Florida port celebrates the arrival of 3 million cruise tourists

Friday, November 17, 2023

JAXPORT, the cruise port in Jacksonville, Florida, celebrated a significant milestone on November 13, 2023, as it welcomed its 3 millionth cruise guest. The honored guests were the Lester family from Clayton, Georgia, who embarked on their fourth Carnival Cruise Line voyage aboard Carnival Elation.

Carnival Cruise Line and JAXPORT commemorated the occasion by extending VIP treatment to the Lester family. The family enjoyed a special complimentary dinner at Carnival Elation’s Chef’s Table, an exclusive multi-course culinary experience. The VIPs also received other special services and amenities during their 4-day cruise to the Bahamas.

Jacksonville, known as a drive-to port, has gained popularity due to its location, making it easily accessible for approximately 100 million people within a day’s drive. Carnival Cruise Line has been the sole provider of year-round sailings from JAXPORT since 2004, offering itineraries to the Bahamas and later expanding to the Eastern Caribbean.

In 2019, before the pandemic hiatus, Carnival Cruise Line hosted around 150,000 guests on over 70 cruises departing from Jacksonville. Carnival Elation, which replaced Carnival Ecstasy in April 2022, is scheduled to remain the homeport in Jacksonville through 2024.

JAXPORT’s cruise ship data for 2023 is not yet available, but in 2022, the port recorded 52 cruise calls. The port’s busiest months were October, March, and May, each with eight ship calls, while January saw the fewest calls with just three. Following the resumption of cruises in March 2022, the port reported $2.6 million in cruise-related revenues for that fiscal year.

While cruises are a notable aspect, JAXPORT primarily focuses on cargo operations, contributing approximately 75% of the port’s revenues. Cargo operations include containers and autos, with the port boasting three cargo terminals and two intermodal container transfer facilities along the St. Johns River.

Carnival Elation, in service since 1998 and accommodating 2,000 guests, offers various itineraries from Jacksonville, including 4-day Bahamas cruises calling at Freeport and Bimini, 5-day cruises to Nassau and the Princess Cays private island, and some itineraries featuring Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private retreat scheduled to open in July 2025. The ship offers diverse stateroom categories, dining venues, and signature attractions like Carnival Waterworks aqua park.

The celebration of JAXPORT’s 3 millionth cruise guest underscores the continued success and popularity of cruise travel from this Florida port.

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