No longer will local travelers have to haul themselves up to New York or down to Baltimore to catch a world-class cruise.
The Norwegian Cruise Line PhilaPort terminal at Tinicum means Philadelphia’s cruising drought has ended, writes Meghann Foye for The News Tribune.
On April 16, the Norwegian Jewel made history as the first major cruise vessel to sail out of Philadelphia since 2011.
It was massively celebrated with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker on hand for the launch.
Not surprisingly, the return of cruise ships to our region means a suggested $295 million boost to the Commonwealth.
Locally, cruise operations will support thousands of “family-sustaining jobs” across the hospitality and port sectors, Cherelle said.
The region’s new slice of the cruising pie means travelers in Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Delaware can delete the cost of airfare, airport parking, and “day-before” hotel stays from their vacation budget.
The Norwegian Jewel will be busy through September, offering seven- to 11-day voyages to Bermuda and Canada-New England.
In November, her sister ship, the Norwegian Pearl, will take over the route through 2028.
Both ships underwent major refurbishments in late 2025.
Read more about what travelers can expect from the new Tinicum cruise terminal in The News Tribune.
