Norwegian Cruise Line Sets Sail from Jacksonville Starting in 2025
The JAXPORT Board of Directors has given the green light to a four year contract with Norwegian Cruise Line. This gives Norwegian Gem a three-year cruise agreement to sail from Jacksonville, Florida, beginning in November 2025.
The 2,394-passenger Norwegian Gem is set to move into Jacksonville as its homeport from November to April each year until 2028. Norwegian Gem will embark on seasonal cruises to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
Norwegian Gem to Homeport at Jacksonville, Florida in November 2025
This historic move marks the first-ever homeporting of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship in Jacksonville, Florida. The city boasts a thriving drive-to cruise market. With over 98 million potential cruisers residing within a convenient driving distance of the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, the Norwegian Gem is ready to create waves of excitement and convenience.
“Today marks a new milestone in the relationship between Norwegian Cruise Line and JAXPORT,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We look forward to Norwegian Gem’s arrival to Jacksonville in November 2025, and welcoming guests from the area, as well as neighboring cities and states, on board to deliver them an exceptional vacation. Thank you to the entire JAXPORT team for the partnership and welcoming us into your city!”
In November 2025, the Norwegian Gem will move to its new home in JAXPORT and offer guests an array of immersive tropical getaways. This includes three 12-day and two 11-day roundtrip Eastern Caribbean sailings, featuring popular Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations.
Where Will Norwegian Gem Cruise to from Jacksonville?
The itineraries so far include Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas and St. John’s, U.S. Virgin Islands; Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more. Additionally, the ship will offer a series of four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas, with stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau.
The burgeoning cruise industry in Jacksonville, Florida contributes significantly to the local economy, supporting nearly 800 jobs and generating an annual economic impact exceeding $187 million for Northeast Florida.
According to a 2019 study, 60% of travelers highlighted easy port access as the main reason for choosing Jacksonville for their cruise, with over three-quarters expressing a strong likelihood of returning for future vacations.
What’s On Board the Ship?
The refurbished Norwegian Gem is not just another cruise ship; it’s an experience. The ship has their expansive Mandara spa, a pool with panoramic views, award-winning specialty restaurants and bars, world-class entertainment, an arcade and casino, and NCL’s complimentary youth program, Splash Academy.
To attract passengers, Norwegian is continuing their Free at Sea program to offer guests six complimentary perks, including free unlimited open bar, free companion airfare, and more.
The cruise line has an extensive fleet of 19 ships that explore 450 global destinations.
JAXPORT is also a full-service international cargo and cruise seaport. It is strategically located just minutes from major interstates, including I-10 and I-95 and offers easy access to and from Jacksonville International Airport.
Bookings for these exceptional new cruises will open on February 15, 2024.
