cruises leaving jacksonville fl today

• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 20 Apr 2024 - 15:30
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• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 06 Jun 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 10 Jun 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 20 Jun 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 04 Jul 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 18 Jul 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 22 Jul 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 27 Jul 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 01 Aug 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 05 Aug 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 10 Aug 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 15 Aug 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 19 Aug 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 24 Aug 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 29 Aug 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 07 Sep 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 12 Sep 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 16 Sep 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 21 Sep 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 26 Sep 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 30 Sep 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 05 Oct 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 10 Oct 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 14 Oct 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 19 Oct 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 24 Oct 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 28 Oct 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 02 Nov 2024 - 15:30
• Crystal Serenity 1.254 passengers 06 Nov 2024 - 00:00
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 07 Nov 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 11 Nov 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 16 Nov 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 21 Nov 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 25 Nov 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Elation 2.554 passengers 30 Nov 2024 - 15:30

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Carnival Elation

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Jacksonville (JAXPORT, Florida)

Carnival Elation current position

Carnival Elation current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 24.57693 N / -75.96467 W) cruising en route to BS HMC > US JAX. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Elation

Carnival Elation current cruise is 5 days, round-trip The Bahamas . Prices start from USD 359 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 15 Apr, 2024 and ends on 20 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Elation

•   Itineraries
•   Review
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Carnival Elation Itineraries

Carnival elation review, review of carnival elation.

The 1998-built Carnival Elation cruise ship is the 7th of CCL's eight Fantasy-class liners, with sisterships Sensation , Fascination plus the "no balcony ships" Fantasy , Ecstasy , Imagination , Inspiration , Paradise .

The vessel (IMO number 9118721) is currently Panama- flagged (MMSI 355831000) and registered in Colon .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ). 

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 2200-passenger ship Carnival Elation was floated out on January 4, 1998. Elation was retrofitted with part of Carnival's "Evolutions of Fun" upgrades. The Serenity adults-only area was installed, but not the WaterWorks park. Carnival Elation also had 28 balconies installed, all on Deck 6. Although the ship did not receive the full upgrade "Evolutions of Fun", in 2014 she received "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades.  Elation is the world's first cruise vessel equipped with Azipod propulsion , the state-of-the-art technology that substantially improves maneuverability in addition to saving hull space. The ship is also the world's first with a conference center (capable to accommodate small to medium groups for meetings and special events).

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Elation staterooms (1094 total, in 25 categories) include 79 Suites, 98 Balcony, 528 Oceanview and 378 Inside cabins. Most cabins are sized 170-185 ft2 (16-17 m2). CCL Elation ship has 33 wheelchair-accessible cabins (ADA staterooms adapted for passengers with disabilities). The largest (Grand Vista Suites) are sized 350 ft2 / 33 m2 plus 60 ft2 / 6 m2 terrace and accommodate up to 5 passengers. Grand Suites feature large sitting areas and spacious bathrooms (with whirlpool bathtubs, separate shower), VIP services and amenities.

The boat has 14 decks , of which 11 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

During  drydock refurbishment 2017, a total of 38 new cabins were added, of which 2x Grand Vista Suites, 22x Junior Suites, 2x Scenic Oceanview, and 12x Interior. A total of 98 balconies were added to existing staterooms, which were upgraded to 230 ft2 / 21 m2 sized balcony cabins. The number of passenger staterooms was increased from 1026 to 1094, which increased the boat's passenger capacity from 2052 to 2128 (max 2462 to 2554).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Carnival Elation does not offer alternative dining, so every meal onboard the ship is served in one of the two MDRs or the Tiffany’s Lido buffet. Passengers can thus avoid the nickel-and-diming, equated with newer and larger ships, but you might wish for more variety. However, excellent service is one of the bright spots: bar servers are close by throughout the ship. The informal Tiffany's Bar and Grill is located on the Lido Deck and offers inside and poolside seating. Meals are served buffet-style with open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A 24-hour pizzeria, 24-hour room service and complimentary sushi bar are the other alternative eating options. Carnival is one of the few cruise lines that still offer midnight buffets.

The real foodies who are curious about how the galley feeds so many people, have to check out Chef's Table. For US$75 per person, you'll be able to meet the head chef and tour the galley, as well as dine on a multi-course meal at a private table, while watching the chefs at work. 

Follows the complete list of Carnival Elation restaurants and food bars.

