As passengers arrived at JaxPort on Oct. 31 for the first voyage of Norwegian Cruise Line’s service from Jacksonville, representatives from the company and community gathered to mark the occasion.
The Norwegian Gem, a 93,530-ton cruise liner with a capacity of 2,344, was scheduled to depart at 3 p.m. on a four-day cruise to the Bahamas from the JaxPort Cruise Terminal along the northbank of the St. Johns River. The launch came about nine months after the JaxPort board approved a contract with Norwegian to sail from Jacksonville from November to April through 2028.
“It takes the support of local government officials and agencies to ensure a smooth, seamless and safe experience for all our guests,” said Louis Ruiz, Norwegian’s senior director of port operations, during a media event. “After many months leading up to today, I am pleased to say that we have found a fantastic partner here with our new friends at JaxPort.”
Norwegian joined Carnival Cruise Line as Jacksonville’s two cruise options. The Carnival Elation also travels from Jacksonville to the Bahamas.
The Norwegian Gem is considered one of Norwegian’s mid-sized ships. It includes 12 restaurants, 14 bars and lounges, an 800-person-capacity theater, several duty-free shops and other cruise amenities.
The ship’s routes from Jacksonville will include four-and five-day cruises to the Bahamas, and 11- and 12-day cruises to the Bahamas, Antigua, the Dominican Republic and St. Thomas.
Ruiz said Norwegian felt JaxPort offered it the chance to reach a large consumer base.
“Jacksonville is such a strategic location. With 98 million people within an overnight driving distance of JaxPort, we really feel that we’re going to be able to offer our product to a whole new group of people,” he said. “Very soon, everyone surrounding Jacksonville will get to know our products.”
City officials, including Mayor Donna Deegan and City Council Vice President Nick Howland, said the cruise liner’s addition to Jacksonville’s lineup could boost the rest of its economy, including the hotel, restaurant and entertainment markets. Representatives from JaxPort and the U.S. Coast Guard also took part in the media event.
“Our cruise industry has never been stronger, and I’m already hearing that this is just the beginning, which I love to hear,” Deegan said. “Each visitor who arrives here not only contributes to our local economy, but also sees firsthand what makes Jacksonville such a top-tier destination.”
City and company representatives both hinted at future Norwegian investment in Jacksonville. Ruiz declined to divulge any details, saying announcements were “coming soon.”
Ruiz also said Norwegian was seeing a return on its investment in Jacksonville already. The first departure from JaxPort was sold out, with guests entering the departure port by 10:30 a.m.
“We’re very pleased with how the rest of the season is turning up already,” Ruiz said. “The demand is very, very high, and we’re very pleased with how the season is shaping up so far.”
Deegan said the Norwegian Gem’s departure from JaxPort was proof that further investment could be coming Jacksonville’s way from cruise line companies. As Jacksonville’s economy continues to grow, she said, cruise ships could be another asset.
“I think you’re showing proof of concept here,” Deegan said. “Our city is growing, and I think that it’s a wonderful opportunity for Norwegian, but also for our port to continue to diversify and to have more of this business.”
