Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and PhilaPort celebrated the official opening of Philadelphia's new cruise terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking another milestone in the return of cruise operations to the city and reinforcing NCLH's long-term commitment to the Philadelphia metropolitan area region.
The opening follows Norwegian Cruise Line's historic return to Philadelphia earlier this year, when it became the first cruise line to operate from the city in more than 15 years. The completion of the permanent terminal establishes a dedicated base for cruise operations and solidifies the long-term partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., PhilaPort, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As part of the celebration, NCLH announced contributions to support communities throughout the greater Philadelphia area, the Tinicum Township Fire Department, and three local Boys & Girls Clubs, helping to fund programs and resources for children and families across the region. These contributions are part of the company’s global Sail & Sustain® program and its Strengthening Our Communities pillar, which reflects the company’s commitment to supporting and investing in the communities where it lives, works, visits, and operates.
“Today we celebrate being part of this community,” said Daniel Farkas, executive vice president, chief development officer, and general counsel of NCLH. “Through our global Sail & Sustain program, we believe in investing in and strengthening the communities we serve. As we establish a long-term presence in the Philadelphia metro area, we are proud to support first responders, young people, and families who call this region home, while also creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.”.
The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, community partners, and representatives from the business sector to celebrate the completion of the facilities, designed to provide passengers with a seamless experience both on board and off boarding.
“PhilaPort’s new cruise terminal is a critical component of our broader economic development strategy: creating good jobs, generating new economic activity, and strengthening the economies of Philadelphia and the entire region,” said Rich Lazer, PhilaPort’s CEO. “Our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line will solidify Philadelphia as a welcoming and cruise-ready destination, attracting more visitors to our region and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.”.
The new cruise terminal supports Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' seven-year agreement with PhilaPort, valid until March 31, 2033, reinforcing the company's long-term presence in this market.
Cruise operations at the new terminal are expected to generate approximately 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and nearly $300 million in annual economic output throughout the state of Pennsylvania, supporting tourism, hospitality, transportation, and other businesses across the region.
Norwegian Jewel currently operates from Philadelphia until September 26, 2026, while Norwegian Pearl will arrive in the city in November 2026 to offer cruises of between five and 14 days to Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, as well as Canada and New England, until April 2028.
Norwegian Cruise Line recently unveiled new seven-day itineraries to Bermuda and the Atlantic coast from Philadelphia aboard the Norwegian Gem during the summer of 2028, offering travelers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region even more opportunities to enjoy their vacations from a port close to home.
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