PhilaPort and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Celebrate Opening of New Cruise Terminal
Ribbon Cutting Marks the Opening of Philadelphia’s Permanent Cruise Terminal as NCLH Announces $50,000 in Contributions to Local Communities
Philadelphia, PA (August 27, 2026) – PhilaPort and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), today celebrated the official opening of the new PhilaPort Cruise Terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The milestone establishes a permanent home for cruise operations in Philadelphia and reflects the long-term partnership between PhilaPort, NCLH and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The completion of the new terminal follows the launch of Norwegian Cruise Line sailings from Philadelphia earlier this year—the first cruises to depart from the city in more than 15 years. The dedicated facility strengthens Philadelphia’s position as a growing cruise destination while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic development throughout the region.
The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, community partners and business stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the facility, which was designed to provide guests with a seamless embarkation and disembarkation experience.
“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, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort. “Our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line will establish Philadelphia as a welcoming and accommodating destination for the cruise industry, attracting more visitors to our region and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses across Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.”
As part of the celebration, NCLH announced $50,000 in contributions to support communities across Greater Philadelphia. The contributions are part of the company’s global Sail & Sustain® program and it’s Strengthening Our Communities pillar, reflecting NCLH’s commitment to supporting and investing in the communities where it lives, works, visits and operates. Of the $50,000 contribution, $20,000 will support Tinicum Township’s local fire department, and the remaining $30,000 will benefit three local Boys & Girls Clubs, helping to support programs and resources for children and families across the region.
“Today, we celebrate becoming part of this community,” said Daniel Farkas, executive vice president, general counsel and chief development officer at 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 Greater Philadelphia, we’re proud to support the first responders, young people and families who call this region home while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.”
The new cruise terminal supports PhilaPort’s seven-year agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. through March 31, 2033, reinforcing the company’s long-term presence in the market. Cruise operations at the terminal are projected to generate approximately 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and nearly $300 million in annual economic output throughout Pennsylvania, supporting tourism, hospitality, transportation and other businesses across the region.
Norwegian Jewel is currently sailing from Philadelphia through Sept. 26, 2026. Norwegian Pearl will arrive in the city in November 2026, offering voyages ranging from five to 14 days to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Canada and New England through April 2028.
Norwegian Cruise Line also recently unveiled new seven-day Bermuda and Atlantic Coast voyages from Philadelphia aboard Norwegian Gem beginning in summer 2028—giving travelers throughout the Mid-Atlantic even more opportunities to vacation from their own backyard. For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s sailings from Philadelphia, visit www.ncl.com.