Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to make waves in the City of Brotherly Love.
Starting April 16, 2026, the cruise line will launch a new homeport operation in Philadelphia, marking a significant return of cruise tourism to the city after more than a decade.
The Norwegian Jewel, a vessel capable of accommodating 2,376 passengers, will be the star of this new venture. From April through August, the ship will offer seven-to-nine-day voyages to Bermuda, featuring overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard. This extended port time will allow guests to fully immerse themselves in Bermuda's renowned pink-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
As autumn approaches, the Norwegian Jewel will transition to 10- and 11-day itineraries exploring Canada and New England. These voyages will alternate between Philadelphia and Quebec City as embarkation points, visiting picturesque ports such as Saguenay, Charlottetown, Halifax, Boston, and Bar Harbor.
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership with PhilaPort: "We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories, so they can vacation better with us. We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region."
The introduction of Philadelphia as a homeport is part of NCL's broader 2026 spring/summer deployment, which includes nearly 250 itineraries across nine ships. These voyages will explore 30 unique destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, and Canada and New England.
For Philadelphia, this development represents a significant boost to its tourism sector. The city, which welcomed 1.1 million international visitors in 2023, is preparing for a landmark year in 2026 as it celebrates America's 250th birthday. The addition of regular cruise departures is expected to further enhance the city's appeal as a tourist destination.
Over the next two years, the Port of Philadelphia will undergo preparations to welcome cruise passengers. The SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex is set for development to create a state-of-the-art facility for cruisers by 2026.
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