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Norwegian Gem Begins Seasonal Cruises From Jacksonville

Norwegian Gem docked at JAXPORT Cruise Terminal in Jacksonville, Florida, with terminal signage visible as Norwegian Cruise Line begins seasonal sailings
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3 min read

Key points

  • Norwegian Cruise Line began service from Jacksonville with Norwegian Gem
  • A multi-year JAXPORT agreement brings seasonal sailings November through April
  • Itineraries include four and five day Bahamas trips and longer Eastern Caribbean options
  • Jacksonville's cruise terminal offers on-site parking near Jacksonville International Airport
  • Norwegian Gem carries 2,344 guests and features Mandara Spa, multiple dining venues and evening shows

Impact

Who Is Affected
Drive market travelers across the Southeast and cruisers seeking shorter Bahamas or longer Eastern Caribbean sailings from North Florida
When
Seasonal departures each November through April, beginning 2025 and running through April 2028 per the port agreement
Routes
Four and five day Bahamas sailings plus select 11 and 12 day Eastern Caribbean itineraries on Norwegian Gem
Airport And Access
Cruise terminal is near Jacksonville International Airport with on site parking and easy access from I 95 and I 10
What To Do
Book early for peak holiday and spring break windows, purchase parking in advance if desired, and monitor pre cruise emails for terminal and boarding time details

Norwegian Cruise Line marked a new homeport on November 1, 2025, celebrating its first voyage from Jacksonville, Florida, aboard the 2,344-guest Norwegian Gem. The launch follows a multi-year agreement with the Jacksonville Port Authority, JAXPORT, to offer seasonal sailings each year from November through April, with itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean. For travelers in the Southeast, the move adds a convenient drive-to option with on-site parking and short transfers from Jacksonville International Airport.

Norwegian Gem at JAXPORT

The Gem will homeport in Jacksonville for the 2025-2026 season, operating a mix of four- and five-day Bahamas cruises and select 11- and 12-day Eastern Caribbean sailings. On board, guests can choose from a dozen dining venues and 14 bars and lounges, unwind at Mandara Spa & Salon, and catch evening productions including "Blazing Boots" and "Ignite the Night." NCL lists Gem's double-occupancy capacity at 2,344 and an overall length of 965 feet, placing it in the mid-size class for the brand.

Why Jacksonville, why now

Jacksonville sits within a one-day drive of tens of millions of consumers across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, a geography that has long supported drive-market cruising. JAXPORT's cruise terminal offers fenced, well-lit parking next to the building, with advance purchase available, and is a straight shot from I-95 and I-10, reducing pre-cruise friction for families and first-time cruisers. The local tourism community expects incremental overnight stays, dining, and attractions spend as NCL introduces new customers to the destination.

Latest developments

NCL and JAXPORT confirmed the launch and first-sailing festivities in Jacksonville, underscoring their agreement for seasonal service through April 2028. Local outlets reported Gem's inaugural departure to the Bahamas on Friday, providing an additional signal that homeport operations are underway ahead of the winter and spring peaks.

Background

Homeport partnerships typically balance ship deployment, terminal availability, and regional demand. For NCL, deploying a mid-size vessel like Gem into North Florida spreads the brand's presence beyond traditional Florida hubs while giving guests shorter Bahamas runs and longer Eastern Caribbean options without the longer drive to Port Canaveral, Tampa, or South Florida. JAXPORT, for its part, adds a second cruise line alongside existing service and deepens its position as a convenient embarkation point for the Southeast.

Traveler takeaways

If you plan to sail from Jacksonville, build in time buffers around peak dates such as Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and spring break when highways and airport traffic are heavier. Consider pre-purchasing terminal parking, or arrange rideshare to simplify embark and debark days. Review pre-cruise emails for boarding windows and documentation requirements, and check NCL's app for any timetable updates on embarkation day. For longer Eastern Caribbean itineraries, compare cabin categories early, since mid-size ships with popular winter schedules can see certain stateroom types sell out first.

Final thoughts

Norwegian Cruise Line's entry gives Jacksonville a true two-line cruise scene and offers travelers in North Florida and the broader Southeast a practical new embarkation choice. With Norwegian Gem now sailing from JAXPORT each winter and spring through 2028, the city's cruise footprint and visitor economy are set to benefit while guests gain a fresh lineup of Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries.

Sources

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