JAXPORT and Carnival Cruise Line ink long-term deal to continue cruising

Jacksonville, FL — More than 2.2 million passengers have sailed from Jacksonville during 15 years of cruise service at JAXPORT, according to the port. Now, those numbers will only increase, with JAXPORT and Carnival Cruise Line signing a deal that would extend service until at least May 2021 and potentially through 2027.

JAXPORT says the agreement includes upgrades to the terminal building and passenger experience, extending the cruise line’s service from Jacksonville for three years with three additional two-year renewal options.

“In addition to bringing jobs and economic opportunity to Northeast Florida, cruise service boosts tourism in our area and offers a platform to promote all that this region has to offer,” says JAXPORT Chief Executive Officer Eric Green.

President of Carnival Cruise Line Christine Duffy says she has seen increased demand with year-round sailing from Jacksonville and says she expects many more good years to come.

Beginning in May 2019, a recently upgraded 2,056-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will assume Carnival Elation’s year-round trips to the Bahamas. Carnival offers year-round four- and five-day cruises from Jacksonville.