NCL Returns to Philly; First Cruise Line to Sail in 15 Years
by Marsha Mowers
LtR: 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.
Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in 15 years.
The return is timed with the country’s 250th anniversary happening this summer. NCL 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.
“Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For the first time in over 15 years, travelers 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.”
Norwegian Cruise Line hosted local officials aboard Norwegian Jewel today 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.
Beginning in late 2026, Norwegian Pearl® will replace Norwegian Jewel, offering a similar onboard experience while sailing from Philadelphia through April 2028.
Through Aug. 27, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail a curated lineup of Bermuda itineraries, with seven-day sailings include an overnight at the Royal Naval Dockyard, along with a visit to either Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. 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.
Guests can extend their journey ashore with NCL’s Cruisetours, immersive land experiences led by local experts. Available on select Norwegian Jewel sailings this year, the Philadelphia Cruisetour features guided visits to iconic sites including Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Carpenter’s Hall, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, along with time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
