Philadelphia and NCLH Celebrate Opening of New Cruise Terminal

Philadelphia’s brand-new cruise terminal is officially open! Last week PhilaPort, along with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The occasion marks another milestone in the return to cruise operations in Philadelphia, which — before earlier this year — had not been home to a cruise ship in over 15 years.

This past April, Norwegian Cruise Line made a return to Philadelphia, resuming cruise operations in the city. The completion of the new terminal establishes a dedicated home for cruise operations and builds on the long-term partnership between NCLH, PhilaPort, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, community partners, and business stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the facility.

new philadelphia cruise terminal opening — (Credit: NCLH)

As part of the celebration, NCLH announced $50,000 in contributions to support communities across Great Philadelphia. The contributions are part of the company’s global Sail & Sustain program and its Strengthening Our Communities pillar, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting and investing in the communities where it lives, works, visits, and operates.

Of the $50,000, $20,000 will support Tinicum Township’s local fire department, and the remaining $30,000 will benefit three local Boys & Girls Clubs.

“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 at 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.”

The new cruise terminal supports Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ seven-year agreement with PhilaPort through March 31, 2033. Cruise operations at the new terminal are projected to generate about 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and nearly $300 million in annual economic output throughout Pennsylvania.

Norwegian Jewel is currently sailing from Philly through September 26, 2026. Norwegian Pearl will arrive to the city in November, offering five to 14-day sailings to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Canada/New England through April 2028.

As well, Norwegian Cruise Line recently unveiled new seven-day Bermuda and Atlantic Coast voyages from Philadelphia aboard Norwegian Gem in summer 2028.