Great Rivers of Florida (Jacksonville to Jacksonville)

[Jay Bee]

Has anyone done ACL's Jacksonville to Jacksonville (Great Rivers of Florida) cruise? It's hard to get a feel for what it's like just by reading the description on the website. Also, they're using the Coastal Cat American Eagle and it seems like there are significantly fewer lounges and features than on their larger American riverboats. What's it like?

[DaveinCharlotte]

Our very first cruise with ACL was Great Rivers of Florida.  This was in 2014 aboard the first Glory (now resting at the bottom of the sea, RIP, as part of a fish sanctuary).  We enjoyed that cruise, and two years ago decided to do it again.

 

This is a relatively laid-back cruise.  The little towns of Palatka and Green Cove Springs are places no one ever visits, and the folks there were glad to see us.  St. Augustine and Amelia Island are great stops.  We liked the fact that the cruise was Jacksonville round trip...we found a nice hotel (Hampton Inn) within walking distance of the riverfront, saving us the expense of the costly Hyatt at the ship's docking site.

 

Just got off the (new) Glory, and can say that the Coastal Cats are excellent ships.  Would amend your post to say there are slightly fewer lounges and features... Their main lounge is excellent, with nice views and a sit-down bar.  They have the same Skylounge and a cafe.  There is a study with computer.  There is a designated walking track on the top deck, although it is small.  Fast dual elevators to all decks.

 

We decided to do more Coastal Cat cruises...next up is Yankee Seaports in October.

[dfb]

2 hours ago, DaveinCharlotte said:

...we found a nice hotel (Hampton Inn) within walking distance of the riverfront, saving us the expense of the costly Hyatt at the ship's docking site.

Dave, Is this across the river from the Hyatt? Did you walk to across the bridge with luggage to the Hyatt dock area?

Thannks, Debbie

 

[Jay Bee]

4 hours ago, DaveinCharlotte said:

Our very first cruise with ACL was Great Rivers of Florida.  This was in 2014 aboard the first Glory (now resting at the bottom of the sea, RIP, as part of a fish sanctuary).  We enjoyed that cruise, and two years ago decided to do it again.

 

This is a relatively laid-back cruise.  The little towns of Palatka and Green Cove Springs are places no one ever visits, and the folks there were glad to see us.  St. Augustine and Amelia Island are great stops.  We liked the fact that the cruise was Jacksonville round trip...we found a nice hotel (Hampton Inn) within walking distance of the riverfront, saving us the expense of the costly Hyatt at the ship's docking site.

 

Just got off the (new) Glory, and can say that the Coastal Cats are excellent ships.  Would amend your post to say there are slightly fewer lounges and features... Their main lounge is excellent, with nice views and a sit-down bar.  They have the same Skylounge and a cafe.  There is a study with computer.  There is a designated walking track on the top deck, although it is small.  Fast dual elevators to all decks.

 

We decided to do more Coastal Cat cruises...next up is Yankee Seaports in October.

Thanks much. That's very helpful.

[DaveinCharlotte]

7 hours ago, dfb said:

Is this across the river from the Hyatt? Did you walk to across the bridge with luggage to the Hyatt dock area?

Debbie - Yes, this is across the river, and yes we did walk with luggage (carry-on luggage -- a duffel bag and a backpack each).  Google Maps says 0.9 miles from Hampton Inn to ship.  We're in our late 70s, and it took us about a half hour.  I recall it being fairly flat, sidewalks the whole way, and the pedestrian path on the bridge is separated from the traffic lanes.  I think this would also be fine for folks with a roller-bags; no steps that I remember.

 

The Hampton Inn lets you park there for multiple days for the same price per day that applies when you're staying there.  I think it was either $8 or $9 per night, less that what the Hyatt charged.  Also, there's a nice informal eatery just a block from the Hampton Inn called the Southern Grill.

[dfb]

Dave, Thanks.