The Norwegian Gem is coming to Jacksonville in 2025. What you should know about the ship.
In 2004, Jacksonville entered the cruise business when Carnival Cruise Line brought its 1,452-passenger Carnival Holiday ship to the city for excursions to the Bahamas.
Twenty years later, a new cruise line is set to sail from Jacksonville, offering seasonal service to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, JaxPort CEO Eric Green announced that the authority’s board had approved an agreement to bring Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,394-passenger Norwegian Gem to the port in 2025, offering longer cruise options to the city’s cruise business.
The Gem will share the same cruise terminal that Carnival’s 2,190-passenger Elation now uses at the port.
Here’s what we know about the Gem and its plans for Jacksonville.
When will the Gem start sailing from Jacksonville?
Beginning in 2025, the Gem will offer cruises from Jacksonville between November and April every year through 2028.
How long will the Gem’s cruises be?
Some of the cruises will be as long as 11- and 12-day voyages, offering travelers a longer cruise option than currently offered by Carnival from Jacksonville.
Where will the Norwegian Gem sail?
The Gem is scheduled to offer cruises to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.
The three 12-day and two 11-day round-trip journeys each year will depart Jacksonville and make calls on Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas, with other stops at Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Antigua, Basseterre in St. Kitts, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and other destinations.
Norwegian also will have four-day and five-day cruises to the Bahamas with stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau.
In case you missed it: Jacksonville will get a second cruise ship when Norwegian Cruise Line joins Carnival
When will reservations open for Norwegian’s excursions from Jacksonville?
Norwegian will start taking reservations on Feb. 15 at its website ncl.com for a mix of travel itineraries.
How big is the Norwegian Gem?
The Gem is 965 feet long and has a maximum beam of 125 feet. Its gross register tonnage is 93,530.
When was the Norwegian Gem refurbished?
Built in 2007, the ship was last refurbished in 2022.
Where is the Norwegian Gem currently?
You can track the latest position of the Gem at vesselfinder.com.
How many passengers does the Norwegian Gem hold?
The Gem has a guest capacity of 2,394 passengers based on double occupancy.
How many crew members does the Norwegian Gem have?
The Gem has a crew of 1,070.
What dining options does the Gem offer?
In addition to its main dining rooms Grand Pacific and Magenta, Gem’s dining options include Le Bistro (French cuisine), Orchid Garden (Asian), Sushi and Teppanyaki (Japanese), O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill, Garden Cafe (buffet), La Cucina (Italian), Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse), Cagney’s Steakhouse, Bali Hai Bar & Grill and more.
Does the Norwegian Gem have a bowling alley?
None are listed on the ship’s entertainment options.
What about entertainment options on the Gem?
Its Stardust Theater offers Broadway and Vegas-style shows.
What other activities are available on the Gem?
In addition to the Tahitian Pool on Deck 12, the Gem also offers hot tubs, basketball/volleyball/tennis courts, a jogging/walking track, a fitness center, a spa and more.
Does the Gem offer activities for kids?
Yes. The ship has a video arcade, a Splash Academy for kids 3-12, a Guppies play area for infants and kids, and Entourage, a place for kids aged 13-17 to connect.
Does the Norwegian Gem have a casino?
Yes. The Gem Casino offers a variety of slot machines as well as table games, including blackjack, craps and more.
What is the sister ship to the Norwegian Gem?
The Gem is part of Norwegian’s Jewel-class ships that also include the Jewel, Jade and Pearl.
David Bauerlein of the Times-Union contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Norwegian Gem: Facts about cruise ship coming to Jacksonville
