by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:30 PM ET, Wed April 8, 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line is offering cruises from Philadelphia this year, with Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl scheduled to ferry travelers to Bermuda, French Canada and beyond starting later this month.
In anticipation of its return to Philadelphia, the company has been building a new, permanent, cruise-specific terminal at PhilaPort.
The company says the project is progressing, however, construction is taking longer than anticipated due to adverse weather conditions in the Philadelphia area this winter. It won’t be ready in time for Norwegian Jewel’s first scheduled departure on April 16, though the cruise will go on as planned.
“As a result, the embarkation process for the initial sailings will operate from a nearby hotel while final development work is being completed, supported by operational plans designed to ensure a smooth guest experience,” according to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line.
The company has shared embarkation and disembarkation details with impacted guests and travel advisors. Check-in will take place inside the ballroom of the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, with complimentary shuttles transporting all embarking guests from the hotel to the pier.
“We're excited to return to Philadelphia and restart cruising from the destination for the first time in many years,” the company wrote in its April 1 message to guests and advisors. “It's a milestone we're incredibly proud of, and we are looking forward to opening up cruising to the broader Mid-Atlantic region.”
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