Jacksonville, Florida

United States

Explore the historic cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture of the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States.

💱 Currency United States Dollar (USD)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone EST (UTC-5)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Nov–Apr

🚢 Typical Duration 5-7 nights

💰 Price Range From $237 pp

⚓ Port Type embarkation

🚤 Tender Port No

Jacksonville is a major homeport for Caribbean cruises, offering convenient access to Bahamas and Caribbean destinations with a mix of river and ocean cruise options.

Cruises that visit Jacksonville, Florida

Build Your Day in Jacksonville, Florida

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 3:00 PM

Usually about 7 hours ashore

🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens One of my favorite things to do in Jacksonville. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 21k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

St. Johns Town Center Lots of high end and reasonably priced fashion products. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 17k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

The Avenues Clean, lovely and the shops are properly maintained! Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 11k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

Breakout Games This is the second one we’ve done in Jacksonville and it was super fun. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 10k

Dockside Seafood Restaurant Jax Beach The atmosphere, food, and service were exceptional! Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 8k

River & Post Nice upscale restaurant, great location, delicious food and drink options. New American · ★ 4.4 · 6k

The Bearded Pig Great atmosphere, service was top notch even during dinner rush. Barbecue · ★ 4.6 · 5k

Kickbacks Gastropub Awesome building, good drinks, good people Gastropub · ★ 4.1 · 5k

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens It’s one of my must do places in Jacksonville. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House Pretty crowded but the atmosphere was amazing and the drinks was on point 👍 Beer Garden · ★ 4.3 · 4k

Memorial Park This is a must visit place while in Jacksonville, Florida . Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Put this on your list if you're visiting Jacksonville. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k

Friendship Fountain Absolutely one of the best things to see in Jacksonville! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 4k

Sweet Pete's Candy If you are in Jacksonville this is a nice place to visit. Event venue · ★ 4.7 · 4k 🕐 Closes soon · 6 PM

Shoppes at Bartram Park New stores, clean, great selection of businesses, great location. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill I ordered the ribs, and let me tell you — they were cooked to perfection! American · ★ 4.2 · 3k

Highland Square Lots of cool places to shop, really large, publix, harbor freight, etc Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Kernan Village Easy to get in and out of variety of shops and restaurants Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Seasons 52 Great selection of food, good drinks, and a nice intimate atmosphere. New American · ★ 4.6 · 3k

Little Talbot Island State Park A must see if you're in the Jacksonville, Florida area. State park · ★ 4.7 · 3k

Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve I've been to a few beaches over the years in the Jacksonville area. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Brooklyn Station on Riverside Good chain-restaurant food options, cute boutiques, Fresh Market it amazing. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM

Cowford Chophouse The drinks were great and the wagyu steak was incredible. Steak · ★ 4.4 · 3k

James Weldon Johnson Park Thank you Jacksonville !!! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k

Southbank Riverwalk You can see many cranes remaking the Jacksonville skyline. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Shoppes of Avondale Cute shops, lots of dessert stores, and upscale dining. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 12 AM

The District SPR Fantastic service, high end food, and even got a tableside visit by mgmt. American · ★ 4.5 · 2k

Marker 32 My steak was cooked to perfection — tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. New American · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Treaty Oak This was the highlight of my week in the Jacksonville area! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Fort Caroline National Memorial What a treasure here in Jacksonville. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

The Shoppes at Southside Great prices! Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM

Jacksonville Regional Shopping Center There is plenty of free parking and a good variety of shops and restaurants. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Walter Jones Historic Park One of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Jacksonville. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k

RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Jacksonville The rooftop atmosphere, the vibe, the food, and service is superb!! Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Birdies Friendly staff, cool drink specials, nice covered patio, pool table. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Tree Hill Nature Center Really nice afternoon activity of you live in Jacksonville Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

The Volstead The drinks were delicious - well-crafted and thoughtfully made. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k

MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art), Jacksonville Highly recommend if you're visiting Jacksonville Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Dos Gatos Cool spot, cool bar, cool bartenders, cool people, good music. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Sidecar Nice view Drinks ok meet some amazing people! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Alder & Oak This restaurant was delicious, food was unique and the vibe was great. Mediterranean · ★ 4.8 · 1k

Eclipse Bar Riverside The bartenders were awesome, the music was good, the environment was great Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM

Visit Jacksonville Great information on what to do in Jacksonville! Tourist information center · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Rogue Nice spot with affordable drinks. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

SIP Cocktail Bar Great cocktail selection, great music, great atmosphere, awesome view. Cocktail bar · ★ 4 · 0k

The Barrel Room at Golden Ox The cocktails were expertly crafted, each one a masterpiece of flavors. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Jacksonville, Florida is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Jacksonville, Florida

About Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville has emerged as a vibrant home port for Caribbean cruising, with three major cruise lines—Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and American Cruise Lines—offering 233 upcoming sailings to some of the region's most coveted destinations. Whether you're embarking on a classic 5-night getaway to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay or exploring the Bahamas' newer attractions like Celebration Key, Jacksonville provides convenient access to Caribbean adventures with peak sailing seasons throughout the winter months and spring.

As an embarkation port, Jacksonville offers cruise passengers the opportunity to arrive early and explore the city's charming riverfront before setting sail. The nearby historic district of St. Augustine, America's oldest city, and the pristine beaches of Amelia Island are perfect for pre-cruise relaxation, allowing you to ease into vacation mode before your ship departs.

Historic St. Augustine's Cobblestone Streets

Just 40 minutes south of Jacksonville, explore America's oldest continuously occupied European settlement. Wander the charming cobblestone streets lined with Spanish colonial architecture, visit the iconic Castillo de San Marcos fortress, and browse centuries-old buildings now housing galleries and museums. This UNESCO-worthy destination offers a fascinating glimpse into early American history.

Fresh Seafood at Riverside District

Head to Jacksonville's vibrant Riverside neighborhood for exceptional fresh-caught seafood and local cuisine. Waterfront restaurants serve grouper sandwiches, shrimp, and stone crab while you enjoy views of the St. Johns River. The area buzzes with casual eateries and upscale dining options perfect for a leisurely lunch before your cruise departure.

Pristine Beaches of Amelia Island

Just 30 minutes north, Amelia Island offers pristine sandy beaches perfect for swimming, shelling, and relaxation. The island features the charming historic town of Fernandina Beach with its Victorian architecture and quaint downtown shops. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean breeze and collect shells along miles of uncrowded shoreline before returning to your ship.

San Marco's Boutique Shopping Scene

Discover Jacksonville's most charming neighborhood in San Marco, featuring tree-lined streets and independent boutiques, galleries, and antique shops. Browse local artisan goods, vintage finds, and unique souvenirs you won't find elsewhere. The Mediterranean Revival architecture creates an Instagram-worthy backdrop while you support local Jacksonville businesses.

Cummer Museum's World-Class Art Collection

Experience one of the Southeast's finest art museums, featuring European masterpieces, American works, and contemporary installations in a stunning riverside setting. The museum's beautiful gardens overlook the St. Johns River, offering peaceful moments between galleries. With rotating exhibitions and diverse collections, it's a cultural gem accessible within hours of the port.