Norwegian Cruise Line will be the first line to commence sailing from Philadelphia, with the city announcing plans to develop a new facility to welcome cruise-goers by 2026

The line’s Norwegian Jewel will operate a seven-to-nine-day itinerary to Bermuda from the Port of Philadelphia from 16 April 2026, which will include overnight calls in the destination’s Royal Naval Dockyard.

NCL will also sail immersive 10- and 11-day Canada and New England itineraries, alternating embarkation ports between Philadelphia and Québec City.

David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region.”

Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort, added: “The Port of Philadelphia is extremely excited to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world’s premier cruise lines.

“Philadelphia has so much to offer, as the birthplace of freedom and the home to much of our nation’s history, we look forward to connecting cruisers with our world-class city. This new service rounds out the portfolio of services offered at PhilaPort, and we look forward to this next phase of growth.”