Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the City of Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) celebrated the cruise line’s first-ever voyage from Jacksonville, Fla., aboard Norwegian Gem.
As announced last year, Norwegian entered into a multi-year agreement with JAXPORT to offer seasonal cruise service from Jacksonville, Fla., from November through April 2028, with itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
“Our new homeport partnership with JAXPORT underscores Norwegian’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional vacation experiences from convenient departure points,” Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., said in a statement. “From quick escapes to the Bahamas, where guests can look forward to new experiences at our private island, Great Stirrup Cay, to extended Caribbean adventures, guests sailing from Jacksonville can expect the world-class service, cuisine and entertainment that define a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation.”
“We're excited to welcome the Norwegian Gem and the entire Norwegian Cruise Line family to Jacksonville,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “This expansion of cruise service at JAXPORT is another example of our commitment to growing tourism and economic opportunities for our community. Jacksonville’s cruise industry has never been stronger.”
The 2,344-guest Norwegian Gem will homeport in Jacksonville, Fla. for the 2025/2026 season sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas. The ship offers standout features including the Mandara Spa & Salon inclusive of a thermal suite with saunas, steam rooms and more; evening entertainment including “Blazing Boots”—a pop country tribute show and “Ignite the Night”—an NCL original dance production created in-house at the Company’s creative studios in Tampa. Guests can also enjoy a variety of cuisines from Asian to Italian, French and Brazilian with 12 restaurants and 14 bars and lounges.
A popular drive-to cruise market, Jacksonville, Fla. is within a one-day drive of more than 98 million consumers. The JAXPORT Cruise Terminal offers convenient on-site parking and is located near Jacksonville International Airport and major interstates, including I-10 and I-95.
Norwegian offers immersive tropical getaways, including shorter Bahamas itineraries from Jacksonville, Fla. with stops to Great Stirrup Cay—the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, which is undergoing a major enhancement and will debut a new 1.4-acre pool area featuring two swim-up bars, water features and a splash zone later this year—as well as Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas and Key West, Fla. NCL’s 11- and 12-day Caribbean voyages offer a mix of itinerary options exploring some of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, the U.S. Virgin Islands, among other destinations. Once ashore, travelers can choose from endless adventures—from pristine beaches to ziplines and other thrilling shore excursions.
For those planning a cruise on Norwegian Gem or any NCL ship, the company’s all-inclusive package offers guests the best value at sea featuring unlimited open bar with premium brands including Casamigos, Woodford Reserve, and Grey Goose; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call. Additional offers include free airfare for the second guest and kids sail free on over 600 select sailings. With starting rates for four-day Bahamas sailings from Jacksonville, Fla. at $279 per person and 11-day Caribbean cruises at $749 per person, Norwegian Cruise Line is also offering up to $1,000 off all cruises for a limited time.
For more information, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.
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