The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Gem on Friday, October 31, 2025, marking the first time ever that Norwegian Cruise Line has offered sailings from the port.
Norwegian Gem’s inaugural sailing was a 3-night Bahamas voyage that called on Freeport. Her current 5-day Bahamas sailing includes Freeport; the cruise line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay; and Nassau. Most itineraries are 4- and 5-night Bahamas sailings, but there are some longer and more immersive itineraries from which to choose. Most itineraries will also include Great Stirrup Cay.
“Our new homeport partnership with JAXPORT underscores Norwegian’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional vacation experiences from convenient departure points,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “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.”
Norwegian Cruise Line and JAXPORT entered into a multi-year agreement last year, meaning Norwegian Gem will homeport seasonally at the northeast Florida port to offer a variety of itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean between November and April 2028.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line to our port community and thank them for choosing Jacksonville as their next homeport,” said JAXPORT Vice Chair Soo Gilvarry. “Our location in the heart of the Southeast makes cruising from Jacksonville an easy choice for travelers, and we’re proud to partner with Norwegian to offer even more options for families looking to set sail close to home.”
Jacksonville, Florida is a one-day drive or less for more than 98 million potential cruisers. The JAXPORT Cruise Terminal is conveniently located near Jacksonville International Airport, major interstates and offers convenient parking options.