Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, PhilaPort, and local officials held a ribbon-cutting for Philadelphia’s new cruise terminal on August 27, 2026.
- The new terminal is now where Norwegian Jewel docks and will support Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem in future deployments.
- NCLH donated $20,000 to the local fire department and $30,000 to local Boys & Girls Clubs to support the community where they now homeport.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), PhilaPort, and the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania celebrated the official opening of the city’s new cruise terminal on Thursday, August 27, 2026 with a ribbon-cutting and other festivities.
State and local leaders, cruise line executives, community partners, and business stakeholders were all present for the historic moment, strengthening the commitment Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings made to the City of Brotherly Love when it returned to homeport from Philadelphia.
Norwegian Jewel was the first cruise ship to depart from the city in more than 15 years. Cruise Hive reported on her first voyage from the city, which set sail on April 16, 2026. However, the terminal was not yet complete, so guests had to check in at a local hotel.
Now, the new permanent cruise terminal at 4 Atlantic Avenue will make it easier for cruise guests to use the homeport and strengthens the long-term relationship between NCLH, PhilaPort, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The new cruise terminal is designed for a seamless guest experience. Ground was first broken on the 16-acre project on December 1, 2025 and is expected to support 2,185 jobs and generate roughly $300 million annually for the state’s overall economy.
“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.
It is hoped that the new terminal and cruise vacation options will bring more tourists to the city for longer stays, creating even more economic impact that will benefit the area.
NCLH has a 7-year agreement with the port that will run through March 31, 2033. The 2,368-guest Norwegian Jewel is homeported from Philadelphia through September 26, 2026, offering 6-, 8-, and 9-night sailings.
The autumn itineraries are one-way Canada and New England voyages between Philadelphia and Quebec City that will showcase stunning foliage as well as outstanding ports of call.
Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest (2027-1998)
In November 2026, the 2,344-guest Norwegian Pearl will arrive in Philadelphia to begin sailings from 5-14 days that include itineraries to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Canada and New England through April 2028. In Summer 2028, Norwegian Gem will arrive for 7-day Bermuda and Atlantic Coast voyages for even more variety from the homeport.
Cruise Port Creating Community Bonds
The new cruise terminal is more than just a facility, it’s part of the local community and NCLH takes great pride in connecting to the communities where its ships are homeported.
“Today we celebrate being part of this community,” said Daniel Farkas, EVP, Chief Development Officer and General Counsel 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.”
Farkas’ comments coincide with a $50,000 donation from NCLH to support the local community. Of that donation, $20,000 will support Tinicum Township’s local fire department, while $30,000 is earmarked for three local Boys & Girls Clubs to serve families and children in the region.
