Credit: Submitted
Philadelphia-area residents looking to cruise out of Philadelphia will have more chances starting next year.
Construction has officially begun on the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal, a new 16-acre site adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport that is set to open in April 2026.
The new terminal will serve as a gateway for cruise travelers, commencing operations during a historic year for the city and the nation as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. The timing is designed to coincide with numerous significant events and tourism experiences planned for Philadelphia in 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line will launch its seasonal sailings, offering trips to Bermuda and other destinations from the new facility.
PhilaPort Executive Director and CEO Jeff Theobald praised the effort that brought the project to fruition.
“This is a unique opportunity, and we are fortunate to have two outstanding partners in Energy Transfer and Norwegian Cruise Line, both of whom see tremendous potential in Philadelphia,” Theobald said. “It took a lot of hard work to bring this agreement together, and Energy Transfer and Norwegian Cruise Line were committed every step of the way.”
The development is a collaboration between PhilaPort, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), and Energy Transfer Marketing and Terminals (ETMT).
The partnership cleared the way for redevelopment after PhilaPort and ETMT finalized an agreement of sale for the site, formerly known as the Hog Island Dock Terminal Facility in Tinicum Township, Delaware County.
Under the arrangement, PhilaPort will manage all marine-side improvements, while NCLH will oversee land-side construction and development of the terminal.
The new terminal is expected to generate big time economic benefits, including a projected 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and approximately $300 million in annual economic output throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
NCLH, which includes the brands Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has secured a seven-year berthing agreement that makes it Philadelphia’s exclusive homeport.
The agreement runs from April 15, 2026, through March 31, 2033, with an initial commitment of 41 sailings per year.
“Philadelphia’s debut as our newest homeport marks a strategic milestone for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and our three award-winning brands,” said Daniel S. Farkas, executive vice president and general counsel and chief development officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. He added that the terminal represents the company’s “commitment to innovation, regional growth, and delivering an unmatched guest experience from ship to shore.”
Michael Pearson, chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors, noted that the facility fulfills a key objective in the authority’s strategic plan, Destination 2040, to transition PhilaPort into a more diverse, multi-faceted port.
“This facility reflects the broader vision for both the city and the port, opening the door to a new chapter of tourism and leisure in Philadelphia,” Pearson said.
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