Victrola

Have not stayed pre or post cruise but have stayed for arena events across the street. Great location to port and downtown waterfront. Has on site restaurant and lounge.

Another vote for the museum at the University. We didn't rent a car instead relied on the local bus routes which were easy to figure out and very convenient. Also look for local eateries we found several that were great, very reasonably priced as compared to the hotel dining.

Just a suggestion:

If you are coming from the North use Google maps to see if you can find a hotel in Fernandina or Fernandina Beach. Easy access from I-95 to beach area. Then on cruise day drive AIA South through the state park and directly to port. No need to go back to I-95. Use local roads and a beautiful drive. I know you wanted offsite parking but the port is easy in and out and rate is reasonable. Do not arrive at the port too early as they will not allow entry until most of the departing passengers are gone. Narrow road in and out.

Hint: try to be as high on the top deck as possible when you depart and sail under the bridge you will swear your going to hit it.

Happy cruising

D/W and I made a similar trip last year and we got advise from a local so we. Walked 3 blocks to the public bus station and rode the bus to the Univ of Fairbanks Museum of the North. Its more of a tour than a bus drive as driver points out points of interest, then even stop at Walmart if you forgot anything. Spent several hours on campus at museum and campus gardens. Caught bus back to local tourist type place called Pioneer Park. Food and beverages and then back to the hotel.

Hotel food is pricey but a quick internet check found several great places within walking distance if your interested.

I can't find the post but remember another cruiser suggested the Hampton Inn on Airport road recently. All the major chains have hotels on airport road which is 15 min ride to the port. Most have a shuttle service to port and airport terminal.

Unless you make a pre arrangement with one of the local cab companies it will be about $40.00 to $45.00 for the 12 mile ride and takes about 20 minutes. I want to say Checker Cab has a contract with the port but not 100% sure.

Unless you make a pre arrangement with one of the local cab companies it will be about $40.00 to $45.00 for the 12 mile ride and takes about 20 minutes.

We found the bus service in Fairbanks very user friendly. Walked two blocks then took the bus to the Fairbanks university campus and visitors center. Also found several out of the way breakfast places for great food and low prices. I used the open table app. Just a suggestion if you have time.

Jaxport only has one road in and out to the port off Heckscher Drive. They wont let you in until everyone departing has cleared the parking lot. So don't plan on getting too early. I think we waited until 1030 or 1100 before we arrived. Easy drop off zone then park, prepay and walk or golf cart ride to the terminal. Easy port.

Also plan on being on the open top deck as soon as the ship makes its turn and heads out, duck your head when you go under the bridge. Happy cruising!!!

Lots of construction in and around Jacksonville. Take the 295 west bypass if you are heading to I-10. Take the east 295 bypass if going North on I-95 into Georgia. Either way don't go North and through Jax. Especially on a Sunday as that's the day they change the lanes.

Reading along this conversation when I realize we have not booked a whale watching excursion and not sure how I missed doing that. Only been making plans since last Aug.

Quick search and found an excursion that works into our day.

Owe somebody a cold one for that thanks.

Cab is no problem and John is correct about $30.00. Unless the port is not open yet!!!! The wait and meter running could get pricey quick. There is no place to drop and wait. Single road in and out and nothing along the way.

Jacksonville is one port that will not allow new passengers to arrive at the terminal until well after the departing passengers are gone and parking lot is ready for new vehicles. That's why the shuttles don't run until noon.

Have a plan B!!!

If I read your signature correctly you are sailing July 4th weekend. Hotels near Daytona (90 miles south of Jax) will be full and pricey, so will most I-95 exit ramp hotels. The NASCAR race is July 4th and 5th. The St. Augustine suggestions are good ones, but book soon!! Maybe World Golf Village exit or SR 16 will work.

TIP: Do not drive through Jacksonville on I-95. Take either east or west I-295 bypass. East is shorter and takes you by the port. Downtown is under construction and has daily lane closures and accidents.

Hope this helps!!

thands, we are driving and parking at port, and have FTTF. thinking we wont have too much of a problem is we leave the hotel around 10:30

That should work fine and since you have cruised from JaxPort before you know the drop first and park second recommendation. Hoping you guys have a great cruise!!

Never stayed at this Days Inn but most of the Airport Road hotels are the same. Less than a mile away is the Rivercity Market Center which has many restaurants with any type of food you want. Dine early if you can they get busy with local folks at dinner time.

Not sure about shuttle to that particular hotel but I think many of the hotels share a shuttle service, so check on times closely!!! You may have limited choices of when you can get a shuttle.

JaxPort Police control access to the port and you can no longer go early and wait! They wont allow shuttles in until all departing passengers have cleared the terminal.

Enjoy your cruise!!!

We have to wait until Duval Schools are out in June to take our Alaska vacation. We fly out of Jax on 6-14 to Fairbanks. Return trip from Vancouver 6-30. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

We have booked this excursion for our June 2015 Alaska cruise. Thanks for the tips and suggestions. Counting the days.

Don't know of any shuttles from rail station to port in Jacksonville. Cab would be about the only thing other than a private transportation company like Carey or Dana limo in town.

You didn't ask but I would be afraid of same day arrival and trying to make a cruise. Service to this area by rail is hit and miss. Coming in day before and stay over at airport area hotel might work with shuttle to port on cruise day.

Fare finder say 30.00 with tip!! Hope this helps.

Never used this company but found while searching your request.

http://www.expresstransportationnow.com/

We are doing a similar trip as OP in June 2015, with an extra day on front and 2 days at the end in Vancouver. Have read all the reviews I can find and booked 2 excursions beside planned ones so any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

At the turn around loop go under the Tampa Port sign take first left and you will see entrance to parking plaza.

Street level Google earth should help you out if you want to try to see.

We are also not familiar with Tampa. How about the Westshore area?

I really can't say about that area from first hand experience so not sure. I bet one of the local Tampa members will answer you very soon.

In reading this section the tour called foodie (http://www.foodietours.ca) peaked our interest and when searching the site you can purchase advanced tickets. Is it necessary to do so for the last weekend in June this early or wait until we arrive into Vancouver.

There are several hotels within walking distance to the port. Marriott Waterside, Embassy suites and The Westin Tampa Harbour Island come to mind right away and you will find many more in the downtown area.

We also like the area out at Rocky Point when we cruised from Tampa for a park and sail combo.

"PLEASE NOTE: There is not a vehicle rental office at this location. This vehicle may need to be coordinated for pick-up and/or drop-off.

Phone: 813-226-4205

Rental Services Provided By

Tampa - Marriott Waterside HLE

Vehicles will be onsite for pickup when Cruise Ships are scheduled to arrive.

Additional Information

Transportation to the airport is not available.

Looks like rental through Marriott and just pick up car at port!! If your dropping a car they may let you drop it also but betting it will need to go to Marriott to return.

Hope that helps.