JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Norwegian Cruise Line plans to sail from Jacksonville beginning in November 2025 after the Jacksonville Port Authority board approved it during a special meeting on Tuesday.
Norwegian Cruise Line will offer seasonal cruises from Jacksonville to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean aboard the Norwegian Gem. The cruise ship holds 2,394 guests and will sail from November 2025 to April through 2028.
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“Growing on our cruise business with a company like Norwegian is another way we build on the diversification of business, which ultimately creates jobs,” JaxPort CEO Eric 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.”
City council president Ron Salem said it’s incredible to see the addition to JaxPort.
“We all know our city is a gem and soon it will be fitting to have this ship and I’m excited to see the following growth across all major cargo types, cruises having its moment,” Salem said.
Norwegian Gem is one of the ships JaxPort accommodated during the temporary suspension of cruises at the onset of the pandemic. JaxPort also said Jacksonville is a growing drive-to-cruise market, with more than 98 million consumers living within driving distance of the JaxPort Cruise Terminal.