• Imagination Dining Room (650-seat forward restaurant, with two fixed dinner seatings and “Your Time Dining”, as well as “Seuss At Sea” themed breakfasts for US$5 cover charge)
• Inspiration Dining Room (658-seat aft restaurant, with two options for dinner seating)
• Tiffany’s Lido Buffet Restaurant (722-seat, complimentary self-service restaurant with various food stations; operates as a bistro in the evenings)
• Sushi Bar (complimentary)
• JavaBlue Cafe (patisserie/specialty coffee bar)
• Bluelguana Cantina (poolside Mexican fast food bar / complimentary)
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar
• Guy’s Burger Joint (poolside burger bar / complimentary).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Carnival Elation will not waste time to convince you as she is a ship where "participation" does make the experience. There are a lot of spots for a drink, from the laid back Gatsby’s Great Bar to the jumping Jekyll and even Hyde Dance Club to the always-swinging Duke’s Piano Bar.

A variety of live bands entertain nightly on Carnival Elation, and virtually every musical style can be heard. The prime entertainment venue is the Japanese-inspired Mikado theater, showcasing Las Vegas-style revues and performances by individual comedians and musicians.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Elation lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Elation Atrium Plaza (7-deck high midship open area served byPlaza Lobby Bar)
• Internet Cafe (24-hour Internet computers room)
• Art Gallery; Photo Gallery and Shop (digital platform / Pixels-brand); Formalities Shop (tuxedo rentals, special occasion gifts); The Fun Shops (offer “Bon Voyage” store menu, souvenirs, watches, jewelry, logo merchandise, duty-free liquor, fashion boutiques / Guess Store, Pandora Store)
• Mikado Theatre (1300-seat, 2-level main show lounge for musical productions; also used for game shows, bingo, movies)
• Duke’s Bar (92-seat piano bar)
• Mark Twain Library; Conference Room (70-seat)
• Casablanca Casino (450-seat, served by Drama Bar)
• Elation’s Way Promenade and Bar (230-seat)
• Musical Cafe (72-seat specialty coffee bar and patisserie)
• Cherry On Top (Carnival's signature candy shop)
• Alchemy Bar (Carnival's “cocktail pharmacy” lounge served by professional mixologists)
• RedFrog Rum Bar (frozens, beers, Carnival’s private label ThirstyFrog Red/draught beer)
• Romeo and Juliet Lounge and Bar (109-seat, with dance floor and karaoke)
• Jekyll and Hyde Disco and Nightclub (230-seat Dance Club)
• Gatsby’s Great Bar (92-seats cigar bar/smoking lounge with patio)
• Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch shows)
• Elation Lido Pool area (features one pool, two whirlpools, two poolside bars and stage for live performances, as well as 3-deck high Twister Waterslide which ends in the main pool); Aft Pool area (features one Whirlpool, one Splash Pool and one rounded pool)
• Circle C (kids' complimentary club lounge with movies, video games, parties, planned activities)
• 24-hour Video Games Arcade; Club O2 teens' lounge for movies, karaoke, parties
• Serenity (adults only relaxation area with padded lounges, hammocks and two Whirlpools)
• Camp Ocean (marine-inspired play area for children 2-11 with more than 200 ocean-themed activities)
• Camp Ocean (kids' club lounge with complimentary supervised program, indoor and outdoor playground areas)
• Carnival WaterWorks (aquapark with the 300-ft long waterslide Twister, 2x 82-ft long racing mini-slides, kids splash zone)
• Spa Carnival (Spa and Fitness complex with Relaxation Room, Steam Rooms, Saunas, Massage Rooms, Beauty Salon, Gymnasium with Aerobics Studio)
• Basketball/Volleyball Court, Jogging Track, Tennis Tables, 9-hole Mini Golf Course, Bocce Court, Shuffleboard.

During drydock 2019, the Cole Porter Club (540-seat bar lounge with a dance floor and a stage for live performances) aft on Promenaded Deck was replaced by the Alchemy Bar and 30x new staterooms.

Itineraries

Carnival Elation itinerary program is based on 4- and 5-day short breaks from New Orleans LA  to Mexico and the Western Caribbean. Feature port destinations include Progreso and Cozumel . On April 23, 2016, Elation starts new Bahamas itineraries from Jacksonville .

