Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced its return to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in over 15 years. The development comes as the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary this summer, positioning Philadelphia at the centre of national celebrations while also reviving its cruise tourism landscape.
Marking the milestone, Marc Kazlauskas, President, Norwegian Cruise Line, said, “Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region. For the first time in over 15 years, travelLers in the Mid-Atlantic area will once again be able to sail from their own backyard with us to experience everything NCL is known for. 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.”
To commemorate the occasion, the cruise line hosted a ceremonial event aboard Norwegian Jewel, attended by senior government and port authorities, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Tinicum Township Board President Patrick McCarthy and PhilaPort Board Chairman Michael Pearson.
Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, said, “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania is at the center of the action – and I’m excited to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line as the newest addition to our Commonwealth’s fast-growing tourism industry. Tourism is big business in Pennsylvania, supporting 500,000 jobs and contributing $84 billion to our economy across the Commonwealth. That’s why my Administration has made it a priority to invest in and support PhilaPort’s expansion, so we can create jobs, attract more visitors, and bring incredible offerings like cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line to the people of Pennsylvania.”
In collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is also developing a new cruise terminal, expected to open during the current cruise season. The facility is designed to streamline embarkation and disembarkation processes, supporting the port’s expansion beyond cargo operations.
Jeff Theobald, Executive Director & CEO, PhilaPort, said, “This is a defining moment for The Port of Philadelphia. The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Jewel signals the beginning of a new chapter for our port, our city, and the entire region. As we continue to grow beyond cargo operations, this new cruise service strengthens our position as a gateway to global travel and commerce while delivering meaningful economic impact for Pennsylvania.”
Bermuda, Canada and New England Itineraries
Through August 27, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will operate a series of seven-day Bermuda sailings from Philadelphia. These itineraries include overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard, along with calls at either Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. A longer nine-day voyage departing on August 27, 2026, will include extended time in Bermuda and visits to Saint John in the Bay of Fundy and Halifax.
For the fall season, the vessel will transition to 10- and 11-day Canada and New England itineraries from September 5 to October 7, 2026. These cruises, which can be boarded in either Philadelphia or Quebec City, are designed to capture peak fall foliage across destinations in Maine, Massachusetts and Eastern Canada.
Beginning in late 2026, Norwegian Pearl will replace Norwegian Jewel, continuing operations from Philadelphia through April 2028. In addition to Bermuda and Canada itineraries, the deployment will expand to include Caribbean and Bahamas sailings.
Select Bahamas cruises scheduled for February and March 2027 will feature calls at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island destination. Enhancements at the island include a new pool, family splash zone, adults-only Vibe Shore Club, and the upcoming Great Tides Waterpark, set to open in summer 2026.
Cruisetours to Enhance Destination Experience
NCL will also offer Cruisetours on select sailings, allowing guests to extend their journey with guided onshore experiences. In Philadelphia, the programme includes visits to historic landmarks such as Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Carpenter’s Hall, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, as well as curated experiences at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The return of cruise operations is expected to provide a boost to regional tourism while offering travellers greater flexibility and access to a range of itineraries from a convenient homeport.
