PhilaPort started the construction of a new cruise terminal at the Port of Philadelphia, according to a report on NBC Philadelphia.
The PhilaPort Cruise Terminal will be built on a 16-acre site adjacent to the Philadelphia International Airport.
The local news source said that the facility is expected to open in April 2026, ahead of the arrival of the Norwegian Jewel.
Marking Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia after 15 years, the ship will offer a series of cruises to Bermuda from the new cruise terminal during the upcoming summer.
“This is a unique opportunity, and we are fortunate to have two outstanding partners in Energy Transfer and Norwegian Cruise Line, both of whom see tremendous potential in Philadelphia,” said Jeff Theobald, PhilaPort executive director and CEO, in a statement shared with NBC.
“It took a lot of hard work to bring this agreement together, and Energy Transfer and Norwegian Cruise Line were committed every step of the way. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we are ready and excited to welcome cruise passengers this spring,” he added.
The report noted that Norwegian Cruise Line signed an agreement with PhilaPort that will run through March 2033.
As part of the deal, the company committed to offering 41 sailings from the Philadelphia homeport per year.
The new cruise terminal is expected to create 2,185 direct and indirect jobs, generating $300 million in economic input for the region.
“Philadelphia’s debut as our newest homeport marks a strategic milestone for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and our three award-winning brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” Daniel Farkas, executive vice president, general counsel and chief development officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, was quoted as saying.
“Together with PhilaPort, we’re expanding access to exceptional cruise experiences, connecting guests to world-class destinations with the convenience of sailing from a city rich in American history. As we prepare to launch in 2026, this terminal represents the next wave in our commitment to innovation, regional growth, and delivering an unmatched guest experience from ship to shore,” he added.
