NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line is set to establish its first ship base in JAXPORT/Jacksonville, Florida USA, marking a new milestone for the company.
Commencing in 2025, the Norwegian Gem ship, having max passenger capacity of 2394, will embark on seasonal roundtrip voyages leaving from JAXPORT from November to April until 2028.
NCL's itinerary from the port will include three 12-day and two 11-day Eastern Caribbean roundtrips, visiting destinations such as Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other locales.
In addition to these longer itineraries, the Jewel-class ship will operate 4- and 5-day Bahamas itineraries, incorporating stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau.
Reservations for these voyages will open on February 15.
Jacksonville currently serves as a homeport for two cruise lines. Carnival Elation ship operates year-round from JAXPORT, while ACL/American Cruise Lines homeports smaller vessels in Jacksonville during shoulder seasons and winter months.
It's worth noting that the port's infrastructure limits the size of cruise ships that can operate there, primarily due to the restricted clearance under the Dames Point Bridge.