Cruises are both fun and a practical way to see new places. Finding an inexpensive Carnival cruise out of Jacksonville, Florida, can be convenient for those who find other ports less accessible. Prices are almost always lower during off-peak seasons. During the summer months, at Thanksgiving or over Christmas and New Year's, rates tend to be higher, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. Carnival Cruise Line has some reasonable four- and five-day cruises sailing from Jacksonville to the Bahamas during October and early November, and if you choose an inside cabin (one without a porthole or balcony), the cost can be very low.
The Carnival Fascination sails from Jacksonville for a five-day cruise. For example, the cruise departing Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, is scheduled to be at sea that night and all day Sunday. On Monday morning, the ship arrives in Nassau, for a day of exploring. On Tuesday, it arrives in Half Moon Cay, where activities include sailing and snorkeling. Wednesday will be another day at sea, with arrival in Jacksonville Thursday morning.
The cost of an inside cabin for this cruise as of 2010 is $249.00 per person (plus fees, taxes, charges for alcoholic beverages and sodas, tips, photo portraits, tour tickets, etc.). Airfare is extra, although you can book a flight at the same time you purchase your cruise.
The Carnival Fascination sails from Jacksonville on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, for a five-day cruise. With this option, Monday night and all day Tuesday will be spent at sea, and you'll land in Nassau, Bahamas, on Wednesday. That afternoon, the ship will depart for an overnight trip to Key West, Florida. You might want to spend Thursday on the beach, or perhaps touring and shopping . Friday, you'll arrive back in Jacksonville. Carnival Cruise Lines offers ticketing services for destination activities like tours and adventure trips for all cruises, which allows several off-ship activity options each day. If you book an inside cabin for this cruise, the listed cost is $229.00 per person, or $45.80 per day, for food, accommodations, entertainment, onboard activities, and 24/7 cabin service.
Another option is a four-day cruise. The Carnival Fascination sails from Jacksonville on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, and lands at Freeport, Bahamas, the next morning. After a fun-filled day on the island, the ship will take you to Nassau, where you'll spend Saturday exploring the town or enjoying the beach. Sunday will be a day at sea, and you'll return to Jacksonville on Monday morning. The cost for an inside cabin for this cruise is listed at $269 per person, which works out to about $67.25 per day.
After you look at all the available options, you can book online with Carnival at www.carnival.com or call them at 800-227-6482. Alternatively, Cruise.com is often able to offer the same Carnival cruises for less. For online booking, go to www.cruise.com or call their toll free number at 800-300-4804.
