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Jacksonville (JAXPORT, Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-06-01 01:05

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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Jacksonville - user reviews and comments

Jacksonville, FL

Cruises from Jacksonville depart year-round. An active city, Jacksonville, FL offers visitors opportunities to try water sports, fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Visit the headquarters of the Professional Golf Association or the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, an ecologically aware zoo. The Museum of Science and History has an exhibit for everyone, including a display on manatees and dolphins and an excellent Civil War collection.

Carnival Cruises from Jacksonville

A Carnival Cruise Line ship sails from Jacksonville FL. Get away for 4 or 5 days to the Bahamas . Carnival Cruises are the fun ships!

The Carnival Elation cruise ship sails from Jacksonville. It features Seuss at Sea for kids, the Serenity adults-only retreat, Alchemy Bar, Carnival WaterWorks, Punchliner Comedy Club, Cloud 9 Spa, and Guy's Burger Joint.

Read our choices for the 6 best reviews of Carnival cruises from Jacksonville . They are by recent passengers and some include excellent photos. It's very useful to learn from the experiences of others.

4-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Freeport (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 4, January 18, February 1, February 15, February 29, March 14, March 28, April 11, April 25, May 23, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 12, October 10, November 7, November 21, December 5, December 19.

4-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Freeport (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: May 9, June 6, July 4, August 1, August 29, September 26, October 24.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Nassau (Bahamas) and Princess Cays (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 8, January 13, January 27, February 5, February 10, March 9, March 18, April 1, April 15, April 20, April 29, May 4, May 13, May 18, May 27, June 1, June 10, June 15, June 24, June 29, July 8, July 13, July 22, July 27, August 5, August 10, August 19, August 24, September 2, September 7, September 16, September 21, September 30, October 5, October 14, October 19, November 2, November 11, November 16, November 30, December 14, December 28.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 22, February 19, March 4, March 23, April 6, November 25, December 9, December 23.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Nassau (Bahamas) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: February 24.

4-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Freeport (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: January 2, January 16, January 30, February 13, March 13, March 27, April 10, April 24, May 8, May 22, June 5, June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Nassau (Bahamas) and Princess Cays (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: January 6, January 11, January 20, January 25, February 8, February 17, February 22, March 8, March 17, March 22, April 5, April 14, April 19, April 28, May 12, May 17, May 26, June 9, June 14, June 23, July 7, July 12.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Nassau (Bahamas) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: May 3, May 31, June 28.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: July 21, August 4, September 1, September 15, September 29, October 13.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Celebration Key (Bahamas) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: July 26, August 23, September 20, November 15, December 13, December 31.

5-day Bahamas cruises on Carnival Elation. Round-trip from Jacksonville to Celebration Key (Bahamas) and Princess Cays (Bahamas). • 2025 departures: August 9, August 14, August 28, September 6, September 11, September 25, October 4, October 9, October 18, October 23, November 10, November 30, December 8, December 22.

Carnival resumes sailing from Jacksonville on Monday with cruise to The Bahamas

Carnival Cruise Line will set sail from Jacksonville for the first time in two years when Carnival Spirit departs from the Port of Jacksonville on Monday. The ship will depart for a five-day cruise to The Bahamas as a kick-off for the line’s Sailabration Cruises, which celebrates Carnival’s 50th birthday, according to a Thursday news release.

The first ship to depart from Jacksonville since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic left just last week when American Queen Voyages started a 12-day cruise.

Carnival has been resuming trips around a number of ports with the goal of the full fleet of cruise ships sailing again this spring, according to previous Times-Union reporting. Carnival offers trips that depart from Jacksonville and go to The Bahamas or Caribbean in two-to-five- or six-to-nine-day increments.

Still cruising: Port Canaveral CEO expects cruises to keep sailing, even with COVID-19 on ships

Before Monday's 5 p.m. scheduled departure time for Carnival Spirit, the cruise line will have a birthday event beginning at 10:30 a.m., including a ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcoming guests to Spirit's first voyage and the Jacksonville port. This ship will visit Nassau and Princess Cays.

