Norwegian Cruise Line to Launch Seasonal Sailings from Jacksonville Starting November 2025
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced an exciting new venture with seasonal sailings from Jacksonville, Florida, set to commence in November 2025. This new development comes as a result of a four-year agreement signed with the JAXPORT Board of Directors, marking a significant addition to the cruise line’s extensive itinerary offerings. The agreement enables the 2,394-passenger Norwegian Gem to embark on voyages from Jacksonville every year from November to April through 2028, expanding the cruise line’s presence in the Southeast U.S.
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with JAXPORT and the opportunity to welcome guests from Jacksonville and its surrounding areas. Herrera emphasized the cruise line’s commitment to delivering an exceptional vacation experience aboard the Norwegian Gem.
The Norwegian Gem is scheduled to offer a variety of itineraries, including three 12-day and two 11-day roundtrip Eastern Caribbean sailings. These voyages will feature stops at coveted tropical destinations such as 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 operate a series of four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas, with ports of call including Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau.
Passengers aboard the Norwegian Gem can look forward to enjoying an array of amenities, including a luxurious spa, a pool with panoramic views, award-winning specialty restaurants and bars, world-class entertainment, an arcade, a casino, and Splash Academy, NCL’s complimentary youth program. The Norwegian’s Free at Sea program further enhances the guest experience by offering six free perks, including unlimited open bar and free companion airfare, among others.
Eric Green, JAXPORT CEO, highlighted the positive impact of expanding Jacksonville’s cruise program, noting that it provides travelers throughout the Southeast U.S. and beyond compelling reasons to choose Jacksonville for their next vacation. Green thanked Norwegian Cruise Line for their partnership and looked forward to the tourism, jobs, and economic benefits it will bring to the community.
A 2019 study underscored the significant economic contribution of the Jacksonville cruise industry, which supports nearly 800 jobs and generates over $187 million in annual economic impact for Northeast Florida. The convenience of the port and the likelihood of passengers returning for future vacations were also noted as key factors in the decision to cruise out of Jacksonville.
Bookings for the Norwegian Gem’s Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean seasonal sailings will open on February 15, 2024, offering travelers the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas from the convenient port of Jacksonville.