The Port of Philadelphia Welcomes Norwegian Cruise Line with Inaugural Call of Norwegian Jewel
New Cruise Service Marks a Historic Return to Philadelphia and Launch of a New Era at The PhilaPort Cruise Terminal
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PHILADELPHIA (April 16, 2026) — PhilaPort today marked a major milestone with the inaugural call of Norwegian Cruise Line® to Philadelphia, as Norwegian Jewel® arrived at the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal, launching a new era of cruising along the Delaware River.
The arrival represents the return of cruise service to Philadelphia for the first time in more than 15 years and reinforces the Port’s commitment to expanding its role as a multi-faceted economic engine for the region.
To commemorate the occasion, PhilaPort and Norwegian Cruise Line hosted a special onboard ceremony and presentation aboard Norwegian Jewel, attended by regional and state leaders, including Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, along with industry partners and stakeholders.
“This is a defining moment for The Port of Philadelphia,” said PhilaPort Executive Director & CEO Jeff Theobald. “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.”
In collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, is currently building a brand-new terminal due to open this cruise season designed to welcome guests and facilitate an easy embarkation and disembarkation process. The PhilaPort Cruise Terminal will be located adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport.
“Today’s inaugural call reflects years of collaboration and shared vision,” said PhilaPort Board Chairman Michael Pearson. “We are proud to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line as an exclusive partner at the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal and to bring cruising back to Philadelphia in a way that benefits our workforce, our tourism industry, and our local economy.”
“Today marks an important and exciting milestone for our city: after years of hard work, collaboration, and advocacy, the cruise industry has officially returned to Philadelphia!” said Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader, Katherine Gilmore Richardson. “As an avid cruiser, I know and have seen firsthand how this industry brings energy, visitors, and economic opportunity to cruise embarkation cities across the country. Now, Philadelphia is ready to benefit from that same momentum, and I look forward to continuing to grow and support the cruising industry right here at home. Thank you to all the partners who helped make this possible, especially the PhilaPort board and staff, Norwegian Cruise Line, and International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1291, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia.”
Beginning this spring, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of itineraries from Philadelphia to Bermuda as well as voyages to Canada and New England this fall, offering travelers throughout the Mid-Atlantic the opportunity to depart from their own backyard. These voyages include overnight stays in Bermuda and visits to historic and scenic destinations along the East Coast and Eastern Canada.
“Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For the first time in over 15 years, travelers 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.”
The introduction of homeport cruising is projected to generate 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and approximately $300 million in annual economic output throughout the Commonwealth, supporting labor-intensive services that contribute to regional economic well-being.
The arrival of Norwegian Jewel also aligns with broader milestones for Philadelphia, including preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary, further positioning the city as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
As part of its long-term commitment to the region NCLH is expected to expand service in Philadelphia with additional sailings and future deployments.
PhilaPort Media Contact
Sean Mahoney
Senior Director of Marketing, PhilaPort
Tel: (215) 479-4143
[email protected]
NCL Media Contact
NCH Media
[email protected]
PhilaPort Cruise Terminal
4 Atlantic Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153
www.philaport.com/cruise