• Cruise From
• Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL

• Carnival Elation

* Coming Soon

Cruises from Jacksonville offer the perfect blend of beachfront and urban exploration. Get the best of a laid-back beach town and a buzzing city when you book a Carnival cruise from the beautiful port of Jacksonville, Florida. The Sunshine State’s largest city has a redeveloped and revitalized downtown, full of upbeat shopping and lively restaurants, bisected by the scenic St. Johns River and its Southbank Riverwalk. Jacksonville is a gateway to the islands of the Bahamas but you’ll also have 20 miles of sandy beach life and endless acres of wildlife parks to enjoy before you board your Carnival cruise from Jacksonville.

• See 100-year-old gardens at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
• Stroll the Jacksonville Riverwalk for views of the St. Johns.
• Watch for whales from Jacksonville Beach before departing on your Carnival cruise.
• Visit St. Augustine, the oldest European settlement in the U.S.

See it all from Jacksonville.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included.

Cruises from Florida

Embark from Florida: A Gateway to Caribbean Wonders & Beyond

Category: Carnival Cruise Line from Jacksonville

Carnival cruise line: your gateway from jacksonville to the bahamas.

Discover the Carnival Elation Experience

Carnival Elation sets the stage for an extraordinary cruise adventure from Jacksonville to the Bahamas . As a jewel in the Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, this ship offers an enticing blend of leisure and excitement, ensuring a seamless journey for every traveler. With its array of onboard amenities, Carnival Elation transforms sea days into a hub of activity and relaxation. Embarking on a journey aboard Carnival Elation from Jacksonville not only promises adventure and exploration in the beautiful Bahamas but also ensures that every moment on the ship is filled with enjoyment, relaxation, and luxury, making your cruising experience truly unparalleled.

Set Sail for Family-Friendly Adventures

Carnival Elation is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering an array of activities and programs for kids and teens. From the bustling Camp Ocean to the thrilling waterslides at WaterWorks Park, every family member will find something to love. The WaterWorks Aqua Park on Carnival Elation promises splashing fun for the entire family. Featuring adrenaline-pumping water slides, a splash zone for little ones, and a spacious sun deck for relaxation, WaterWorks is a vibrant aquatic playground where laughter and joy fill the air.

Dazzling Onboard Entertainment

A World of Flavors: Dining Delights

Serenity Adult-Only Retreat

For guests seeking tranquility and relaxation, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat offers an oasis of calm. This exclusive area for guests 21 and over features plush loungers, whirlpools, and a bar, all in a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of family activities, ensuring a serene escape.

Cloud 9 Spa

Step into the Cloud 9 Spa, a haven of wellness aboard Carnival Elation. With its extensive menu of therapeutic treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, and a thermal suite, the spa is a sanctuary for guests looking to rejuvenate their body and spirit amidst the sea’s tranquility.

Accommodations

Comfort meets style in Carnival Elation’s range of accommodations. Whether you opt for a cozy interior cabin, an ocean view room, or a luxurious suite with a private balcony, each living space is thoughtfully appointed to ensure guests enjoy the utmost comfort and convenience. Ample space, tasteful décor, and considerate amenities contribute to a soothing onboard living experience, making every moment aboard Carnival Elation as restful as it is exhilarating.

Bahamas Itineraries

Planning and Tips for Jacksonville

Embarking on a Carnival cruise out of Jacksonville is perfect for those seeking a quick but fulfilling getaway. The best times to set sail are during the shoulder seasons, which offer great weather and fewer crowds. Booking in advance can secure better rates and cabin choices. Additionally, taking time to explore Jacksonville’s charming attractions before departure adds a special touch to the cruising experience. If you are planning your journey from JAXPORT, explore cruises out of Jacksonville and check the Jacksonville cruise schedule 2024 and the Jacksonville cruise schedule 2025 for a perfect fit with your travel plans.

JAXPORT Cruise Terminal

Jacksonville: A City of Attractions

Consider arriving in Jacksonville a day early or extending your stay post-cruise to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant offerings . Jacksonville, with its stunning beaches, scenic parks, and a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, provides a delightful preamble or conclusion to your cruising adventure. For insights on what each month has to offer in terms of local events and cruise-related activities, delve into the Jacksonville Cruise Monthly Guide , enhancing your travel itinerary with memorable experiences on land.

