Norwegian Cruise Line ship to arrive in Jacksonville for new service
A Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is set to enter the St. Johns River this week, marking the beginning of a new seasonal service from Jacksonville. Despite Hurricane Melissa altering several cruise routes in the region, the storm has not impacted this ship’s arrival.
Arrival details
The Norwegian Gem is scheduled to reach Jacksonville on October 31. This will make Norwegian Cruise Line the second operator running departures from the city, joining Carnival Cruise Line.
Hurricane Melissa's path
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane before weakening to Category 2 as it moved across Cuba. Forecast models show the storm heading northeast without threatening Florida.
“The Norwegian Gem is coming to Jacksonville from the opposite direction of Hurricane Melissa.”
Upcoming cruise plans
The Norwegian Gem is being relocated from Boston as part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s plan to expand operations from Jacksonville. The ship will travel south along the East Coast before beginning service from JaxPort’s terminal on Heckscher Drive.
Season schedule
- The Gem will operate from Jacksonville between November and April each year through 2028.
- Cruises will last four or five days, primarily sailing to the Bahamas.
- The agreement between Norwegian Cruise Line and JaxPort was signed in February 2024.
Summary
Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing the Norwegian Gem to Jacksonville starting October 31, launching multi-day Bahamas voyages each season through 2028.
Author’s summary: The Norwegian Gem’s debut in Jacksonville establishes Norwegian Cruise Line as the city’s second cruise provider, expanding local travel options despite recent storm disruptions.