Set Sail from Philly: Norwegian Cruise Line Adds New Homeport and Bermuda Routes
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its 2026 itineraries, revealing that Philadelphia will serve as a new homeport from April through October.
The Norwegian Jewel will offer exciting Bermuda cruises from this historic city, marking the first time Norwegian has based a ship in Philadelphia.
Starting on April 16, 2026, the Norwegian Jewel will set sail on 7-9 night journeys to Bermuda, featuring overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard. This schedule allows passengers ample time to explore Bermuda’s renowned pink sand beaches.
The itinerary also includes a stop in Charleston, South Carolina, giving travelers a taste of its southern charm.
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, expressed excitement about the new homeport, stating, “We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories.
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.”
Additionally, the Norwegian Jewel will offer two special fall foliage cruises from Philadelphia to Quebec in September 2026. These 11-night voyages will visit ports like Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, and Sydney, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning autumn scenery along the New England and Canadian coasts.
Philadelphia’s port officials are thrilled with this new partnership. Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort, commented, “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 homeport will be a convenient option for Philadelphia’s 1.6 million residents and others in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Travelers will have the chance to explore Philadelphia’s rich history and vibrant culture before or after their cruise, visiting landmarks like Independence Hall, sampling authentic Philly cheesesteaks, and running up the famous “Rocky Steps.”
To prepare for these new voyages, a new cruise terminal is being developed at the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex, replacing the original terminal that closed in 2011. The new facility will be located just downriver from the SS United States at Pier 82.
The Norwegian Jewel, a 93,502-gross-ton ship, can accommodate 2,376 guests and approximately 1,100 international crew members.
Before arriving in Philadelphia, the ship will continue to offer Alaska itineraries from Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, followed by Caribbean cruises from Tampa and summer sailings from Boston.
Bookings for the 2026 Philadelphia voyages are now open, offering early deals for those eager to embark on a memorable cruise from this newly designated homeport.
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