Cruising out of Jacksonville has quickly become one of my favorite travel conveniences, and this recent sailing on the Norwegian Gem made that even more clear. Within minutes of parking, we were onboard and ready to start our vacation, which is a huge win in my book. After dozens of cruises, I can confidently say that easy embarkation is something you don’t take for granted—and Jacksonville absolutely delivers.
The parking is affordable, the port is efficient, and you’re not dealing with the chaos of larger cruise terminals. For anyone living in or near Northeast Florida, this is a fantastic home port option.
A Special First: Cruising with My Granddaughter
This trip was especially meaningful because it marked my first cruise with my granddaughter. Traveling with multiple generations always adds a new dynamic, and I was excited to see how this experience would unfold for all of us.
It was also my daughters’ and son-in-law’s first time sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, so we had a mix of expectations and fresh perspectives. As someone with a lot of cruise experience, I found myself observing everything a little more closely through their eyes—and that made for some interesting takeaways.
First Impressions of the Norwegian Gem
The Norwegian Gem is one of NCL’s older ships, but it has been refurbished in 2022, and it shows in many of the public spaces. The common areas are truly beautiful, with a classic cruise feel that still holds up well.
While it doesn’t have the high-tech features or over-the-top attractions of newer ships, it offers a more traditional cruising experience. For some travelers, that’s actually part of the appeal. And just so you know, this cruise holds 2344 passengers, so for a large ship, this is a pretty low number, meaning you won’t have as many lines and congestion.
The 5000-6000 passenger ships, mostly all new ones built, require entry times for nearly everything, taking away from the relaxation and freedom of the expected cruise experience.
Hits and Misses on the Norwegian Gem
This cruise ended up being a mix of really great moments and a few disappointments. Let’s break it down.
What the Norwegian Gem Does Well
The Thermal Spa Is a Must
My absolute favorite part of the cruise was the thermal spa, which cost around $140 for the entire cruise. I visited it every single day, which tells you everything you need to know. The thalassotherapy pool, heated mosaic loungers, sauna, and soaking areas created the perfect place to unwind.
I appreciated that they had a separate ladies locker room, as well.
I do wish the spa staff had done a better job maintaining a quiet atmosphere, as it occasionally got louder than expected, mostly from men in the hot tub, which was a. really odd fit for the space. Still, the thermal spa was a highlight and well worth the time.
I did not have a spa treatment on this cruise, though I typically do, and if you aren’t familiar with Steiner (now part of OneSpaWorld), get to know them. They train all the therapists and the spas use amazing products, like Elemis, which I’ve been a fan of and purchasing for 25 years now.
Want to know what other Caribbean islands are good for cruising? We cover them all in this blog post.
A Surprisingly Great Casino
The casino onboard the Norwegian Gem was another standout. The slot machines were plentiful, offered current popular games, and they were actually paying—something that doesn’t always happen at sea. In fact, everyone in my family left with more money than we spent.
As someone who enjoys casino time, I was genuinely impressed and found myself returning on the daily. The last night of the cruise always pays best, so keep this in mind.
O’Sheehan’s: The Best Food on the Ship
When it comes to dining, O’Sheehan’s Irish Pub was the clear winner. The Reubens, fish and chips, and overall consistency made it the best included dining option onboard. It’s a really cute space, and you can enjoy the big screen events or movies if you sit along the outer side overlooking the floor below.
O’Sheehan’s service was excellent, and it quickly became our go-to spot for a reliable meal. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Where the Norwegian Gem Falls Short
Food Quality Needs Improvement
Unfortunately, the overall food experience was underwhelming. While there were a few decent options, most meals lacked the quality I’ve come to expect from cruising.
The biggest disappointment was the specialty steakhouse, Cagney’s, where I had the worst meal of the entire trip. Considering the additional cost, this was especially frustrating. The meat quality was embarrassing and my steak knife couldn’t even cut it.
The creme brûlée was also not the correct ingredients and something I didn’t even recognize, which did not sit well with this Southerner.
Entertainment and Cruise Staff
There were plenty of scheduled activities, including live music, trivia, bingo, themed parties, and game shows. However, the execution felt inconsistent.
Some events were enjoyable, but overall, the cruise director staff didn’t bring the same energy or engagement I’ve experienced on other cruises. They could really take notes from Carnival’s Kyndall Fire.