In December 2017, Carnival announced the 2019 deployment of Carnival Elation to  Port Canaveral (Orlando Florida)  (new homeport). Starting on May 12, 2019, the ship will operate a year-round schedule of 4- and 5-day Bahamas cruises. Departures are on Thursdays (4-day itinerary to  Freeport  and  Nassau ) and on Mondays and Saturdays (5-day itinerary to  Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk Island ).

Carnival Elation - user reviews and comments

Photos of carnival elation.

Carnival Elation ship related cruise news

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Nassau's cruise port witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday, March 12, as a record-breaking 7 ships docked at the recently renovated downtown port...

Carnival Elation passengers allege assaults during Bahamas excursion

Officials at a Bahamas resort have stated that security camera footage contradicts the accounts provided by two Kentucky women who allege they were...

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line to homeport in JAXPORT/Jacksonville (2025) Norwegian Gem ship

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line is set to establish its first ship base in JAXPORT/Jacksonville, Florida USA, marking a new milestone for the company...

CCL-Carnival schedules new Bahamian port on cruises from Jacksonville/JAXPORT Florida

JAXPORT/Jacksonville Port Authority has revealed that passengers embarking on Carnival's Elation ship from Jacksonville will have a new port of call...

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line unveils ships and itineraries visiting Grand Bahama's new port Celebration...

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has commenced the sale of ~400 voyages that visit Celebration Key, its newly developed private cruise port destination in...

Search called off for Carnival Elation passenger who went overboard off Melbourne FL

The US Coast Guard has ceased its search for a man who deliberately jumped from the deck of a CCL-Carnival ship. According to surveillance footage...

30-year-old passenger jumps overboard from Carnival Cruise Line's ship Elation

According to the US Coast Guard, it appears that a 30-year-old man jumped overboard from Carnival Elation off the coast of Florida during the...

CCL's cruise ship Carnival Elation restarts operations at JAXPORT after drydock refurbishment

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's ship Elation returned to service at homeport JAXPORT/Jacksonville (Florida) over the weekend sporting a brand-new look...

CCL-Carnival’s 2nd-oldest ship Elation headed to 3-week drydock

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line’s second-oldest ship Carnival Elation is scheduled for a 3-week drydock at the end of the week. The boat is currently...

Unruly CCL-Carnival Cruise Line passengers to be fined $500

In a recent update to the company's cruise ticket contract, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line revealed that unruly passengers could be fined US$500 and forced...

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Other Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships

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• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
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• Carnival Sunrise
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Carnival Elation Wiki

Fun Ship 2.0 upgrade  was done in 2014. In 1998, MS Elation made the "cruise news" as the first cruise liner with AZIPOD propulsion (azimuth thrusters/electric podded units). The vessel was christened by godmother Shari Arison - daughter of Ted Arison (1924-1999) - co-founder of NCL Norwegian Cruise Lines (1966) and founder of Carnival Cruise Lines (1972).

The Carnival ship Elation is one of the company's oldest (Fantasy-class) vessels with sisterships Ecstasy ,  Fantasy , Fascination , Imagination , Inspiration , Paradise , Sensation . A fleet-first feature for a Fun Ship is CCL Elation's dedicated conference center able to accommodate small groups for private meetings. As part of Carnival's 250 million "Evolution of Fun" program ("Fun Ship 1.0"), Elation received some upgrades in 2009, including the new facilities "Circle C" (kids club for passengers between 12- and 14-years-old), the adults-only deck "Serenity", as well as expanded buffet dining options.

The vessel was constructed by STX Finland (at Kvaerner Masa-Yards/Helsinki New Shipyard in Helsinki ) under yard/hull number 491. It has volume 71909 GT-tons, DWT/deadweight 7036 tons, max draught 8 m (26 ft). The powerplant is based on Wartsila marine diesel engines (models 12ZAV40S and 12V38) with total power output 47,52 MW.

Carnival elation was launched/floated out from drydock on January 4, 1998, and delivered (as MS Elation) to Carnival on March 20, 1998. The Maiden Voyage was a 16-day Panama Canal transition itinerary from Miami to Los Angeles , visiting ports in Colombia (Cartagena), Panama City (Balboa), Costa Rica (Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas) and Mexico (Acapulco). The inaugural cruise season started on April 12, 1998, and was based on homeporting in LA and 7-day Mexican Riviera itineraries visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

In 2003, Elation started homeporting in Galveston (Texas) with 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries. In 2007, Elation started homeporting in San Diego (California) operating short breaks to Baja California (Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas). In the following years, the boat was also homeported in Mobile (Alabama) , New Orleans (Louisiana) and Port Canaveral/Orlando (Florida) .

