Norwegian Cruise Line Will Dock at a New Homeport in Florida This Year — and Will Add New Caribbean Sailings

Alison Fox
·2 min read
2

Starting in November 2025, Norwegian will dock its Norwegian Gem ship in the north Florida city for seasonal cruises to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.

<p>SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images</p>

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

Norwegian Cruise Line passengers will have a new homeport to choose from when the company moves to Jacksonville, Florida, next year.

Starting in November 2025, Norwegian will dock its Norwegian Gem ship in the north Florida city for seasonal cruises to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean, according to the company. The homeport was approved for a three year operation.

"Today marks a new milestone in the relationship between Norwegian Cruise Line and JAXPORT," David J. Herrera, the president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement. "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."

Norwegian plans to offer cruises ranging from 4 to 12 nights out of Jacksonville. Guests will have the opportunity to sail to ports like St. Thomas and St. John's in the U.S. Virgin Islands, San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the company’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, and beyond.

The Norwegian Gem is capable of welcoming up to 2,394 guests. The ship features an outdoor basketball, volleyball, and tennis court, six hot tubs, a library, video arcade, and more.

Bookings for the new cruises out of Jacksonville will go on sale starting Feb. 15.

In addition to Norwegian Cruise Line, Jacksonville welcomes cruises on Carnival Cruise Line, according to the port.

JAXPORT CEO Eric Green said in the statement Norwegian “provides passengers throughout the Southeast U.S. and beyond with even more reasons to choose Jacksonville for their next vacation.”

Norwegian isn’t the only major cruise line to announce a new homeport for 2025. MSC Cruises will also expand its presence in the United States and bring one of its newest ships, the MSC Seascape, to Texas next year. From Galviston, the company will sail 7-night trips to Mexico and Central America.

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