post-Panamax berths and annual max capacity 700,000 TEUs. Berth upgrades will to be completed in 2021.
• SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal is approx 4 mi (6,5 km) from Dames Point Marine Terminal and serves direct lines linking JAXPORT with Atlanta GA and Chicago IL .

On May 16, 2019, was officially inaugurated the JAX LNG ( liquefied natural gas ) plant at Dames Point (along St John’s River).

• Construction works started in December 2016. With both truck-loading and ship-bunkering capabilities, the newbuilt plant serves trucking and marine companies. It was constructed via a joint venture between Pivotal LNG Inc (specializing in heavy-duty trucking, marine and rail gas transportation) and NorthStar Midstream (subsidiary of Oaktree Capital Management, specializes in port terminal storage and transportation).
• JAX LNG plant has daily production capacity 120,000 US gallons and storage capacity 2+ million US gallons. In 2021, the JAX LNG facility was expanded, increasing these capacities to, respectively, 360,000 and 4+ million US gallons.
• With the JAX LNG's expansion, Pivotal’s LNG network (Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania) reached a daily production capacity 470,000+ US gallons and storage capacity approx 9 million US gallons.

JAXPORT statistics 2019

In FY2019, the port handled 1,338+ million TEUs (5% increase over FY2018), nearly 696,500 vehicles, ~10,9 million tons of cargoes (4% increase), ~880,000 tons of dry-bulk (including non-containerized materials, 19% increase), ~934,600 tons of break-bulk (including wood pulp, 7% increase), 380,300 tons of liquid-bulk (including corn syrup and molasses, 4% increase) and nearly 195,000 cruise passengers (199,000 in 2018).

JAXPORT statistics 2018

In August 2018, JAXPORT reported a monthly record in TEU volumes - nearly 115,700 containers. The previous record (115,300 TEUs) was in December 2017.

• For FY2018 (fiscal year, Oct 1 through Sept 30), JAXPORT’s TEU volumes increased 20% (over 2017) - with total handled 1,3 million containers. Of those, 382,000 TEUs were on vessels serving USA-Asian routes, and 669,700 TEUs on the route USA-Puerto Rico.
• JAXPORT serves all three world’s largest shipping alliances (G6, CKYHE, OCEAN).
• For 2019 were scheduled dredging works for deepening Jacksonville’s ship channel (to max draft 14 m / 47 ft) allowing even larger boxships.

FY2018 was port's record year for cruise shipping - a total of 199,899 passengers, served by Carnival Elation . The homeported year-round in Jacksonville ship operates roundtrip tineraries to Freeport , Nassau , Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay . In May 2019, Carnival Ecstasy assumed Elation's 4-5-day itinerary program.

Record growth was reported also in container shipping volumes - nearly 1,3 million TEUs (23% increase), ranking it Florida’s largest container port. The Asian boxshipping trade increased 12% (to nearly 429,000 TEUs).

• Ro-Ro shipping (wheeled cargo) was over 665,000 units.
• General cargo shipping volumes reached nearly 10,5 million tons (+12%).
• Liquid bulk cargo shipping increased 19% (to over 365,000 tons, mainly corn syrup and cooking oil).
• Container shipping with Puerto Rico increased 37%. In 2018, from here were made the principal shipments of supply relief aid to the island following Hurricane Maria (September 2017).

River cruises from Jacksonville

As homeport for riverboats, Jacksonville is included in the regular schedule of USA's largest river cruise company - American Cruise Lines . Next table shows company's 7-day "Great Rivers of Florida" itinerary (ship American Star ) with prices from ~USD 2900 per person (double occupancy).

Jacksonville cruise terminal

JAXPORT Cruise Terminal covers a total area of 5900 m2 (63,000 ft2) and is located at the northwest corner of Dames Point Marine Terminal. The facility was inaugurated in 2003 - completed in just 6 months. Vehicle access to the terminal is via Hecksher Drive (to the west of Dames Point Bridge). I-95 highway is a few miles away. JAX Airport is at ~15 min drive from the passenger terminal.

JAXPORT has only one cruise berth (length 393 m / 1289 ft). The passenger embarkation area is sized 1400 m2 (15,000 ft2). The baggage area is sized 2600+ m2 (28,000 ft2). In front of the terminal, there is a car parking (capacity ~600 vehicles) guarded 24/7. The parking is located next to the terminal building.

On December 13, 2017, JAXPORT approved a USD 6,5 million redevelopment project that included paving an area of 18,2 acres (73,650 m2 / 793,000 ft2) located close to the cruise terminal and to be used as a dedicated cruise parking facility.

