NCLH and Philaport Celebrate Opening of New Philadelphia Cruise Terminal

​Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and PhilaPort celebrated the official opening of Philadelphia’s new cruise terminal.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, marked another milestone in the return of cruise operations to the city and reinforcing NCLH’s long-term commitment to the Greater Philadelphia region.

​The opening follows Norwegian Cruise Line’s historic return to Philadelphia earlier this year, when it became the first cruise line to sail from the city in more than 15 years. The completion of the permanent terminal establishes a dedicated home for cruise operations and builds on the long-term partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., PhilaPort and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As part of the celebration, NCLH announced $50,000 in contributions to support communities across Greater Philadelphia. The contributions are part of the company’s global Sail & Sustain® program and its Strengthening Our Communities pillar, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting and investing in the communities where it lives, works, visits and operates. Of the $50,000 contribution, $20,000 will support Tinicum Township’s local fire department, and remaining $30,000 will benefit three local Boys & Girls Clubs, helping support programs and resources for children and families across the region.

“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.”

The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, community partners and business stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the facility, which was designed to provide guests with a seamless embarkation and disembarkation experience.

“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. “Our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line will establish Philadelphia as a welcoming and accommodating destination for the cruise industry, attracting more visitors to our region, and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses across Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.”

The new cruise terminal supports Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ seven-year agreement with PhilaPort through March 31, 2033, reinforcing the company’s long-term presence in the market. Cruise operations at the new terminal are projected to generate approximately 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and nearly $300 million in annual economic output throughout Pennsylvania, supporting tourism, hospitality, transportation and other businesses across the region.

Norwegian Jewel is sailing now from Philadelphia through Sept. 26, 2026, with Norwegian Pearl arriving to the city in November 2026 offering voyages from five to 14 days to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Bahamas, as well as Canada and New England through April 2028. Norwegian Cruise Line recently unveiled new seven-day Bermuda and Atlantic Coast voyages from Philadelphia aboard Norwegian Gem in summer 2028—giving travelers throughout the Mid-Atlantic even more opportunities to vacation from their own backyard.