Carnival Cruise Schedule out of Jacksonville

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, April 28, 2025

5-day mini cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: April 28, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays, Jacksonville;[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, April 24, 2025

4-day cruise to Freeport and Nassau on board Carnival Elation Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: April 24, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Freeport, Nassau, Jacksonville; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, April 19, 2025

5-day mini cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: April 19, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays, Jacksonville;[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, April 14, 2025

5-day mini cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: April 14, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays, Jacksonville;[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, April 10, 2025

4-day cruise to Freeport and Nassau on board Carnival Elation Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: April 10, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Freeport, Nassau, Jacksonville; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, April 5, 2025

5-day mini cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: April 5, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays, Jacksonville;[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, March 31, 2025

5-day cruise to Freeport and Nassau on board Carnival Elation Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: March 31, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Freeport, Nassau, Jacksonville; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, March 27, 2025

4-day cruise to Freeport and Nassau on board Carnival Elation Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: March 27, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Freeport, Nassau, Jacksonville; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, March 22, 2025

5-day mini cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: March 22, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays, Jacksonville;[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, March 17, 2025

5-day mini cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: March 17, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays, Jacksonville;[…]

Carnival Elation, The Bahamas from Jacksonville, March 13, 2025

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5-day cruise to Bimini and Nassau on board Carnival Elation Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: March 3, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Bimini, Nassau, Jacksonville; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

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5-day mini cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: February 17, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays, Jacksonville;[…]

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5-day New Year cruise to Princess Cays & Nassau with Carnival Cruise Line Cruising from: Jacksonville, Florida; Departure Date: December 28, 2024; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Elation; Ports of Call: Jacksonville, Princess Cays, Nassau, Jacksonville;[…]

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Water slides, floating cabanas highlight latest Carnival reveal for new Bahamas destination

C arnival Cruise Line this month revealed details about its family-friendly area of new Bahamas destination Celebration Key opening up in 2025.

Dubbed Starfish Lagoon, the zone is the fourth of five to be unveiled by the cruise line ahead of the resort’s opening on Grand Bahama Island next July. The line plans more than 500 visits among 18 of the line’s ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville as well as six other U.S. ports.

One highlight will be the 10-story Suncastle structure that will be home to two 350-foot-long water slides named after the Bahamas’ national bird and fish: the pink Flash Flamingo and blue Mach III Marlin. The pair offer riders the option to race one another down through a twisting path amid flashing lights and colors into a photo finish splashdown.

For the younger set, there will be the Guppy Grotto splash pad themed to coral reefs with a 2-foot-deep wading pool, water toys, dump bucket and other interactive features. Parents can keep watch from a shaded area while also having access to an adjacent ice cream shop.

The area is also centered on one of the largest freshwater lagoons built in either the Caribbean or Bahamas, and for an extra cost, families can rent one of 12 floating AquaBanas, floating cabanas with room for eight, located around a peninsula with a dedicated bar. The line has land-based cabanas and daybeds as well.

The lagoon and its stretch of beach also will be home to kayak and paddleboard rentals.

For the active set, there’s a game pavilion with table games including foosball, pingpong and corn hole and the sports court area with volleyball, basketball and pickleball among its offerings.

Adults will have their own swim-up bar while lounging options will include hammocks adjacent the the Suncastle, and all along the beach will be sun loungers and umbrellas.

Food options will include restaurants, snack and bar shacks as well as Bahamian food trucks.

“At Carnival, we carry more children than any other cruise line, so we’ve designed Starfish Lagoon specifically for family fun,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy in a press release.  “Toddlers, teens and adults alike will find their own piece of paradise whether it be racing down one of the water slides, playing a round of pickleball or relaxing on our floating AquaBanas.”

The previously announced sections, which the line calls portals, include the welcome area Paradise Plaza, adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon and the shopping district Lokono Cove. Details on the final portal, an adults-only area, will be revealed later. Future expansion will build beyond the five portals including the construction of a water park.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport that’s the largest port construction project in the line’s history will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling its largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class, including Port Canaveral-based Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration out of Miami.

