Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel sailed from the Port of Philadelphia on April 16, 2026, making her the first ship to embark from the port in 15 years with Tony and the lovely Jenny B onboard.
“Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For the first time in over 15 years, travelers in the Mid-Atlantic area will once again be able to sail from their own backyard with us to experience everything NCL is known for. With Norwegian Jewel leading our reintroduction and Norwegian Pearl following her later this year, we’re proud to bring our signature freedom and flexibility back to this incredible city and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests know and love.”
To celebrate the occasion, Norwegian Jewel welcomed Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Tinicum Township Board President Patrick McCarthy, and PhilaPort Board Chairman Michael Pearson for a special ceremony where the ship’s captain was presented with a replica of the Liberty Bell.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania is at the center of the action – and I’m excited to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line as the newest addition to our Commonwealth’s fast-growing tourism industry,” said Governor Shapiro.
Parent company Norwegian Cruise LIne Holdings Ltd., along with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township are working together to build a brand-new cruise terminal to streamline the embarkation and disembarkation process for passengers.
“This is a defining moment for The Port of Philadelphia,” said PhilaPort Executive Director & CEO Jeff Theobald. “The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Jewel signals the beginning of a new chapter for our port, our city, and the entire region.
The return to the Port of Philadelphia provides another great homeport option for Mid-Atlantic passengers. This first sailing is a 7-day roundtrip Bermuda voyage with an overnight call at Kings Wharf in Bermuda and a stop in Charleston, South Carolina. Norwegian Jewel will sail from Philadelphia to Bermuda through August 2026, when she will begin offering fall foliage sailings to Canada and New England. In November, Norwegian Pearl will replace Norwegian Jewel at PhilaPort and offer itineraries to Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Tony explored Philadelphia before he board the ship and here are 3 Things He Learned Pre-Cruise.
Continue to follow along with Tony and the lovely Jenny B at La Lido Loca Cruising on their group cruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel.
If you’d like to join them on a group cruise, you can view the details and reserve your spot with Where’s Walter Travel LLC. Group space is limited, so check it out today!