Carnival Elation refurbishment 2020 review

In 2019 (March 2-26) the ship entered drydock at Grand Bahama Shipyard ( Freeport Bahamas ). During the refurbishment, aft on Deck 9/Promenade (in the space previously occupied by the Cole Porter lounge) were added 30 new staterooms and the Alchemy Bar. The new cabins' modules were delivered by ALMACO (drydocking project's management company).

Other changes included remodeling several venues and adding JavaBlue Cafe (patisserie/coffee bar) and Bonsai Sushi Express (complimentary take-away dining option/made-to-order sushi).

During drydock 2023 (Jan 21-Feb 10, in Freeport) were conducted general maintenance works and only parts of the ship were updated/upgraded (new carpets and cosmetic enhancements). Cloud 9 Spa was fully refreshed (new steam and sauna rooms), and some maintenance works were conducted on some venues and staterooms. Works included hull cleaning and repainting with CCL’s new livery (red-white-blue design).

Carnival Elation refurbishment 2017 review

The list of deck plan changes after the ship's 2017 drydock refurbishment (August 31 - September 27) done in Freeport Bahamas included:

• A total of 38 new cabins were added, of which 2x Grand Vista Suites, 22x Junior Suites, 2x Scenic Oceanview, 12x Interior. Balconies were added to 98 cabins (on decks 5-Main, 6-Upper, 7-Empress). This changed the vessel's passenger capacity from 2052 (max 2606) to 2128 (max 2554).
• The newly added staterooms were modular (delivered in a block consisting of 7 sub-blocks), pre-manufactured by ALMACO Group - a full-service provider of marine vessel cabins, wet units, galleys, provision stores, crew living quarters). The ship's elevator lobbies and stairs were also renovated.
• (Lido Deck 10) Guy's Burger Joint was added (complimentary poolside dining venue serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries )
• (Lido Deck 10) BlueIguana Cantina was added (complimentary poolside Mexican eatery for fresh-made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, with salsa bar and a variety of toppings). Also here was added the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar (Mexican-themed outdoor bar for frozens and beers).
• (Promenade Deck 9) Here was added the RedFrog Rum Bar (rum bar for frozens and beers, serving Carnival’s private label ThirstyFrog Red /draught beer).
• (Promenade Deck 9) In the area of "Elation’s Way Promenade" (near Drama Bar) was added to Cherry On Top (bulk candy store, also selling Carnival Cruise Lines logo apparel, gifts, toys)).
• (Verandah Deck 11) the old Camp Carnival kids complex was redesigned and transformed into Camp Ocean. Also here (aft) was installed Carnival Waterworks (aquapark with Splash Zone, 2 mini racing slides for kids, and the Twister Waterslide).
• (Deck 14) the 9-hole Mini-Golf Course was relocated and redesigned (added bocce court).
• Retail Shops were completely redesigned and upgraded with new brand boutiques (Guess Store, Pandora Store). The Photo Gallery was replaced with a digital platform (Pixels-brand).
• Various technical enhancements were implemented, including shoreside power capabilities.
• Routine maintenance works included new hull coating.

During refurbishment 2017, the crew area was also renovated.

The vessel was last drydocked in 2023 (January 21 thru February 10) at Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport). The scheduled drydocking was for routine class works and general maintenance (hotel and machinery).

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Caribbean Cruises from Jacksonville, Florida

Your pathway to the Caribbean starts from Jacksonville, Florida. If you’re looking for a convenient departure point for seeing this popular vacation destination, Jacksonville’s northern Florida location lets you access a range of eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Cruise Lines

Currently, only Carnival Cruise Lines departs Jacksonville for the Caribbean, offering two basic itineraries. Cruises last five nights on average and include one-way and round-trip options. On board, you’ll have access to Carnival’s most up-to-date and quintessential features, from a range of activities and entertainment to dining choices for all tastes.

Itineraries

Carnival takes two standard itineraries from Jacksonville:

Eastern: Your ship takes you through some of the region’s most popular ports, letting you into a world of European influences, some of the world’s best beaches, and a bevy of shopping locations. After going through the U.S. Virgin Islands, ships may head to St. Kitts, known for its lush rainforests, snorkeling attractions, and British fortresses. Then, at St. Maarten, known as the region’s most “friendly” island, Dutch and French influences converge, while you’ll have a chance to explore its 30 beaches. Cruises may end in San Juan, full of history, particularly at the preserved Old San Juan, and the gateway to El Yunque national forest.