Freeport Harbor — Grand Bahama Island
The sheer number of passengers disembarking at Grand Bahama Island will let you know that there isn’t much to do there. Unless you are taking a shore excursion diving or something similar, I would just find a beach in walking distance to hang out at and allow ten minutes to browse the market at the cruise port.
I did find the flowers pretty and the people friendly, plus it was good to stretch my legs on land a bit.
Great Stirrup Cay: Manage Expectations
Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island, is undeniably beautiful. The water and scenery are exactly what you want from a Bahamas stop.
That said, I would skip the cabana rental. It didn’t live up to expectations and lacked some of the features advertised, making it feel like a poor value, and at $699, it should be all that and a bag of chips.
Instead, take advantage of one of the complimentary lounge chairs on the beach and perhaps rent a float. The “included” food on the private island was also lacking and more burgers and hot dogs, which are abundant on the cruise ship, as well.
Bimini: The Best Surprise of the Cruise
If there was one moment that truly elevated this trip, it was our stop in Bimini, a 7-mile island.
At first glance, the Resorts World area—where most cruise excursions are centered—felt a bit underwhelming. A free tram provides transportation to 3 places (Resorts World Casino/Hilton Hotel, Resorts World Beach Club/Beach 360, and Fisherman’s Village Marina) around the area so cruisers can hop on and off as they please.
The Resorts World casino at Bimini is not reciprocal with Resorts World Las Vegas (where I’m a regular), but it is a gorgeous property. Not too many slots, or current ones, but a fun getaway for those of age.
But once we stepped outside that e-stop bubble, everything changed.
We rented a six-seater golf cart from a local (a daredevil dangerously rides alongside the cruise shuttles and tries to convince all cruise passengers they need to rent one) and set out to explore the island on our own. That decision completely transformed our experience.
FYI: We paid $100 for a 6-seat golf cart rental. The 4-seaters were going for $80. You drop them off at the Fisherman’s Village Marina, where you can also pick up rum cakes and other souvenirs.
What to Do in Bimini Beyond the Cruise Port
As we ventured further out, we discovered a completely different side of Bimini:
- A lively beachfront bar in Alice Town with music and activities
- Local artists selling incredible handmade artwork (I brought one home!)
- Beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water
- A historic cemetery with a dreamy landscape on the other side
- Ernest Hemingway-related sites
- A unique oyster shell wall along the ocean (and wedding spot obviously)
Bimini turned out to be a photographer’s dream and easily my favorite port of the cruise.
Stateroom Review: Small but Functional
Our stateroom was compact but well-designed, with plenty of storage and a comfortable layout. The beds were decent, and I especially appreciated the curved shower door and strong water pressure. An invigorating shower is reason to brag.
Interestingly, I never actually saw our stateroom attendant, but everything was consistently clean and well-maintained.
Dining Options Overview
For breakfast, guests can choose between room service, the main dining room, and the Garden Café buffet. While none stood out as exceptional, they offered enough variety to start the day. Surprisingly enough, they also had European breakfast items.
There are also several specialty restaurants onboard, though based on my experience, I would be selective when choosing where to spend extra money. These were the most expensive I’ve seen at sea and I did not see many people in them.
Is the Bahamas Worth It?
After many cruises, I can confidently say that the Bahamas still deserve more credit than they get. Some seasoned cruisers dismiss these itineraries, but I continue to find them beautiful and enjoyable.
The mesmerizing water, the arsenal of blue colors, and the relaxed island vibe never get old.
Final Thoughts: Is the Norwegian Gem Worth It?
This six-day Bahamas cruise, priced at around $600 per person for an inside cabin, offered solid value—especially for a family trip. It wasn’t perfect, but it delivered meaningful experiences and quality time together.
Would I sail the Norwegian Gem again? Possibly—but with adjusted expectations. I have sailed with them in Europe (actually one of my all-time favorite itineraries- Baltic Capitals) – and it was great.
If you’re looking for an affordable cruise with easy access from Jacksonville, Florida, this ship could be a great fit. However, if food quality and high-energy entertainment are your top priorities, you may want to explore other options.
A Trip to Remember
At the end of the day, this cruise will always stand out for one reason—sharing it with my one and only grandchild. Multi-generational travel brings a different kind of joy, and those memories far outweigh any of the misses along the way. And that’s what travel is really about.
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