NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE BRINGS CRUISE BACK TO PHILADELPHIA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS | News
Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, announced its highly anticipated return to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line in 15 years to sail from the city. As the city of Philadelphia celebrates a momentous year this summer with the nation’s 250th anniversary, NCL has brought another major milestone to this storied city with the return of the cruise industry.
“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 more than 15 years, travelers in the Mid-Atlantic region will once again be able to sail with us from their own backyard to experience everything NCL is known for. With Norwegian Jewel leading our relaunch and Norwegian Pearl following suit later this year, we are proud to bring our signature freedom and flexibility back to this incredible city and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests know and love.”
To celebrate the historic milestone for Philadelphia, Norwegian Cruise Line hosted local officials aboard Norwegian Jewel® for a special ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2026, attended by local and state governments, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker; Tinicum Township Board of Directors Chairman Patrick McCarthy; as well as PhilaPort chairman Michael Pearson.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania is at the center of the action – and I am thrilled 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 the expansion of PhilaPort so we can create jobs, attract more visitors and bring incredible deals like Norwegian Cruise Line cruises to Pennsylvanians.”
In collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is building (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, currently has a brand new terminal opening this cruise season, designed to welcome guests and facilitate an easy boarding and disembarking process.
“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 marks the beginning of a new chapter for our port, our city and the entire region. As we grow beyond cargo operations, this new cruise service strengthens our position as a gateway to global travel and commerce, while making a meaningful economic impact for Pennsylvania.”
SUNNY ESCAPES AND BEAUTIFUL GETAWAYS
Philadelphia’s convenient location makes it an ideal gateway for Mid-Atlantic travelers. Through August 27, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail a curated series of Bermuda itineraries designed to showcase the destination’s charm, culture and natural beauty. Seven-day sailings include an overnight stay at the Royal Naval Dockyard, along with a visit to Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, known for its rich maritime history. For those looking for a longer escape, a nine-day trip departing August 27, 2026 includes an extended overnight stay in Bermuda, plus calls to the Canadian ports of Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia. To kick off the fall season, Norwegian Jewel will offer 10- and 11-day itineraries to Canada and New England from September 5 through October 7, 2026, with embarkation options from Philadelphia or Quebec City, giving guests the option to extend their stay before or after the cruise. Ideal for autumn foliage viewing, these immersive sailings visit historic and scenic destinations in Maine, Massachusetts and Eastern Canada.
Beginning in late 2026, Norwegian Pearl® will replace Norwegian Jewel and offer a similar onboard experience when sailing from Philadelphia through April 2028, reinforcing NCL’s commitment to choice, convenience and curated travel experiences for the region. Norwegian Pearl will continue its voyages to Bermuda, Canada and New England, while expanding offerings to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Select Bahamas sailings in February and March 2027 will also visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norway’s private island, with a new swimming pool, a family splash zone, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club and – from summer 2026 – the two-acre Great Tides Waterpark with 19 water slides, the industry’s first cliff jumps, Splash Cay and the 800-foot Wandering River, which is faster and faster. more exciting than a typical lazy river.
BEFORE OR AFTER – THE BIG CITY PHILADELPHIA WAITS
Guests can extend their shore journey with NCL’s Cruisetours, immersive land experiences led by local experts that highlight the history, landscape and culinary traditions of each destination, while maintaining the brand’s signature freedom and flexibility. Available on select Norwegian Jewel sailings this year, the Philadelphia Cruisetour offers guided visits to iconic locations including 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 for an enriching introduction to the city before boarding.
ABOUT NORWEGIAN JEWEL AND NORWEGIAN PEARL
With a capacity for more than 2,300 guests, the newly renovated Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl feature a range of accommodations from interior cabins and balconies to elevated suites in The Haven by Norwegian®, NCL’s ship-within-a-ship concept. A range of world-class dining options, bars and entertainment mean guests can easily create their ideal holiday, while the award-winning Mandara Spa and Salon features a thermal suite complete with a thalassotherapy pool, steam room and sauna for ultimate relaxation. Aboard Norwegian Jewel, guests can also enjoy the recently added Vibe Beach Club, NCL’s popular adults-only outdoor oasis. Together, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl provide the freedom and flexibility guests seek when planning their dream vacation.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning fleet of 21 ships and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