The line announced this year a $100 million plan to expand that with a second dock so that it could handle up to four such ships beginning in 2026. That expansion, which grows the line’s investment to $600 million so far, means it expects nearly 4 million passengers to visit the site annually by 2028, an average of 11,000 visitors every day.

Other U.S. ports visiting the new site are Galveston, Texas; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, S.C. and New Orleans.

Disney pitches authenticity for new Bahamas cruise destination Lookout Cay

Carnival’s plans are just one of many new Bahamas destinations opening around the island nation in the coming years. This summer will see the debut of Disney’s new 900-acre destination Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera while Royal Caribbean has broken ground on what will become the 17-acre Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau.

These augment the existing private Bahamas destinations such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, Disney’s Castaway Cay, Virgin Voyages’ Bimini Beach Club and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve as well as Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Coast Guard suspends search for Carnival Cruise Line passenger who went overboard

A Carnival Cruise Line passenger went overboard on the line’s Carnival Magic ship on Monday.

Ronnie Peale, 35, went overboard 186 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard suspended its search Wednesday after crews searched over 5,171 square miles.

“The decision to suspend the active search efforts pending further development is never one we take lightly," Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper, Coast Guard District Seven search and rescue mission coordinator, said in a news release . "We offer our most sincere condolences to Mr. Peale’s family and friends.”

“He was reported missing by his companion late Monday afternoon and an initial review of closed circuit security footage confirms that he leaned over the railing of his stateroom balcony and dropped into the water at approximately 4:10 a.m. Monday,” a Carnival spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

The Coast Guard released the ship from search and rescue efforts and advised its captain to continue on to Norfolk, Virginia, the spokesperson said. The vessel was on a round-trip sailing from Norfolk to the Bahamas at the time of the incident, according to CruiseMapper .

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“The Carnival Care Team is providing support to the guest's companion and traveling party who are on board,” the spokesperson added.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Norfolk field office is investigating, with the help of other agencies, according to a spokesperson.

"The FBI typically has jurisdiction to investigate incidents on the high seas, and works closely with our partners in law enforcement and in the cruising industry to collect the evidence and facts of cases," the spokesperson said in an email, though they did not have additional details to share.

The incident comes after other overboard reports in recent months. The Coast Guard suspended search efforts for a Royal Caribbean International passenger who went overboard during a trans-Pacific sailing in April, and a woman died after going overboard on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia vessel near Florida’s Port Canaveral in December.

Another Carnival passenger was rescued after going overboard from the line’s Carnival Valor ship in November.

Between 2009 and 2019, there were 212 overboard incidents around the world involving passengers and crew, according to statistics compiled for Cruise Lines International Association by consulting firm G.P. Wild (International) Ltd. Just 48 people were rescued.

Cruise ships have safeguards in place to keep passengers from going overboard and are required by the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 to have rails that are "located not less than 42 inches above the cabin deck."

Cmdr. Jason Kling, Detachment Chief at the U.S. Coast Guard's Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise, which conducts compliance inspections of cruise ships embarking passengers in U.S. ports or embarking U.S. passengers, told USA TODAY in March that many cruise ships complied with that even before the law was enacted.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Carnival cruise passenger who went overboard and remains missing was on his first cruise and it became his 'happy place,' his fiancée said

• The man who went overboard on a Carnival cruise ship was on his first-ever cruise, his partner said.
• "He loved the cruise life," Jennilyn Michelle Blosser told WTKR of her fiancé, Ronnie Lee Peale Jr.
• Peale Jr. fell off the Carnival Magic ship early Monday and remains missing. 

The man who remains missing after falling overboard on a Carnival cruise sail returning from the Bahamas was in a "happy place" on his first-ever cruise before tragedy struck, his partner said.

"He loved the cruise life," Jennilyn Michelle Blosser told WTKR of her fiancé, Ronnie Lee Peale Jr. "Being able to drink, gamble, and socialize put him in his happy place."