To the Bahamas: Jacksonville takes you on another path through the Eastern Caribbean. After departing this Florida port, you’ll pass through Key West and then head off to the Bahamas. There, your cruise takes you to two of the country’s cities: Freeport, known for its eco attractions, and Nassau, the country’s capital. As the Bahamas’ largest city, Freeport features a confluence of European, African, and Caribbean influences, is home to many casinos, hotels, and nightlife spots, and is close to several beaches and outdoor attractions.

Start planning your cruise from Jacksonville to the Caribbean. Browse Direct Line Cruises for itineraries and deals today.

Cruise Lines to the Caribbean

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5 - Day The Bahamas from Jacksonville, FL

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Jacksonville

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: princess cays, day 4: celebration key.

Day 5: Fun Day at Sea

Day 6: jacksonville.

Get to Know Carnival Elation

Carnival Elation was built to celebrate the muses who inspire the arts. Carnival guests like you can expect this ship to inspire you... to have tons of vacation fun. Not that Carnival Elation is going to have a hard time convincing you! As you head toward your destination, you'll find plenty of spots to visit for a tasty bite — options like the taco-'n-burrito goodness of BlueIguana Cantina ™ , the burgers-'n-fries combo of Guy's Burger Joint ™ , plus all the rotating goodness of Lido Restaurant. (Our suggestion: bring an appetite and try them all!) Carnival Elation also features places to enjoy a drink, from the mystical Alchemy Bar ® to the friendly poolside rivals RedFrog Rum Bar ® and BlueIguana Tequila Bar ™ ... and don’t forget everybody’s friend, the always-swinging Duke’s Piano Bar. If being a kid is more your thing, we have plenty of ideas for how to spend your time. Activities that are age-appropriate, supervised — and of course, fun! — are available for the actual kids at one of three youth spaces. Then there's the video arcade... oh, and did we mention the slidey, splashy, squirty Carnival WaterWorks ™ ? We didn't, but we should have, because both of these are fun for all — all ages, that is! Come cruise and we bet you’ll see, and feel, that this ship is ready to inspire everyone in new ways.

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

change your itinerary

A Look at Norwegian’s New Itineraries from Jacksonville

• March 12, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is adding a new homeport in Jacksonville. Starting in the 2025-26 winter , the company will sail from the North Florida port for a series of four- to 12-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Cruise Industry News examines some of the highlights of the company’s new seasonal program and its itineraries.

Five-Night Cruise to the Bahamas Ship: Norwegian Gem Date: 12 departures between November 2025 and March 2026 Length: 5 nights Homeport: Jacksonville (United States) Itinerary: Nassau, Freeport and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)

Offered by the Norwegian Gem several times during the season, this five-night cruise takes guests to three destinations in the Bahamas.

Along with a visit to Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, the itinerary also includes stops in Freeport and Nassau, as well as a full day at sea.

11-Night Cruise to the Caribbean Ship: Norwegian Gem Date: December 1, 2025 and February 17, 2026 Length: 11 nights Homeport: Jacksonville (United States) Itinerary: Great Stirrup Cay and Freeport (Bahamas); Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic); San Juan (Puerto Rico); Tortola (British Virgin Islands); Basseterre (St. Kitts and Nevis); and St. John’s (Antigua)

Norwegian Cruise Line is also offering longer cruises to the Caribbean departing from Jacksonville. This 11-night itinerary sets sail to the Southern Caribbean and includes visits to a total of seven destinations.

The cruise highlights popular ports of call in the region, such as San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. John’s, Antigua. Departure dates are available in December and February.

12-Night Cruise to the Caribbean Ship: Norwegian Gem Date: January 4 and 20, 2026 Length: 12 nights Homeport: Jacksonville (United States) Itinerary: Freeport and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas); Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic); San Juan (Puerto Rico); St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); Basseterre (St. Kitts); Tortola (British Virgin Islands); and Philipsburg (St. Maarten)

The longer cruise of the season sails for 12 nights and features visits to a total of eight destinations across the Bahamas, the Eastern Caribbean and the Southern Caribbean.

Departing on two different dates in January, the itinerary starts with stops in Freeport and Great Stirrup Cay. Then, it continues to Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and Tortola. Before returning to Jacksonville, the cruise also offers three full days of cruising in the Caribbean Sea.

