PORT OF JACKSONVILLE FL.
Best Hotels near Jacksonville Cruise Port
The metropolitan city of Jacksonville has the largest population in Florida. Thanks to its recently redeveloped Downtown area, it now offers plenty for tourists to enjoy.
These attractions include waterfront restaurants and friendly pubs set along the Southbank Riverwalk next to the St Johns River, where you can sample the best seafood the region has to offer.
You can also enjoy some retail therapy and there are plenty of cultural events regularly held at the Times-Union Center.
With 20 miles of perfect white sandy beaches, Jacksonville is the ideal pre-vacation city to explore as you make your way down to catch your Carnival cruise to the Bahamas.
A single Carnival cruise liner docks at JAXPORT’s ship terminal, just off Heckscher Drive and close to I-295. Carnival cruises are experts when it comes to starting your vacation off right. Their half-hour slot for pre-registered travellers means you can walk right onto the ship with no hanging around!
Although there aren’t many local amenities at the terminal, you will find everything you need on board, including places to eat and WIFI. As there is not much to see or do at the ship terminal, take advantage of everything Jacksonville has to offer before making your way down.
Where to Stay?
There are some local hotels about a ten minutes drive from the terminal, along with hotels close to the airport, which sometimes also include free shuttle transport to/from the airport.
Staying in Jacksonville Beach is one of the best ways to begin your vacation, with several beachfront hotels less than half an hour away. Hotels at the beach have access to good restaurants and are perfect when travelling with a family.
What are the Closest Hotels near Jacksonville Carnival Cruise Ship Terminal? (within 10 minutes)
Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville I-295/East Beltway
This Courtyard by Marriott has recently been renovated so everything is fresh and new. One of the closest hotels to the cruise terminal, it only takes around 12 minutes to drive to the port from here. Popular chain restaurants and Walmart can be found in the streets surrounding this hotel, and Jeannie Fewell Park is just around the corner.
Jacksonville Beach is 20 minutes’ away if you want to dip your toes in the sand. The décor inside this modern accommodation is airy and light, and the facilities include a fitness room, outdoor pool, whirlpool, bar and bistro. Overnight parking is offered while on your cruise for just $10/day.
You easily can get to the port by Uber, Lyft, taxi, rental car or any other ride share option.
Hampton Inn Jacksonville – East Regency Square
Seven miles or 12 minutes from Jaxport cruise terminal, straight across the impressive Dames Point Bridge, you’ll find the Hampton Inn at East Regency Square. It’s conveniently close to Walmart and restaurants and just 10 miles from the beach. The interior color scheme is soothing and neutral with the occasional pop of lime or scarlet to liven things up. The staff here score highly when it comes to customer service.
The facilities include a pool set in a sunny patio and a small fitness room. A hot breakfast is part of the room rate and free tea or coffee is served in the lobby 24-hours a day. Extended Parking available for an extra charge.
Candlewood Suites Jacksonville East Merril Road
If you like your accommodation to be a real home-from-home then this Candlewood Suites is ideal. The large rooms feature a mini kitchen with a microwave, dishwasher and fridge-freezer as well as a comfy armchair and TV. A pool, laundry and panty for supplies are some of the amenities on offer here.
The 6 miles drive to Jaxport Florida cruise pier takes around 11 minutes. A choice of places to eat and shop are close by, with a Walmart supercenter just minutes away. The beach is a short 10 miles east if you want a dip in the ocean.
What are the Best Hotels near Jacksonville Airport (with Cruise Parking)?
The main airport for Jacksonville is JAX (Jacksonville International Airport). Only 12 miles from the terminal, here you can board flights to all over the United States, with non-stop options available. Dozens of airlines fly from JAX, with hundreds of guests arriving and departing every day.
The airport is easy to find, situated just one mile west of I-95 (exit 363-B), where you can easily catch a shuttle or taxi down to the JAXPORT ship terminal, around a 20 minute drive away. Why not jump in an Uber or Lyft? Your driver can take you to the terminal for as little as $12-$27, depending on vehicle type.
Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport
One of the best airport hotels in the area, Hyatt Place at Jacksonville Airport is 3 miles from the runway and 10 miles from Jaxport cruise terminals. They offer a free shuttle transport service to the airport and $5 parking for cruise passengers.
