Jacksonville

[goagain]

Hi,

Leaving out of Jacksonville on March 3rd. We ( 8 women) are coming in the night before. Where would be a good place to stay? Beach, riverfront? Please help.

[singbluesilver1]

You can try posting in ports of call for Jacksonville

[singbluesilver1]

Or home ports

[emcelh]

Anything near the airport will be convenient to get to the cruise port.

[CruisinSherryW]

We are staying at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Kingsland, Georgia. Approximately 40 minutes away.

[Essiesmom]

Are you flying or driving? If you are driving, staying by the airport gives you a large shopping complex on the other side of I-95. EM

[cbCRR]

Last year we stayed at Jacksonville Plaza Hotel. It's just a cheap hotel, but near River City Mall (?). Plenty of places to eat nearby. Rooms had mini frig, microwaves. Breakfast included. I think we paid $65. They also have park n cruise deals, but we parked at VIP which we have used before.

[Naomi John]

See my review link at the bottom. No pictures, but it was near port. This was in 2013, things may have changed since then.

[Gamecocksrule]

For a great start to your vacation, stay in the Jacksonville Beach area, or the Town Center. Beach offers great restaurants and obviously the beach. The Town Center offers shopping galore plus great restaurants. Both are only 15 minutes from the Port and a way better setting then the airport.

[Gamecocksrule]

Can anyone give a realtime experience on what the differences between these two ships might be? Pools, restaurants, activities, condition of the ship. Anything along those lines.

[tootsp]

I have literally been trying to figure this out for 2 weeks. My mom and I are flying in from Texas. There are so many options, I just know I am going to pick the wrong one for what we want/need. We leave on 1/30 and I am stressed to the max.

[GTO-Girl]

Please don't stress!! Most of the major chains are right there at the airport, which will put you only 10 miles from the port. I believe a lot of them have shuttles to the port.

 

We stayed at the Hampton Inn which was very nice and clean. Plus there are three restaurants right across the parking lot so no worries for dinner. And Hampton had a complimentary breakfast.

 

I do hope you enjoy your cruise!

[tootsp]

Thank you GTO Girl. I am booked for the Hampton Inn :)

 

Now, let the countdown begin.

[Gamecocksrule]

Only caution I have heard about is several airport hotels use the terribly rated ParkEzFly or Jetway shuttle service. See if Hampton has their own service or consider a taxi to ensure your wait does not become hours and ruin your return home.

[tootsp]

Do they have taxis available at the port when we return?

[Gamecocksrule]

Yes, taxis will be waiting as the ship comes in to port. It's like they know some 20-30% of cruisers are heading back to the airport.

[tootsp]

Yes, taxis will be waiting as the ship comes in to port. It's like they know some 20-30% of cruisers are heading back to the airport.

 

Thank you!

[tootsp]

I just returned to Texas from Jacksonville. I cruised the Fascination 01/30 through 02/04. I took the advice of GTO-Girl and booked a room at the Hampton Inn. I would recommend this location to anyone looking for lodging.

 

I called them upon arrival to the airport, we were picked up by the shuttle within about 10 minutes. The room was nice and comfortable. We had not had lunch or breakfast upon arrival. The hotel manager suggested the Longhorn Steakhouse in the same parking lot. The food was great and we received a 10% discount by showing our room key. The breakfast provided by the hotel was good as well.

 

The following morning, we had plenty of time to spare. The shuttle took us to Walmart and picked us up when were done shopping. The shuttle is free and will take you anywhere within 2 or so miles of the hotel. (of course we tipped the driver)

 

I will also add that we stayed at the Microtel when we returned. I booked there because the prices was about $30 cheaper. I would not recommend Microtel. The room was nice but the walls are thin. The other guest were loud. The staff was not near as nice as Hampton.

[GTO-Girl]

I am so glad the Hampton worked well for you......I know we sure did like the location.

 

I hope your cruise was good as well!

 

So glad I could be of help......