Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is returning to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in 15 years.
As the city of Philadelphia celebrates a momentous year with the country’s 250th anniversary happening this summer, NCL has brought yet another significant milestone to this storied city with the return of the cruise industry.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region.”
Kazlauskas continued: “For the first time in over 15 years, travellers 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.”
To celebrate the historic milestone for Philadelphia, Norwegian Cruise Line hosted local officials aboard Norwegian Jewel for a special ceremony attended by local and state government authorities including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker; Tinicum Township Board President, Patrick McCarthy; as well as PhilaPort Board Chairman, Michael Pearson.
Governor Shapiro said: “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania is at the centre of the action – and I’m excited to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line as the newest addition to our Commonwealth’s fast-growing tourism industry.”
The Governor continued: “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 PhilaPort’s expansion, so we can create jobs, attract more visitors, and bring incredible offerings like cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line to the people of Pennsylvania.”
In collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, is currently building a brand-new terminal due to open this cruise season designed to welcome guests and facilitate an easy embarkation and disembarkation process.
Through Aug. 27, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail a curated lineup of Bermuda itineraries designed to showcase the destination’s charm, culture and natural beauty.
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 known for its rich maritime history.
For those seeking a longer escape, a nine-day voyage departing Aug. 27, 2026 features an extended overnight in Bermuda, plus calls to the Canadian ports of Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Kicking off the fall season, Norwegian Jewel will offer 10‑ and 11‑day Canada and New England itineraries from Sept. 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, with embarkation options from Philadelphia or Quebec City—giving guests the opportunity to extend their stay pre‑ or post‑cruise. Ideal for fall foliage viewing, these immersive sailings visit history‑rich and scenic destinations throughout Maine, Massachusetts, and Eastern Canada.
Beginning in late 2026, Norwegian Pearl® will replace Norwegian Jewel, offering a similar onboard experience while sailing from Philadelphia through April 2028—reinforcing NCL’s commitment to choice, convenience and thoughtfully curated travel experiences for the region. Norwegian Pearl will continue voyages to Bermuda as well as Canada and New England, while expanding offerings to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
Select Bahamas sailings in February and March 2027 will also visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island, featuring a new pool, family splash zone, adults‑only Vibe Shore Club, and — beginning summer 2026 — the nearly six‑acre Great Tides Waterpark with 19 waterslides, industry‑first cliffside jumps, Splash Cay, and the 800‑foot Wandering River, faster and more exhilarating than a typical lazy river.
Sail on over to www.ncl.com for more.
In the photo
Seen here, from l to r, are Dan Farkas, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of NCLH; Michael Pearson, PhilaPort Chairman; Marc Kazlauskas, President of NCL; Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker; Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Mikko Samuli Kovalainen, Captain of Norwegian Jewel; and Jeff Theobald, CEO of PhilaPort.
