JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A cruise ship will soon be sailing in and out of Jacksonville.

Beginning in October, the luxury liner Zenith, a Celebrity cruise ship, will offer service from the Dames Point Terminal on Blount Island to the Caribbean.

Jacksonville Port Authority officials say research shows vacationers are interested in cruising in and out of Jacksonville, especially if it means skipping a lengthy drive to Miami.

"It represents an opportunity for a group of people in this area ... that are interested in cruising but not necessarily coming down to Miami," Jaxport member Marty Fiorentino said.

For now, the port plans on building a $2 million facility in the area to create a temporary cruise terminal. If the cruise ships are successful, a bigger, more permanent terminal will be created.

The port is also deepening part of the river channel to accommodate cruise ships.

"We ... project 13 new cruises that are going to range in length from 10 to 14 days," Celebrity Cruise Line's John Husak said Monday. "They will be on board the Zenith, which has been renovated in 1999."

After six months, Celebrity will reevaluate to see if this is working and if it will become a permanent cruise port.