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Jacksonville isn’t the most popular cruise port in Florida, but it’s one of the easiest to navigate. Whether you’re a local (like me) or you’re traveling to Jacksonville to embark on a cruise vacation, the small but mighty JAXPort terminal is often considered less stressful than many of Florida’s other cruise ports. JAXPort currently serves two cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. Both sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean from this Atlantic port.
The port is located near the city’s north side. What makes JAXPort unique is that it’s situated on the banks of the St. Johns River instead of the ocean, so you’ll sail under the Dames Point Bridge during sailaway parties, which is always fun. I suggest getting a spot on the top deck of your cruise ship to get the best vantage point for sailing under the bridge.
Generally, embarkation is smooth and quick because the ships that home port at JAXPort are smaller vessels that can fit under the bridge. Even better, you’ll rarely find long lines in or around the air-conditioned terminal because it only serves one ship at a time.
Jacksonville cruise port address
JAXPort Cruise Terminal
9810 August Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226
Jacksonville cruise terminal information
Cruise lines sailing from Jacksonville
Both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line sail from JAXPort. Because the port only has one cruise ship terminal, it’s easy to figure out where you need to go.
Jacksonville cruise terminal directions
From Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): Head east from the airport toward Interstate 95. Take I-95 South to Interstate 295 South. Continue for 6 miles to Exit 41. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right onto Zoo Parkway. Cross New Berlin Road, and go about half a mile, then turn left on August Drive into the cruise terminal entrance. The total drive time is about 25 minutes.
From Jacksonville Beach: Take West Atlantic Boulevard to I-295 North and continue over the Dames Point Bridge. Take Exit 41, and turn left onto Zoo Parkway. Follow the directions above to the cruise terminal. The drive to the port is about 30 minutes from the beach.
From north of Jacksonville: Take I-95 South to Exit 362A and I-295 South. Continue on I-295 South for about 6 miles, then take Exit 41 and turn right onto Zoo Parkway. Follow the directions above to the cruise terminal. Depending on where you’re coming from, the drive can take 30 minutes or more.
Jacksonville cruise port parking
On-site parking
Parking is available at JAXPort starting at your port arrival time listed in your embarkation documents. I often arrive at JAXPort about 15 minutes before my port arrival time to park and never have any issues. Just be aware that you might not be able to enter the terminal building until your designated arrival time.
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The parking lot is a fenced-in, well-lit surface lot adjacent to the terminal. Cash and credit cards are the accepted forms of payment, though you can also prepay for parking online. No matter how you choose to pay, passenger vehicles are $17 per day and recreational vehicles are $34 per day. I like to prepay for parking when possible because it cuts out another step on a busy embarkation day.
Parking is free under certain circumstances, such as for drivers with a state-issued disabled veterans plate or a Florida Toll Exemption decal. If you have a vehicle that has been modified to accommodate a disabled driver, free parking might also apply.
Park-and-cruise
The Parking Mall is across the street from the terminal and offers discounted parking for cruise passengers. You must reserve your spot ahead of time on the lot’s website. Your reservation also comes with complimentary shuttle service to and from the lot. The savings are significant. For example, parking a standard car at JAXPort for a five-night sailing costs $85, while The Parking Mall fee is $55.
If you’re looking for a park-and-stay hotel option, consider the Courtyard Jacksonville I-295/ East Beltway, which offers long-term parking for a nominal fee. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport also offers cruise park-and-stay packages for parking for up to seven nights, plus transfers from the hotel to the cruise terminal.
Airports near Jacksonville cruise port
The nearest airport to JAXPort is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is about 15 miles or a 20-minute drive away. The airport services many airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and Breeze Airways.
How to get to Jacksonville cruise terminal from Jacksonville International Airport
Cruise lines do not offer transfers from the airport, but you can book a shuttle service from the airport to JAXPort. Two options that make getting to your cruise easy are SuperShuttle and Go Airport Shuttle, which offer bookings in advance with no hidden fees. Your transfer will be waiting for you at the Ground Transportation area on the lower level of the airport.
Taxi service from JAX to Jacksonville cruise terminal
You can grab taxis and ride-hailing services outside the lower level of the airport. Signs for both can be found toward the far right end of the terminal. Rates vary, but fares are often about $30 one-way.
Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you
Public transit from JAX to Jacksonville cruise terminal
Public transportation from the airport to JAXPort is not currently an option.
Jacksonville cruise terminal services
| Porter services | Yes |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair services | Yes |
| Accessible ramps and lifts | Yes |
| Bathrooms | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Waiting area and seating | Yes |
| Luggage storage | No |
Hotels near Jacksonville cruise port
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport is an affordable, family-friendly hotel that offers stay-park-cruise packages for up to a week. The hotel is part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program, so you can use accrued points to stay here.
The closest hotel to the port is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville — Blount Island. This budget-friendly hotel is part of the IHG One Rewards program.
If you want a luxury stay at the beach before getting on your cruise, stay at One Ocean Resort & Spa, an incredible beachfront property at Atlantic Beach. The resort is known for its spa, which is a great place to relax precruise. Your stay includes beach chairs, umbrellas, bike rentals and more to get those vacation vibes going. The resort is about 30 minutes from JAXPort but is not part of a major hotel loyalty program.
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Restaurants near Jacksonville cruise port
JAXPort is on the north side of town, so getting from the port to restaurants in Jacksonville Beach, downtown or outlying neighborhoods like Riverside, Five Points or Avondale takes about 20 to 30 minutes. These areas are known for local restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisines, from Italian and Mexican to Asian and upscale seafood.
In neighborhoods along the St. Johns River and its offshoots, local fish camps dish up fresh seafood for a reasonable price, too. These restaurants specialize in fresh catch served in a variety of ways and provide a true taste of Florida. They’re often located on the waterfront, so you can drive or boat right up to them. If you don’t eat seafood, fish camps usually serve a small selection of dishes for landlubbers.
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Shopping near Jacksonville cruise port
If you’ve forgotten something at home or need a last-minute outfit, head to the St. Johns Town Center. This large shopping complex has everything you could need, including a Target, a Costco and smaller boutique shops. The Town Center also offers a wide variety of dining, so it’s a great spot to go for a meal before your cruise. If you can, arrive early at the Town Center because it does get busy later in the afternoon and evening, especially on weekends.
Jacksonville Beach has a Walmart and a Target, which are convenient if you’re staying at a beach hotel or enjoying a day at the sandy shore before your sailing.
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