Say goodbye to flying to Florida for cruising! PhilaPort has officially broken ground on the city’s brand-new cruise terminal, a 16-acre facility set to open next April 2026. Located adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport in Tinicum Township, this terminal promises to bring world-class cruise experiences to the region while boosting the local economy and creating jobs.
Families, first-time cruisers, and seasoned travelers alike will soon be able to sail from Philadelphia to destinations including Bermuda and beyond…all while enjoying the city’s rich maritime history.
“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,” said Jeff Theobald, PhilaPort Executive Director and CEO.
“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. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we are ready and excited to welcome cruise passengers this spring.”
🛳️ When does the cruise terminal open?
The PhilaPort Cruise Terminal is slated to welcome its first passengers in April 2026.
Its inaugural season coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary, making this launch a historic moment for Philadelphia tourism. Norwegian Cruise Line will operate the terminal as the city’s exclusive homeport under a seven-year agreement, offering 41 sailings per year.
⛵︎ How to sail from Philly
Passengers can look forward to convenient airport access and state-of-the-art facilities. Norwegian Cruise Line’s brands—including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—will provide seamless embarkation and luxury cruise experiences. From city sightseeing before departure to relaxing onboard, travelers will enjoy a full-service vacation right from Philly’s doorstep.
See the available itineraries here.
🔥 What this means for the region
The terminal is expected to generate over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and $300 million in annual economic output. Beyond cruising, the project aligns with PhilaPort’s Destination 2040 strategic plan, diversifying the port’s offerings and expanding Philadelphia’s tourism footprint.
“The PhilaPort Cruise Terminal will help fulfill a key commitment in our strategic plan, Destination 2040, to make PhilaPort a multi-faceted port rather than one focused solely on cargo. 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,” said Michael Pearson, Chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors.
🚢 An exciting and accessible cruise terminal
Passengers can expect an immersive experience that celebrates both Philly’s storied past and its vibrant modern culture.
With construction underway and partnerships secured, Philly is on track to offer one of the East Coast’s most accessible and exciting terminals—just in time for a landmark anniversary year.
Passengers can follow updates on construction, amenities, and sailing schedules directly through PhilaPort as the terminal prepares to launch.
Get ready to Cruise Philly First in 2026.
Bon Voyage 🛳️