Norwegian Gem Departs Jacksonville for Norwegian Cruise Line Debut

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched its first cruise operations from Jacksonville, Florida, with Norwegian Gem departing JAXPORT on Oct. 31, 2025. The start makes Norwegian the second major cruise operator to homeport in the city alongside Carnival Cruise Line, expanding itinerary choices from North Florida.

Inaugural sailing and the new seasonal homeport plan

Norwegian Gem’s first Jacksonville departure was a short Bahamas sailing on Oct. 31, operating as a three-night roundtrip itinerary to Freeport, Grand Bahama. The ship repositioned to Jacksonville after sailing down the U.S. East Coast from Boston.

The service is structured as a seasonal operation, with voyages scheduled from November through April each year. The arrangement stems from an agreement approved in February 2024 between Norwegian Cruise Line and the Jacksonville Port Authority to use the cruise terminal on Heckscher Drive through April 2028, with the current season running into April 2026 and seasonal returns planned in subsequent years.

Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., linked the Jacksonville addition to a broader push for more embarkation options, saying, “Our new homeport partnership with JAXPORT underscores Norwegian’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional vacation experiences from convenient departure points.”

The ship’s arrival also came as Hurricane Melissa affected some cruise itineraries elsewhere in the region, though the storm’s projected path did not include Florida during Norwegian Gem’s arrival window.

What Norwegian Gem is sailing from Jacksonville

Norwegian’s Jacksonville schedule blends shorter Bahamas getaways with longer itineraries that extend into the Eastern Caribbean, adding trip lengths that have not been a regular feature of the port’s modern cruise program. Many itineraries include a call at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, with visits dependent on weather conditions.

Shorter options include four- and five-day Bahamas cruises, with ports of call varying by voyage and including destinations such as Nassau and Freeport, along with Great Stirrup Cay.

Norwegian has also scheduled 11- and 12-day roundtrip sailings that reach deeper into the region. Ports referenced across the longer routes include Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Antigua, San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Tortola, and St. John’s.

Ship profile: capacity, amenities, and onboard entertainment

Norwegian Gem is a Jewel-class ship built in 2007 and refurbished in 2022. The vessel measures 965 feet long and is listed at 93,530 gross tons.

Norwegian Cruise Line lists the ship’s guest capacity at 2,344, while JAXPORT materials have cited 2,394. Crew levels are commonly described around 1,070, with some local officials referencing “almost 1,100” personnel.

Onboard offerings highlighted for the ship include 12 restaurants and 14 bars and lounges, a casino, and a main theater. Entertainment cited for the ship includes Blazing Boots and Ignite the Night, and guests also have access to Norwegian’s freestyle dining approach that removes rigid meal schedules.

Recreation and family options include Splash Academy, Norwegian’s youth program, along with pool areas, deck attractions, and a climbing wall. The Mandara Spa & Salon includes a thermal suite with features such as saunas and steam rooms.

How JAXPORT is handling two cruise lines at one terminal

Jacksonville’s cruise terminal has a single berth, so Norwegian and Carnival coordinate schedules to alternate ship calls. Carnival Cruise Line has operated from Jacksonville since 2004 and continues year-round service with Carnival Elation.

To help accommodate additional cruise traffic, the port expanded the terminal’s parking area by eight acres. Jacksonville’s geography also shapes ship deployment: cruise ships must pass under the Dames Point Bridge to reach the terminal, a clearance constraint that limits the size of vessels that can homeport compared with some larger Florida cruise hubs.

JAXPORT CEO Eric Green has said the port can support two operators. In earlier remarks tied to the port’s cruise growth, Green said, “Expanding our popular cruise program also provides passengers throughout the Southeast U.S. and beyond with even more reasons to choose Jacksonville for their next vacation.”

Tourism and demand: why Jacksonville is part of Norwegian’s expansion

Local leaders framed the homeport launch as a tourism and economic development play, emphasizing Jacksonville’s regional accessibility as a drive-to market. JAXPORT estimates more than 98 million people live within a one-day drive of the city.

At the inaugural celebration, Mayor Donna Deegan said, “We’re excited to welcome the Norwegian Gem and the entire Norwegian Cruise Line family to Jacksonville. This expansion of cruise service at JAXPORT is another example of our commitment to growing tourism and economic opportunities for our community.”

JAXPORT Vice Chair Soo Gilvarry also pointed to regional convenience, saying, “Our location in the heart of the Southeast makes cruising from Jacksonville an easy choice for travelers.”

Visit Jacksonville President and CEO Michael Corrigan said the Norwegian homeport brings access to travelers loyal to a different brand, calling it “a whole new audience of visitors” for the city.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Louis Ruiz, senior director of port operations, said the first sailing was sold out and added that the company was “very pleased with how the season is shaping up so far.” Ruiz also signaled the possibility of additional news to come, saying, “So future announcements are pending to be made, but we’re going to be making those soon. Stay tuned.”

Pricing and promotions being marketed for the Jacksonville program

Norwegian has promoted entry-level pricing for the new Jacksonville service, with starting rates cited at $279 per person for four-day Bahamas sailings and $749 per person for 11-day Caribbean itineraries. The company has also marketed limited-time incentives, including discounts of up to $1,000 on select cruises, alongside optional bundled packages combining elements such as beverage service, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursion credits.

With Norwegian Gem now operating seasonal voyages from November through April and coordinating terminal calls with Carnival, Jacksonville’s cruise schedule is set into April 2026 for the current season, with additional seasonal returns planned through April 2028 and longer Caribbean itineraries continuing through the winter schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Norwegian Gem sail from Jacksonville?

Norwegian Gem operates seasonally from November through April. The current Jacksonville homeport season runs into April 2026, with planned seasonal returns in subsequent years through April 2028.

What itineraries are available from Jacksonville on Norwegian Gem?

The Jacksonville schedule includes shorter Bahamas cruises, typically four or five days, and longer 11- and 12-day voyages that extend into the Eastern Caribbean. Ports referenced across the program include Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, and Freeport on shorter itineraries, and destinations such as Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Antigua, San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Tortola, and St. John’s on longer sailings.

What is Great Stirrup Cay, and will Norwegian Gem stop there?

Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, featuring beaches, water activities, and amenities exclusively for Norwegian guests. Many itineraries from Jacksonville include a call there, with visits dependent on weather conditions.

How can Jacksonville host both Norwegian and Carnival with one cruise berth?

JAXPORT’s cruise terminal has a single berth, so Norwegian and Carnival coordinate schedules to alternate ship calls and avoid overlap at the dock.

What is the starting price for cruises from Jacksonville on Norwegian Gem?

Promoted starting rates have been cited at $279 per person for four-day Bahamas sailings and $749 per person for 11-day Caribbean itineraries. Norwegian has also marketed limited-time discounts of up to $1,000 on select cruises and optional bundled packages that can include items such as beverage service, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursion credits.