PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia has been chosen as a new home port for a cruise line once again, starting in 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel plans to launch 24 cruises to Bermuda and Canada from Philadelphia beginning in April 2026. It’s the first time since 2011 that major cruise ships will sail directly out of Philadelphia.
“It’s a huge deal for us,” said Sean Mahoney, senior director of marketing at the Port of Philadelphia.
The Norwegian Jewel will dock on the eastern end of the Navy Yard, near Pier 122. Mahoney said the port has already started to dredge some of the river and build structures to process passengers on and off the ships.
“We want the pier to be an all-weather pier so that people are protected should any thunderstorms come up,” he added.
The port is also developing parking for 2,300 cars.
“It’s kind of a mantra in the cruise world: car to bar in 15 minutes. So we want that to happen here in Philadelphia,” said Mahoney.
By 2028, officials expect the revived cruise industry could create more than 2,000 jobs and generate more than $40 million in local and state tax revenue.
In a statement, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Norwegian’s new home port gives passengers from across the region another reason to visit Philadelphia’s waterfront.