Norwegian Gem Homeports in Jacksonville

The Norwegian Gem made its inaugural homeport voyage from Jacksonville’s JAXPORT on Oct. 31, 2025, becoming the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship based in the city and making Jacksonville the region’s second major homeport alongside Carnival. The 2,344-passenger ship will operate seasonal sailings primarily November through April under a multi-year agreement with JAXPORT, offering short Bahamas trips (including Norwegian’s private island Great Stirrup Cay) as well as longer Eastern Caribbean itineraries. JAXPORT has coordinated schedules so Norwegian and Carnival vessels will not berth on the same day, and port officials highlighted the Gem’s renovated amenities — spa, dining, entertainment and other guest features — as additional draws. City and port leaders said the addition strengthens Jacksonville’s drive-to-cruise market (within about a one-day drive of roughly 98 million people) and is expected to boost tourism, hotels, restaurants and local jobs.