PhilaPort is pleased to announce that it will commence cruise operations in 2026, welcoming Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Norwegian Jewel®, which has the capacity to accommodate 2,330 guests, will homeport from Philadelphia from April 16 through Oct. 17, 2026, featuring 24 calls to the city.
During the summer 2026 season, Norwegian Jewel will offer seven-to-nine-day voyages to the island paradise of Bermuda, where the ship will overnight, giving guests more time to enjoy the island’s stunning turquoise waters and pink-sand beaches. When the weather turns cooler, embarking from September 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail 10 and 11-day open-jaw voyages to Canada and New England. The ship will alternate homeports between Philadelphia and Quebec City featuring calls in quainter ports in the region like Saguenay, Charlottetown and Halifax, Canada in addition to well-known ports, such as Bar Harbor, Maine and Boston.
“The Port of Philadelphia plays a significant role in making our Commonwealth an economic leader on the global stage supporting thousands of local jobs and connecting millions of people with the best of what Philadelphia and the Commonwealth has to offer. Now, with the addition of Norwegian Cruise Line coming to the Port in 2026, millions of Pennsylvanians and passengers from across the region will have another reason to visit Philadelphia’s waterfront,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “With all eyes on Philadelphia as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Port will continue to help support and grow Philadelphia tourism to create economic opportunity for our region, workers, and businesses.”
As the birthplace of America, where the country was founded, Philadelphia has a large number of world-class attractions or sights to be seen. In addition, Philadelphia has a variety of ethnic neighborhoods and famous cultural institutions.
“As the first passenger cruise line to homeport in Philadelphia in many years, the arrival of Norwegian Jewel is a key milestone for NCL and our partners at the Port of Philadelphia,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are looking forward to welcoming guests from the area and surrounding cities starting spring 2026 and offering them the vacation of a lifetime.”
In terms of economic impact, the industries that will gain the most from the new service include hotels and restaurants. Museums, historical sites, zoos and parks will also benefit, as will provisioning companies and transportation services.
"It is tremendous economic news for Philadelphia that Norwegian Cruise Line will begin sailing out of Philadelphia in 2026," said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "This means tourism travel to our city, jobs for our workers at PhilaPort, and simply put, broader economic opportunity for Philadelphia. We welcome Norwegian Cruise Line to Philadelphia, and thank every individual involved in making this important economic development take place here in our city!"
PhilaPort, The Port of Philadelphia, will be preparing over the next 18 months for this new chapter of cruising from the city. Capital improvements are being made to ensure the seamless transfer of passengers from ship to shore and shore to ship.
“We have been known as the fastest growing cargo port in North America,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort. “Now we are pleased to add tourism and cruises to our portfolio.”
“Twenty Twenty-Six is going to be a big year for the City of Philadelphia,” said Michael Pearson, Chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors. “We are celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday, hosting major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, the PGA’s 108th Championship, as well as NCAA March Madness games. NCL’s weekly cruises will add to the festivities and offer its guests a lot of fun things to see pre- and post-cruise!”
The Port of Philadelphia is located in the heart of the richest consumer market in the world. Thirty million people live within 100 miles, or a two-hour drive, of the Port. Now people looking to take a cruise will not have to fly or travel long distances to embark on a voyage. Norwegian Jewel features a variety of accommodations options and amenities for guests to enjoy onboard including 16 dining options, 13 bars and lounges, world-class entertainment, and more. Cruisers will now be able to set sail directly from PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.
Over the coming two years, PhilaPort will be working with organizations across the Commonwealth to rebuild its cruise business and releasing additional details as they become available.
Norwegian Cruise Line also released today details on its spring/summer 2026 deployment for voyages departing from the US and Canada. Click here for full details on its new 2026 itinerary offerings.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
