Philadelphia opens new cruise terminal, Norwegian doubles down on city

Philadelphia has officially opened its new cruise terminal, marking the latest step in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ (NCLH's) return to the city and its long-term plans for the Greater Philadelphia region.

Officials from NCLH, parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), joined PhilaPort for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the new facility.

The opening comes after NCL made its historic return to Philadelphia earlier this year, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in more than 15 years.

The permanent terminal now provides a dedicated home for cruise operations in Philadelphia and builds on a partnership between NCLH, PhilaPort and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

$50K for local communities

To mark the terminal’s opening, NCLH announced $50,000 in contributions to communities across Greater Philadelphia through its global Sail & Sustain program and its Strengthening Our Communities pillar.

Of that amount, $20,000 will go to Tinicum Township’s local fire department, while $30,000 will be divided among three local Boys & Girls Clubs to support programs and resources for children and families.

The new facility, meanwhile, is designed to streamline the embarkation and disembarkation process for cruise passengers sailing from Philadelphia.

Seven-year agreement

The terminal supports NCLH’s seven-year agreement with PhilaPort, which runs through March 31, 2033.

Cruise operations at the facility are projected to generate approximately 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and nearly $300 million in annual economic output across Pennsylvania, with benefits extending to the tourism, hospitality, transportation and other sectors.

Norwegian Jewel is currently sailing from Philadelphia through Sept. 26, 2026.

Norwegian Pearl will arrive in the city in November, offering five- to 14-day voyages to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Canada and New England.

The ship’s Philadelphia program is scheduled to continue through April 2028.

NCL has also expanded its longer-term plans for the city.

Norwegian Gem will operate newly unveiled seven-day Bermuda and Atlantic Coast voyages from Philadelphia in summer 2028, giving travellers throughout the Mid-Atlantic another option for cruising close to home.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.