[10][11] Five cruise ships were chartered to serve as floating hotels during the week preceding Super Bowl XXXIX in February 2005.
Four of the vessels docked at JAXPORT terminals, providing over 3,500 rooms plus restaurants and night clubs for fans.
In 2008, an 8-acre (32,000 m2) parcel was purchased in the small fishing village of Mayport as the site of a permanent $60 million facility.
[13] The economic crisis delayed the project, and opposition from local residents was vehement;[14] a lawsuit seeking an injunction was filed.
Beginning Nov. 2025, Norwegian Gem will offer seasonal cruises to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean every year through 2028 out of Jacksonville.