Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Today, the Board of Directors at JAXPORT unanimously passed a four-year contract for a three-year cruise operation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), initiating passenger cruise services from Jacksonville, Fla., starting November 2025. The Norwegian Gem, with a capacity to host 2,394 guests, will be based in Jacksonville from November through April annually until 2028. During this period, it will offer seasonal voyages to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.
The arrival of the Norwegian Gem at JAXPORT in November 2025 signifies NCL’s first venture in homeporting in Jacksonville, Fla. This development positions the city as an expanding market for drive-to cruises, accessible to over 98 million potential customers within a drivable range of the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.
“Today marks a new milestone in the relationship between Norwegian Cruise Line and JAXPORT,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We look forward to Norwegian Gem’s arrival to Jacksonville in November 2025, and welcoming guests from the area, as well as neighboring cities and states, on board to deliver them an exceptional vacation. Thank you to the entire JAXPORT team for the partnership and welcoming us into your city!”
Each year, the Norwegian Gem will embark on captivating tropical voyages, featuring three 12-day and two 11-day roundtrip sailings through the Eastern Caribbean from Jacksonville, Fla. These excursions will visit a variety of tropical locales including Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas; Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic; St. Thomas and St. John’s in the U.S. Virgin Islands; Antigua; Basseterre in St. Kitts; San Juan in Puerto Rico; among others. Additionally, the ship will offer a series of four- and five-day cruises to the Bahamas, making stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau in the Bahamas.
“Expanding our popular cruise program provides passengers throughout the Southeast U.S. and beyond with even more reasons to choose Jacksonville for their next vacation,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for their partnership and look forward to working with them to attract more tourism, and the jobs and economic impact it supports, to our community.”
Jacksonville, Fla.’s cruise sector is a significant economic driver, supporting nearly 800 jobs and generating over $187 million annually for the Northeast Florida economy, as revealed by a 2019 report. The port’s convenient accessibility was highlighted by 60% of surveyed travelers as their main reason for choosing Jacksonville for their cruise departure. Furthermore, over three-quarters of these passengers expressed a high likelihood of revisiting Jacksonville for future vacations.
The Norwegian Gem is equipped with an array of top-notch amenities, including an exquisite spa, a pool offering stunning views, multiple award-winning dining venues and bars, first-rate entertainment options, an arcade and casino, the Splash Academy—a complimentary youth program by NCL—and much more. Norwegian Cruise Line enhances the cruising experience by offering the Free at Sea promotion, granting guests six complimentary perks such as unlimited open bar, free companion airfare, among others. With a fleet of 19 ships, NCL offers a vast selection of cruises to 450 global destinations, including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and beyond.
JAXPORT stands as a comprehensive international cargo and cruise seaport in Jacksonville, Fla. Beyond serving as a passenger cruise terminal, it manages three cargo terminals and two intermodal rail facilities along the St. Johns River. Strategically positioned near major highways such as I-10 and I-95, the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal offers swift access to Jacksonville International Airport, ensuring convenient arrival and departure for travelers.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
