Philly's new cruise port is ready for prime time
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The Norwegian Jewel docks in Philadelphia before a recent voyage. Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Philadelphia now has its very own cruise terminal.
Why it matters: It brings a big new industry to Philly, primed to draw thousands of tourists, create jobs and generate an estimated $300 million in statewide economic output annually.
The big picture: There's no better time to get into the cruise business.
- After a record year in 2025, the industry continues to grow, Axios' Kelly Tyko reports. Spending on cruises rose across all income groups during the first four months of this year — while flights and hotels saw some spending dip.
- Plus: Cruises are one of the travel industry's most resilient sectors.
Driving the news: The Cruise Ship Terminal will serve as the homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line, allowing passengers to embark from and return to Philly.
- Location: On the Delaware River next to the Philadelphia International Airport in what is technically Delaware County's Tinicum Township.
- Cost to build: More than $60 million.
- The terminal is a partnership between the Port of Philadelphia and the Norwegian Cruise Line's parent company.
State of play: City and state officials will gather at the new terminal at 11am Thursday for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Meanwhile, 20 cruises have already departed from Philly while construction of the terminal has faced delays.
- The Norwegian Jewel made its inaugural call in Philly in April, marking the return of cruise service for the first time in more than 15 years.
- While construction was ongoing, cruisegoers had to use a shuttle to get to the terminal. Going forward, passengers can go directly to the terminal for check-in and luggage drop-off.
🧳 Plan your trip: Cruise destinations include Bermuda, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Canada and New England on the Norwegian Jewel or Pearl.
- Then in the summer of 2028, voyages on the Norwegian Gem will add destinations to Bermuda and the Atlantic Coast.
By the numbers: Norwegian has committed to running at least 41 annual sailings out of Philly through 2033.
- The Philly cruise terminal is projected to generate roughly 2,150 direct and indirect jobs, per the PhilaPort.
Worth noting: The new terminal has the potential to draw additional cruise lines to Philly.
Between the lines: The return of cruises to Philly could boost local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
- That's because passengers are encouraged to arrive in the region a day or two before their voyage sets sail.
What they're saying: Martin O'Rourke, a PhilaPort spokesperson, tells Axios that the new terminal "puts Philadelphia on the map in the cruise industry."
- "It shows that we are a key market along the East Coast for passengers to enjoy," he added. "Additionally, it stands to be an economic engine for the region."