JAXPORT casts wide net for cruisers - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 05-04-2006, 10:14 AM

A recent survey revealed that more than 88% of passengers embarking cruises in Jacksonville originate from outside the area, with customers coming from 49 states, mainly in the U.S. Southeast. More than 86% of the out-of-towners said they would consider returning to the Florida city for a future vacation.

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) conducted the survey of passengers sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Celebration, the city’s only year-round cruise ship.

Nearly one-third of those from outside the area planned to spend additional time in Jacksonville before or after their cruise, with about 20% staying overnight in an area hotel. JAXPORT estimated that translates into a total of 18,000 room nights annually for local hoteliers, averaging about 1,500 room nights per month.

Some 95% of those surveyed said they would consider choosing Jacksonville again for their next cruise departure.

The findings were compiled by Orange Park-based Ulrich Research Services, which sorted data on more than 9,000 passengers embarking from the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal between December 2005 and March 2006. JAXPORT plans to share the results with local tourism leaders to identify ways to capture additional dollars by encouraging more stayover visits.

More than 138,000 passengers embarked on cruises from Jacksonville in 2005.