Norwegian Cruise Line® Brings Cruising Back To Philadelphia For The First Time In 15 Years

Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced its long-awaited return to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in 15 years.

Return to Philadelphia
- Norwegian Jewel kicks off the season of voyages in 2026, sailing to Bermuda and Canada & New England.
- Norwegian Pearl will follow later in 2026 and continue through 2028, reinforcing NCL’s long-term commitment to Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Bermuda sailings (2026):
Seven-day cruises with overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard, plus visits to Charleston (SC) or Halifax (Canada).

Extended voyages:
Nine-day itineraries include Saint John (Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick) and Halifax.

Fall foliage cruises:
10- and 11-day Canada & New England itineraries (Sept–Oct 2026), with embarkation options from Philadelphia or Quebec City.

Future expansion (2027):
Norwegian Pearl adds Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, including stops at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island, featuring a new waterpark and leisure zones.

Local Impact
- A new PhilaPort cruise terminal is being built to support embarkation and disembarkation.
- The return coincides with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in Philadelphia, adding tourism momentum.
- Officials including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker attended the launch ceremony.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Experiences
- NCL will offer Cruisetours in Philadelphia, with guided visits to landmarks like Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Onboard Experience
- Both ships feature over 2,300 guest capacity, multiple dining venues, entertainment, Mandara Spa, and The Haven suites.
- Norwegian Jewel also offers the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only outdoor oasis.

This is a significant milestone: Philadelphia re-enters the cruise map after 15 years, giving Mid-Atlantic travelers a convenient homeport option for Bermuda, Canada, New England, and beyond.