For the project was contracted the Jacksonville-based company "Pars Construction Services LLC". Works were scheduled to start in early-2018 and to be completed in November. Besides the new pavement, the new car parking project also included drainage, high-mast lighting, pay booths, electrical supply for the gate arms, CCTVs/security cameras, slope protection system (along Wynn's Creek). The new parking lot allowed JAXPORT to convert its old cruise terminal parking area to an automobiles terminal (processing foreign- and USA-made cars).

• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: visit the JAX zoo and meet more than 20 mammals and reptiles species. Get close to 1600 animals in amazing landscape area.
• Fort Clinch State Park: it dates from 1847. The old seafront fort will guide you through the daily life of the Union Soldier in the era of the Civil War.
• Museum of Science and History: or MOSH. The exhibitions are interesting for visitor from all ages.
• Museum of Southern History: go back to the Antebellum period.
• Kingsley Plantation: if you visit this cotton plantation, you will feel like you are in the late years of the 18th century. This is the “Sunshine State”‘s oldest plantation.
• Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: along St John’s River you will find the amazing Ninah and Arthur Cummer artistick works collection. They shared the collection in 1961. Since then it rose from 60 to 5,000 works.
• Jacksonville Maritime Museum: great place to visit if you want to discover Florida naval vessels. There are a lot of interactive exhibitions and Titanic scale model.
• Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: chose between guided tour or own walk in the beer brewing process. If you are over 21, don’t miss the “Tasting Room.”

Jacksonville tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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This Florida Seaport Just Became the First to Host a Global Entry Enrollment Center

“This is a proactive endeavor to help expedite the Global Entry application process for international travelers departing on a cruise.”

Torresigner/Getty Images

The Miami cruise port just became the first seaport with a Global Entry Enrollment Center, allowing travelers to complete their applications for the Trusted Traveler program when sailing.

The PortMiami Global Entry Enrollment Center opened this month and will be available to conditionally approved cruisers to complete the interview portion of their application . While enrollment centers are offered in dozens of states and territories and even in Qatar, this is the first in a cruise port.

“This is a proactive endeavor and benefit offered by the Miami Seaport to help expedite the Global Entry application process for international travelers departing on a cruise,” Carlos Martel, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) director of field operations at the Miami-Tampa Field Office, said in a statement . 

The new PortMiami Global Enrollment Center is located in Cruise Terminal D, according to the port . Travelers who are processing both new and renewal applications will be able to make appointments.

Global Entry allows travelers returning from an international trip to go through customs faster by using an automated kiosk. Travelers who are approved for Global Entry also get TSA PreCheck . The program costs $100 for the application, which is valid for five years and is nonrefundable. Certain credit cards reimburse the application fee.

Travelers must first apply online and then schedule an in-person interview. In select locations, CBP operates an enrollment on arrival option , allowing applicants to complete their interview when they land in an international terminal, no appointment necessary.

Earlier this year, CBP introduced a mobile app to allow Global Entry members to verify their identity from their smartphone by taking a selfie while waiting in the security line rather than at the kiosk. That service is available at select airports around the country.

The new PortMiami Global Entry Enrollment Center opened as the cruise terminal welcomed a record 7.299 million passengers this year, according to Miami-Dade County . The cruise terminal serves several popular cruise lines, including Oceania Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Next year, the port will welcome the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas .

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Carnival Cruise Line will continue sailing from Jacksonville into 2026 after deal with JAXPORT

C arnival Cruise Line and JAXPORT have reached a new contract to continue Carnival's cruise service from Jacksonville into 2026, a news release shared with First Coast News on Monday states.

The 2,697-passenger Carnival Elation will continue offering year-round trips to the Bahamas from JAXPORT's North Jacksonville Cruise Terminal, the release states, as the new contract also comes with four one-year renewal options.

"The continued growth of our cruise program is another way we create jobs and [an] economic impact for our region and state," JAXPORT CEO Eric Green said in the release. "JAXPORT has a longstanding partnership with Carnival, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving Jacksonville and providing even more reasons for tourists to visit our great city."

More than 3 million passengers have sailed from Jacksonville throughout the 20 years Carnival has been at JAXPORT, the release states. 

RELATED: Carnival unveils first-look at new exclusive destination sailing from Jacksonville

The port has completed a series of upgrades to the cruise terminal to enhance the passenger experience, including a new parking area with easier access to the terminal, an upgraded VIP Lounge and an improved boarding platform allowing passengers to enter the ship on the Promenade level.

The cruise industry in Jacksonville supports nearly 800 jobs and more than $187 million in annual economic impact for Northeast Florida.

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