The Norwegian Jewel is currently offering itineraries to Bermuda, Canada, and New England from this Northeast port
NEED TO KNOW
- Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel launched service from Philadelphia to Bermuda, Canada, and New England after 15 years
- The reintroduction of cruising to Philadelphia is expected to generate 2,185 jobs and $300 million in annual economic output for Pennsylvania
- A new terminal near Philadelphia International Airport is under construction to support expanded cruise operations
Cruising has returned to one Northeast city after 15 years — and it's not on the ocean!
On the morning of Thursday, April 16, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel arrived in Philadelphia and launched service to Bermuda, Canada, and New England.
“This is a defining moment for the Port of Philadelphia,” said PhilaPort Executive Director and CEO Jeff Theobald in a statement.
“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. As we continue to grow beyond cargo operations, this new cruise service strengthens our position as a gateway to global travel and commerce while delivering meaningful economic impact for Pennsylvania.”
While Philadelphia isn't directly on the coast, it has access to the Atlantic via the Delaware River and Delaware Bay south of New Jersey.
Credit: Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty
From now through Aug. 27, 2026, the Norwegian Jewel will sail a lineup of Bermuda itineraries. Seven-day sailings include an overnight at the Royal Naval Dockyard, along with a visit to either Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
In the fall, Norwegian Jewel will offer 10 and 11‑day Canada and New England itineraries from Sep. 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, with embarkation options from Philadelphia or Quebec City—allowing guests the opportunity to extend their stay pre- or post-cruise.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
To celebrate the milestone, PhilaPort and Norwegian Cruise Line hosted a special ceremony aboard the ship, with appearances from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Norwegian Cruise Line is currently building a brand-new terminal due to open this cruise season that will be located adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport. The project is a collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township.
The port says the reintroduction of cruising to Philadelphia is projected to generate 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and approximately $300 million in annual economic output throughout the state.
“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.”
Currently, there are two major cruise ports serving New York City as well as one in Baltimore.
Built in 2005 and refurbished in 2025, the Norwegian Jewel can host up to 2,300 guests and has a variety of amenities for cruisers, including spas, restaurants, and lounges.
Norwegian Cruise Line says it plans to expand service in Philadelphia with additional sailings and future deployments. Beginning in late 2026, Norwegian Pearl will replace the Jewel, offering a similar onboard experience while sailing from Philadelphia through April 2028.
Read the full article here
