Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Gem set sail from Jacksonville on October 31, 2025 on a 3-night Bahamas itinerary.
- This is the first time Norwegian Cruise Line has homeported a ship from the northern Florida cruise port.
- The ship is offering 3- to 12-night itineraries through April 2026 and will return seasonally through 2028.
The Sunshine State is a little sunnier now for guests looking for more cruise options, as Norwegian Gem has officially begun her first-ever sailing from JAXPORT in Jacksonville, Florida.
This is the first time ever that Norwegian Cruise Line has offered sailings from the port in northeast Florida. The October 31, 2025 departure is a 3-night Bahamas itinerary with a visit to Freeport.
Norwegian Gem joins Carnival Elation at the homeport. Both cruise lines offer unique and different itineraries for eager guests.
“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 CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Check Cruises: Norwegian Gem Cruises From Jacksonville
Norwegian Gem will be sailing a variety of itinerary options from Jacksonville through April 2026. While 4- and 5-night Bahamas sailings are the most common, the 93,530-gross-ton, Jewel-class ship will also offer several longer and more immersive sailings.
For example, the ship’s December 1 voyage is an 11-night cruise with seven different port visits, including Tortola, Antigua, St. Kitts, and San Juan.
Longer 11- and 12-night cruises are also available in January and February 2026, with similar routes and port visits.
Most sailings, both long and short, will visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, weather-permitting.
The plan to homeport Norwegian Gem from Jacksonville was first announced in February 2024, and now it is a great event to see a new cruise line sailing from JAXPORT.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line to our port community and thank them for choosing Jacksonville as their next homeport,” said Soo Gilvarry, JAXPORT Vice Chair.
“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.”
“We’re excited to welcome the Norwegian Gem and the entire Norwegian Cruise Line family to Jacksonville,” added Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.
Jacksonville is just a 2-hour drive from Savannah, Georgia and just over five hours from Atlanta. If guests fly into Orlando to enjoy some of Florida’s other famous attractions, they’re just two hours from JAXPORT. Overall, more than 98 million potential cruise gests live within a one-day drive to Jacksonville.
Sailing from Jacksonville with Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to offering a variety of itineraries, whether guests prefer longer sailings or quick getaways.
“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,” said Sommer.
Onboard Norwegian Gem, guests will enjoy plenty of amenities and the cruise line’s signature “freestyle dining” experience without assigned dining times (believe me, it’s fantastic!).
The Mandara Spa offers a thermal suite for the ultimate relaxation, and guests will love the ship’s iconic shows, including “Blazing Boots” and its country tributes and “Ignite the Night” with its high-energy dancing.
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While the ship is only offering seasonal itineraries from Jacksonville at this time, Norwegian Gem will return to northeast Florida for the 2026-2027 season and the 2027-2028 season.
Norwegian Gem can welcome 2,344 guests onboard and is also home to just over 1,000 crew members who are eager to give every guest a truly sparkling gem of a cruise vacation.
