Norwegian Cruise Line makes a comeback in Philadelphia.
The first cruise company to operate out of Philadelphia in fifteen years is Norwegian Cruise company (NCL), which announced its return to the city. With the nation’s 250th anniversary taking place this summer, Philadelphia is celebrating a historic year. With the return of the cruise industry, NCL has delivered yet another noteworthy milestone to this legendary city.
“With Norwegian Jewel leading our reintroduction and Norwegian Pearl following her later this year, we’re proud to bring our signature freedom and flexibility back to this incredible city and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests know and love,” stated Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Local and state government representatives, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Tinicum Township Board President Patrick McCarthy, and PhilaPort Board Chairman Michael Pearson, attended a special ceremony hosted by NCL aboard Norwegian Jewel to commemorate this.
“Tourism is a big business in Pennsylvania, supporting 500,000 jobs and contributing USD 84 billion to our economy across the Commonwealth,” stated Governor Shapiro. Because of this, my Administration has prioritised investing in and supporting PhilaPort’s growth in order to generate employment, draw in more tourists, and provide Pennsylvania residents with amazing services like Norwegian Cruise Line cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, is currently constructing a brand-new terminal that will open this cruise season in partnership with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township. It is intended to greet guests and make the embarkation and disembarkation process simple.
PhilaPort Executive Director & CEO Jeff Theobald stated, “Our port, our city, and the surrounding region are starting a new chapter with the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Jewel. This new cruise service strengthens our position as a gateway to global travel and commerce while delivering meaningful economic impact for Pennsylvania as we continue to grow beyond cargo operations.”
Norwegian Jewel will offer a carefully chosen selection of Bermuda itineraries that highlight the location through August 27, 2026. A stay at the Royal Naval Dockyard and a trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, or Charleston, South Carolina, are included in seven-day sailings. There is also a nine-day trip that departs on August 27, 2026, with stops at the Canadian ports of Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as an extra overnight in Bermuda. Norwegian Jewel will start the autumn season by offering 10 and 11-day itineraries to Canada and New England from 5 September to 7 October 2026, with the option to embark from Quebec City or Philadelphia.
Norwegian Jewel will be replaced by Norwegian Pearl starting in late 2026, providing a comparable onboard experience while sailing from Philadelphia through April 2028, further demonstrating NCL’s dedication to convenience, choice, and carefully chosen travel experiences for the area. Norwegian Pearl will expand its offerings to the Caribbean and Bahamas while continuing to sail to Bermuda, Canada, and New England.
Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island with a new pool, a family splash area, an adult-only Vibe Shore Club, and, starting in summer 2026, the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark with 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, Splash Cay, and the 800-foot Wandering River, will also be visited by some Bahamas sailings in February and March 2027.
