Philadelphia is officially getting back into the cruise game. For the first time in more than a decade, the city will once again have a major cruise port, as construction has begun on the new PhilaPort Cruise Terminal. The 16-acre facility is expected to open in April 2026—just in time to welcome passengers sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Cruise Line is Coming to Philadelphia
Norwegian Cruise Line will kick off operations at the new terminal with Norwegian Jewel, the line’s first Jewel-class ship to homeport in Philadelphia. The 2,376-guest ship, originally launched in 2005, is scheduled to begin 7-day round-trip itineraries on April 16, 2026, running throughout the summer.
Sailings will take passengers from Philadelphia to Bermuda, featuring overnight stays in King’s Wharf and an additional stop in Charleston, South Carolina. A special 9-day voyage on August 27 will give guests three full days in Bermuda.
At the end of the season in November 2026, Norwegian Jewel will reposition to PortMiami before ultimately crossing the Atlantic in spring 2027.
The New “PhilaPort” Cruise Terminal
Under a newly signed, 7-year berthing agreement, Norwegian Cruise Line has committed to 41 sailings per year from Philadelphia. The cruise line is overseeing all land-side construction, while PhilaPort manages the water-side infrastructure.
Conveniently located near Philadelphia International Airport, the new terminal is designed to make travel seamless for guests flying into the region. The project is also expected to give a major economic boost to the area, with estimates of 2,185 new jobs and roughly $300 million in annual revenue.
Adding to the excitement, the terminal’s grand opening will align with the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026—setting the stage for a milestone year in the “City of Brotherly Love.”