Blosser said that 35-year-old Peale Jr. was the "life of the party," and told CNN that the pair went on the voyage to celebrate her birthday.

Related stories

Peale Jr., a Virginia resident, fell into the water early Monday after he leaned over a balcony railing on the Carnival Magic ship about 186 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida, officials said.

The cruise ship's operator, Carnival Cruise Line, told Insider in a statement that a review of closed-circuit security footage "confirms that he leaned over the railing of his stateroom balcony and dropped into the water at approximately 4:10 am early Monday morning."

He was reported missing late Monday afternoon, the cruise line said.

The United States Coast Guard said crews had already spent 19 hours searching for Peale Jr. across 4,044 square miles.

Crews were continuing their search for Peale Jr. on Wednesday morning, the Coast Guard said .

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Cruises from Jacksonville offer the perfect blend of beachfront and urban exploration. Get the best of a laid-back beach town and a buzzing city when you book a Carnival cruise from the beautiful port of Jacksonville, Florida. The Sunshine State’s largest city has a redeveloped and revitalized downtown, full of upbeat shopping and lively restaurants, bisected by the scenic St. Johns River and its Southbank Riverwalk. Jacksonville is a gateway to the islands of the Bahamas but you’ll also have 20 miles of sandy beach life and endless acres of wildlife parks to enjoy before you board your Carnival cruise from Jacksonville.

• See 100-year-old gardens at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
• Stroll the Jacksonville Riverwalk for views of the St. Johns.
• Watch for whales from Jacksonville Beach before departing on your Carnival cruise.
• Visit St. Augustine, the oldest European settlement in the U.S.

See it all from Jacksonville.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included.

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Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruise ships embark from Baltimore in latest sign of recovery after Key Bridge collapse

By Mike Hellgren

Updated on: May 27, 2024 / 8:05 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- On the cusp of nine weeks since the Key Bridge collapse, the Carnival Pride embarked from Baltimore Sunday on a 14-day journey to Greenland.

 The day before, Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas left Baltimore for Bermuda—exciting for Colonel Estee Pinchasin of the Unified Command.

"Did you guys notice the cruise ship?" she asked reporters with a smile while on a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tour of the recovery efforts on Friday. 

Thomas Sitzler and his friends were onboard the Vision of the Seas to celebrate his partner's 60th birthday. It was important that they leave from Baltimore. 

"Our fingers were crossed the entire time. We knew if we couldn't do this now, there would be another opportunity with Royal Caribbean to do this," Sitzler told WJZ. "The whole plan was to cruise out of Baltimore into and out of the [Chesapeake] Bay because all of these people grew up in the area, and they wanted to see all the sites from the water, so it's super cool we're going to go out this way."

Jonathan Daniels, the Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration, said the economic impact is more than one million dollars for each ship. He noted more than 440,000 people cruised out of Baltimore last year—the second highest number since 2012–and promised more growth ahead. 

"We hate to see any business leave for any period of time, but certainly thank the flexibility that was out there for the industry,"  Daniels said and referenced the temporary rerouting of cruises to Norfolk, Virginia. 

Signs outside the Cruise Maryland terminal  welcomed back cruisers while tropical music played inside the terminal which served as the Unified Command's headquarters less than a week earlier.

After the Dali was successfully re-floated and removed from the collapse site last Monday, Unified Command packed up and left the cruise terminal, but they still continue working and providing updates on the recovery process. 

"We are here to celebrate the fortitude and the work that was done during the last two months to bring cruising back so quickly," Daniels said. 

After the Dali was removed , the main 50-foot-deep channel could accommodate these larger cruise vessels, but for now, there's only one-way traffic—with the opening of the full 700-foot width pushed back from the end of May until June 8th to 10th. 

"We're very proud of the hard work that our team put in to get to 400 feet across, 50 feet down, which allows any vessel that used to come to Baltimore to come in now," Pinchasin said. 

WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren came to WJZ in the spring of 2004. Solid reporting credentials and a reputation for breaking important news stories have characterized Mike's work. Mike holds a B.S. degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and grew up partly in both Chicago and Louisiana.

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