JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Carnival Cruise Line and JAXPORT have reached a new contract to continue Carnival's cruise service from Jacksonville into 2026, a news release shared with First Coast News on Monday states.
The 2,697-passenger Carnival Elation will continue offering year-round trips to the Bahamas from JAXPORT's North Jacksonville Cruise Terminal, the release states, as the new contract also comes with four one-year renewal options.
"The continued growth of our cruise program is another way we create jobs and [an] economic impact for our region and state," JAXPORT CEO Eric Green said in the release. "JAXPORT has a longstanding partnership with Carnival, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving Jacksonville and providing even more reasons for tourists to visit our great city."
More than 3 million passengers have sailed from Jacksonville throughout the 20 years Carnival has been at JAXPORT, the release states.
The port has completed a series of upgrades to the cruise terminal to enhance the passenger experience, including a new parking area with easier access to the terminal, an upgraded VIP Lounge and an improved boarding platform allowing passengers to enter the ship on the Promenade level.
The cruise industry in Jacksonville supports nearly 800 jobs and more than $187 million in annual economic impact for Northeast Florida.