Four-Night Cruise to the Bahamas Ship: Norwegian Gem Date: Seven departures between December 2025 and April 2026 Length: 4 nights Homeport: Jacksonville (United States) Itinerary: Freeport and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)

The Norwegian Gem is also offering four-night cruises to the Bahamas departing from Jacksonville. With several departure dates between December 2025 and April 2026, the itineraries are highlighted by visits to Norwegian’s private island destination Great Stirrup Cay.

In addition to one day at sea, the cruises also feature a stop in Freeport before returning to North Florida.

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BREAKING NEWS

LIVE: Witnesses testify for man who killed Nassau County deputy after he takes stand in own defense

2 river flood warnings in effect for brantley and columbia counties, city, developer of laura street trio leave the door open for potential project partnership.

Anne Maxwell , I-TEAM and general assignment reporter

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – City officials and the owner of three historic downtown buildings known as the Laura Street Trio are leaving the door open for a potential development partnership in the future.

This comes after it appeared the two sides may have come to an impasse over financing. But on Wednesday, both sides made it clear a potential deal could move forward.

MORE: Laura Street Trio developer says historical buildings could come down if deal isn’t reached with city

After decades of lying abandoned, the sign outside the Laura Street Trio says, “Coming Soon!” However, that promise appeared to be in jeopardy after a dispute over financing.

The Downtown Investment Authority Board previously offered three financing solutions which developer Steve Atkins of the Southeast Development Group did not accept.

Everyone involved says they want to save the historic buildings but if the city and the developer can’t find a compromise they could be torn down. There have been plans to add multifamily housing and a hotel.

What DIA doesn’t want is a deal with no conditions.

Much of the back and forth is because the only option the developer is interested in includes paying for the hotel portion with a loan worth $22 million — and the city would have to back up that loan.

“At this point we’re looking at our options. But it is our intention to make sure those buildings are restored,” Mayor Donna Deegan said last week. “I think that unfortunately in this situation we gave Mr. Akins three, what we thought were very good options through DIA. Unfortunately, he came back with something that once again the general counsel said is more of the same and is not constitutional. We cannot in a responsible way move forward with something we feel is unconstitutional.”

Deegan said time is of the essence for the buildings that have sat vacant for too long.

But by the time the Downtown Development Authority met Wednesday, the posture of both sides appeared to have softened.

The developer’s attorney, Jason Gabriel, said his client is willing to explore other financing options.

“I don’t think we’re at the end of this, we’re gonna get this done,” Gabriel said. “There’s been 24/7 conversations, analyses, we have people crunching numbers. So yes, term sheets are being developed as we speak, to get to a place that is hopefully acceptable to the city.”

The DIA also amended the resolution to say although it can’t accept the developer’s previous financing proposal, it is willing to evaluate future financing proposals which could come within weeks.

One major proponent of revitalizing the Trio is Councilman Matt Carlucci, who said the project would revitalize downtown.

“They have survived and they’ve been here. And they’ve seen their day. And then they lost their day. And now they’re going to start a new day. And I think that is a wonderful story. And it says a lot about who Jacksonville is because we always overcome adversity in Jacksonville always do,” Carlucci said.

Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Anne maxwell.

I-TEAM and general assignment reporter

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Holland America crewmember missing after going overboard before vessel docks at Port Everglades

By Hunter Geisel

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 4:52 PM EDT / CBS Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE  — A search is underway for a cruise ship crewmember who went overboard while the vessel was still at sea before docking in South Florida this weekend.

Around 11:18 a.m. Saturday, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff's Office Port Everglades District responded to a report of a missing crewmember on a Holland America cruise ship.

According to Holland America, the crew member was reported missing when the Rotterdam vessel docked in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. After reviewing the security camera video, the crew member went "purposefully overboard" around 9:45 p.m. Friday while the vessel was still en route between Cuba and Key West, the cruise line told CBS News Miami.

BSO's Homicide and Crime Scene units have responded to Port Everglades to investigate, while the U.S. Coast has been notified and is currently searching the sea for the crew member.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the team member's family at this difficult time," the cruise line shared in a statement with CBS News Miami.

This is a developing story. Tune into CBS News Miami on-air and online for the latest updates.

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• Fort Lauderdale
• Cruise Ship
• Broward County

Hunter Geisel joined the CBS News Miami digital team in May 2023.

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