Norwegian Cruise Line will base a ship in Philadelphia in 2026.
The Norwegian Jewel will operate Philly cruises from April 16 through Oct. 17. It will sail seven- to nine-day cruises to Bermuda in the spring and summer, switching to 10- and 11-day open-jaw voyages to Canada and New England in the fall. (The Jewel will alternate homeports between Philadelphia and Quebec City in the fall.)
The Jewel will depart the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex. PhilaPort said capital improvements are underway "to ensure the seamless transfer of passengers from ship to shore and shore to ship."
The Norwegian Jewel's Bermuda itineraries will feature overnight calls at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Philadelphia closed its cruise port in 2011 after just two American Cruise Lines sailings departed the city that year. In 2005 and 2006, Philadelphia cruising reached its zenith with 32 and 36 departures, respectively. At the time, the Norwegian Majesty homeported in Philadelphia.