Norwegian Cruise Line returns to Philadelphia after 15 years - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced its return to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise operator to sail from the city in more than 15 years. The move marks a new chapter for the cruise industry in the Mid-Atlantic region and coincides with a milestone year for Philadelphia as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary this summer.

On April 16, 2026, Norwegian Jewel arrived in Philadelphia to begin a season of cruises to Bermuda as well as Canada and New England. The deployment reintroduces cruise departures from the “City of Brotherly Love” and expands NCL’s presence in the region.

“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.”

Officials mark the return of cruising to Philadelphia

To celebrate the return of cruise operations, Norwegian Cruise Line hosted a special ceremony on board Norwegian Jewel on April 16. The event brought together local and state officials including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and representatives of the Port of Philadelphia.

“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,” said Governor Shapiro. “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.”

To support the new cruise operations, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the parent company of NCL, is developing a new cruise terminal in collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township. The facility is scheduled to open during the current cruise season and is designed to streamline embarkation and disembarkation for passengers.

“This is a defining moment for the Port of Philadelphia,” said PhilaPort Executive Director and 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.”

Cruises to Bermuda, Canada and New England

Philadelphia’s location makes it a convenient departure port for travelers across the Mid-Atlantic region. Through August 27, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will operate a series of seven-day cruises to Bermuda. The itineraries include an overnight stay at the Royal Naval Dockyard and an additional stop in either Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax in Nova Scotia.

A longer nine-day sailing departing August 27 will include an extended overnight stay in Bermuda as well as calls in Saint John in New Brunswick and Halifax in Nova Scotia.

Beginning in early September, the ship will shift to autumn itineraries featuring 10- and 11-day cruises through Canada and New England. These sailings, running through October 7, 2026, include destinations in Maine, Massachusetts and eastern Canada and are designed to coincide with the region’s fall foliage season. Guests can embark in Philadelphia or Quebec City, allowing for extended travel before or after the cruise.

Norwegian Pearl to continue operations from Philadelphia

Starting later in 2026, Norwegian Pearl will take over the Philadelphia deployment from Norwegian Jewel and continue sailings from the port through April 2028. The ship will offer similar itineraries to Bermuda as well as Canada and New England, while also introducing voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Some Bahamas sailings scheduled for early 2027 will include a visit to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination. The island features a range of attractions including pools, a family splash zone, an adults-only beach club and a large water park scheduled to open in summer 2026.

Philadelphia experiences before and after the cruise

Guests sailing from Philadelphia can also extend their trip with guided land programs highlighting the city’s historical landmarks. These experiences include visits to sites such as Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Carpenter’s Hall, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, along with time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

With the return of cruise departures and the development of new port infrastructure, Philadelphia is positioning itself once again as a gateway for international cruise travel in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Image Credit: © NCL