For the first time, Norwegian Cruise Line will base a ship in Jacksonville, Fla.
Starting in 2025, the 2,394-guest Norwegian Gem will sail from Jacksonville seasonally from November to April through 2028.
NCL will offer three 12-day and two 11-day roundtrip Eastern Caribbean sailings from the port, including calls to private Bahamian island Great Stirrup Cay, the Dominican Republic, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and other destinations.
The Jewel-class ship will also sail four- and five-day Bahamas cruises that call in Great Stirrup Cay along with Freeport and Nassau.
Bookings open on Feb. 15.
Two cruise lines regularly sail from Jacksonville. The Carnival Elation is stationed there year-round, and American Cruise Lines sends small ships to Jacksonville during the shoulder seasons and winter months.
The port is limited to smaller cruise ships due to the required passage under the Dames Point Bridge.
The city has a robust drive-to cruise market with some 98 million people within driving distance of the terminal, according to NCL.