Travelbiz E-Zine
18
July
2024

Norwegian Cruise Line will offer voyages out of Philadelphia in 2026

PhilaPort has this week announced that it will commence cruise operations in 2026, welcoming Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Norwegian Jewel®, which has the capacity to accommodate 2,330 guests, will homeport from Philadelphia from April 16 through Oct. 17, 2026, featuring 24 calls to the city.

During the summer 2026 season, Norwegian Jewel will offer seven-to-nine-day voyages to the island paradise of Bermuda. When the weather turns cooler, embarking from September 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail 10 and 11-day open-jaw voyages to Canada and New England. The ship will alternate homeports between Philadelphia and Quebec City featuring calls in quainter ports in the region like Saguenay, Charlottetown and Halifax, Canada in addition to well-known ports, such as Bar Harbor, Maine and Boston.

The economic impact from cruise vessels is significant. In launching cruise operations PhilaPort anticipates that if growth continues among this segment by 2028, this industry could generate over 2,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, and over $40 million in annual county and state tax revenue.

“The Port of Philadelphia plays a significant role in making our Commonwealth an economic leader on the global stage supporting thousands of local jobs and connecting millions of people with the best of what Philadelphia and the Commonwealth has to offer. Now, with the addition of Norwegian Cruise Line coming to the Port in 2026, millions of Pennsylvanians and passengers from across the region will have another reason to visit Philadelphia’s waterfront,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.

“With all eyes on Philadelphia as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Port will continue to help support and grow Philadelphia tourism to create economic opportunity for our region, workers, and businesses.”

As the birthplace of America, where the country was founded, Philadelphia has a large number of world-class attractions or sights to be seen. In addition, Philadelphia has a variety of ethnic neighbourhoods and famous cultural institutions.

In terms of economic impact, the industries that will gain the most from the new service include hotels and restaurants. Museums, historical sites, zoos and parks will also benefit, as will provisioning companies and transportation services.

“Twenty Twenty-Six is going to be a big year for the City of Philadelphia,” said Michael Pearson, Chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors. “We are celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday, hosting major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, the PGA’s 108th Championship, as well as NCAA March Madness games. NCL’s weekly cruises will add to the festivities and offer its guests a lot of fun things to see pre- and post-cruise!”

“Further expanding access to Philadelphia by welcoming cruise ships is a huge win for the city.” Said Gregg Caren, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor Bureau.

“Cruise service can offer many benefits to Philadelphia’s tourism economy, from basics like overnight stays in local hotels for cruise departure days, to adding options for international travellers while visiting Philadelphia. We are hopeful this opportunity will unlock further potential for the city’s tourism industry.”

The Port of Philadelphia is located in the heart of the richest consumer market in the world. Thirty million people live within 100 miles, or a two-hour drive, of the Port. Now people looking to take a cruise will not have to fly or travel long distances to embark on a voyage. Norwegian Jewel features a variety of accommodations options and amenities for guests to enjoy onboard including 16 dining options, 13 bars and lounges, world-class entertainment, and more.  Cruisers will now be able to set sail directly from PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Amazing half price mile/km package deals with Cruise America & Cruise Canada
    01st August 2025

    Amazing half price mile/km package deals with Cruise America & Cruise Canada

    Flexible Autos August Bank Holiday Offer. We’re revved up to bring you an EPIC August offer! For all new bookings made this month

    Read more
    Türkiye Sees Continued Rise in Irish Visitors in First Half of 2025
    01st August 2025

    Türkiye Sees Continued Rise in Irish Visitors in First Half of 2025

    Türkiye, the world’s 4th biggest incoming tourism market according to UN Tourism’s 2024 data, announced its tourism performance results for the first six months of 2025 at a press conference in ...

    Read more
    KIT LAUNCH – Wrexham AFC, Macron, and United Unveil New Third Kit Honouring Welsh Heritage in Patagonia
    31st July 2025

    KIT LAUNCH – Wrexham AFC, Macron, and United Unveil New Third Kit Honouring Welsh Heritage in Patagonia

    Wrexham AFC, Macron, and United have revealed the Club’s 2025/26 third kit - a striking tribute to the Welsh community in Patagonia on the 160th anniversary of the first settlers' arrival. Inspi...

    Read more
    daa secures €2.35 million in EU funding to advance sustainable transport at Dublin Airport
    31st July 2025

    daa secures €2.35 million in EU funding to advance sustainable transport at Dublin Airport

    daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, has received the first instalment of €2.35 million in funding from the European Commission this week under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Alt...

    Read more
    Join Us in Honouring Evan’s Legacy – “Evan’s World of Wonder” Fundraiser This September
    31st July 2025

    Join Us in Honouring Evan’s Legacy – “Evan’s World of Wonder” Fundraiser This September

    We’re reaching out to share something very special and close to our hearts. Some of you may or may not be aware but Lorraine Quinn MD of our sister brand The Travel Suite lost her precious and a...

    Read more
    Cancún is Calling – and Aer Lingus answered in style!
    30th July 2025

    Cancún is Calling – and Aer Lingus answered in style!

    The AerLingus team threw an unforgettable launch party at the vibrant 777 Mexican Restaurant in Dublin to celebrate the new direct service from Dublin to Cancún, taking off January 2026!
    T...

    Read more