Guests love the sofa area in the bedrooms, it provides plenty of space to lounge. The facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness suite, patio seating and a breakfast bar. Serving snacks 24/7 is the Market Gallery so you can always get something to eat no matter what time you arrive.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Jacksonville Airport
The Home2 Suites at Jacksonville Florida Airport is just minutes from the I95, 3 miles from the airline check-in desks and a 10-mile drive from the cruise port. With a free airport shuttle bus, free wi-fi and a complimentary hot breakfast, this place is good value.
A sunny pool and fitness suite are on site along with a business center. Out on the patio is a fire pit and barbecue area providing a casual place to relax in the evening. All the guest bedrooms are spacious and come with a sofa area where you can spread out in comfort.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport
Stay in the closest hotel to Jacksonville Airport and you’ll enjoy a top quality experience. The lobby and lounge at the DoubleTree by Hilton has luxury seating with accessories in peacock blue and lime. An upmarket dining room serves international dishes and the swish bar has a cocktail menu.
The resort-style pool is edged by a large sunbathing deck and the fitness suite has a full complement of equipment. Hop on the free shuttle from the airport, or park your car while you’re off enjoying your cruise (extra charge).
Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville-Airport
Hampton Inns in Florida never fail to deliver and that includes the hotel at Jacksonville Airport. Located 2 miles from the runway you can make use of the free shuttle bus and it’s also only a 15-minute drive to the cruise terminals at Jaxport. There’s a generous pool outside where you can cool off and a fitness suite if you want to work out.
Each of the 120 bedrooms are familiarly decorated and they have a microwave and mini-fridge which is ideal for fixing a snack. Hot breakfast is served in the morning and is part of the normal room rate. Parking is free of charge.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jacksonville Airport
Great value for money, the Microtel Inn & Suites is just outside Jacksonville Airport grounds and close to the I95. The exterior has a charming clapperboard finish and inside the décor has a hint of Floridian style. Guest bedrooms are set up for a peaceful night’s sleep with neutral earth tones and deep comforters.
By the way of facilities, there’s a pool outside and a small gym. A light breakfast is free of charge and a shuttle bus to the airport is complimentary. If you traveled by car, cruise passengers can park it here for just $3* a day and catch a cab or Uber to the terminals.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville Airport
Fairfield Inn & Suites are a tried and tested brand of Florida hotels. The one at Jacksonville Airport is just minutes away from the check-in desks and they provide a free shuttle back and forth. At breakfast time, you can tuck into complimentary sausage, eggs and all the trimmings.
Each bedroom has a mini-fridge and microwave for cooking up a tasty snack and free wi-fi is part of the package. There’s a compact swimming pool at the back of the property and a small gym for exercise. All in all, it’s a clean and tidy budget-friendly place to stay before heading out on a cruise. Extended parking while on your voyage costs $5.00* per day.
Hotel Map
Port of Jacksonville FL – Carnival Cruises
- JAXPORT Cruise Terminal – 9810 August Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Who Sails from Jacksonville
The city is a home port to ships from Carnival Cruises.
Parking at the Port
Some guests may opt to stay at a Jacksonville hotel and take advantage of cheap parking rates at the port. For those driving down to Florida, port parking is a great cost effective and secure place to leave your vehicle, with cruise check-in right next door.
The parking costs come with tax included, and is $17* a day. However, if your cruise vacation is for 4 or 5 days, the cost is $68 and $85, respectively. There is no need to reserve a spot, and with round-the-clock security camera monitoring, you can rest assured that your vehicle is safe.
There is no restriction on vehicle size, with oversized and larger vehicles easily accommodated. When your vehicle takes up two regular-sized parking spaces the cost is $34 per day.
It is recommended to park after 10.30am, as the port tries to vacate all previous cruise guest vehicles before opening up the lot again.
Once you arrive at your destination, your vehicle is then ready for you to drive away, without the inconvenience of waiting for a shuttle or hotel transfer.
Hotels with free shuttle to Port of Jacksonville?
There is no hotel in Jacksonville that provides a free shuttle transfer to the cruise port. If you want to find a hotel that provides a complimentary port shuttle service, you will need to pre-book a package.
Many airport hotels offer packages that include your cruise, parking and transfer. These packages make a convenient low cost option, with travellers able to book hotel stays and everything they need to get to and from their cruise all in one place.
Of course, hotel rooms are also available without a package. If you want to take an Uber either to or from the port, you should expect to pay around $35 for 2 people. Parking at some airport hotels is usually very reasonable. Cruise parking start at $3.00 per day.
note (*): Prices, shuttle and parking rates listed are subject to change based on availability from the hotel and may change at any time. Please contact the hotel directly for latest hotel/cruise parking packages.
Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.
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