Norwegian Cruise Line ship arrives in at Philadelphia port for first time in over 15-years

Cruises from Philadelphia for first time in more than 15 years

Philadelphia is in the cruise business for the first time in over a decade as the Norwegian Jewel is preparing to set sail for Bermuda.

PHILADELPHIA - Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Philadelphia, reigniting cruises from the city for the first time in over 15 years, according to the company. Starting April 2026, travelers in the tri-state area will have new options to set sail to destinations including Bermuda, Canada, New England, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.

Cruises from Philadelphia set to begin in 2026 

What we know:

Norwegian Jewel will offer 7-day Bermuda cruises and 11-day Canada and New England voyages om April through September 2026, with rates starting at $829 per person, according to Norwegian Cruise Line.

"NCL is reigniting cruising from Philadelphia for the first time in over 15 years – offering an accessible option within driving distance for guests across the tri-state area," the company said.

Norwegian Cruise ship arrives in at Philadelphia port for first time in 15-years

A new era in cruise travel from Philadelphia began on Thursday when Norwegian Cruise's Jewel ship docked at a port in South Philadelphia.

Norwegian Pearl will expand offerings from November 2026 through April 2028, with five to 12-day trips to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Canada and New England, with rates beginning at $889 per person. Select Bahamas sailings in February and March 2027 will include a stop at Great Stirrup Cay. 

The Norwegian Jewel features a recently refurbished ship with a variety of bars, dining options, and entertainment. New amenities include the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only outdoor space, and a Starbucks in the atrium. 

A Shorter Commute to Paradise

For many travelers boarding today, the vacation didn’t start with a flight to Florida or a long haul to New York. Instead, it began with a simple trip down Broad Street.

Fishtown resident Brittany Delgado says she has been waiting for this moment since the partnership was first announced in the summer of 2024.

"I have a four-and-a-half-year-old, so just being able to drive down the road and get onto the vacation is super easy," Delgado said. "No stressful airports or airplanes—you just get on and sail away."

Delgado was so eager for the local departure that she claims she was likely "one of the first people" to book a cabin when the itinerary went live.

Last-Minute Voyagers

While locals have been counting down the days, others found themselves part of the historic moment by sheer coincidence. Warren Burke, visiting from Virginia, booked his trip based on proximity rather than the pomp and circumstance.

"We didn’t know this was the first cruise out of here," Burke admitted. "This was a last-minute cruise and it was the closest to home, so we booked it. No other reason."

Despite the accidental timing, Burke is looking forward to the voyage from the City of Brotherly Love to Bermuda. "That’s a unique opportunity and I’m sure they’ll make it special just for that reason."

Expanded amenities and economic impact 

What we know:

The new cruises are expected to boost the local economy. PhilaPort estimates cruise operations at the new terminal could generate 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and about $300 million in annual economic output throughout the state.

Thursday's send-off marks the beginning of an exclusive seven-year partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line and PhilaPort.

Gov. Josh Shapiro added that the benefits extend far beyond the dock. "When the ship docks, they’re going to go to Center City. They’re going to eat in our restaurants and our bars, check out the historic sites, and travel all across Pennsylvania."

Norwegian Cruise Line sails to nearly 350 destinations worldwide, and the return to Philadelphia gives local travelers more convenient vacation options.

The ships will feature new amenities like the Great Life Lagoon, two swim-up bars, and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club. In summer 2026, the Great Tides Waterpark will open, offering 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, and a large kids splash zone.

Looking Ahead

What's next:

The maritime momentum isn't slowing down. Officials confirmed that plans are already underway to continue improving the port facilities. A brand-new cruise terminal is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed later this summer to accommodate the influx of travelers.