From the brand new PhilaPort cruise terminal, travelers can venture off to Bermuda, the Bahamas and other destinations on the 2,344-guest Norwegian Pearl
On April 16, 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line became the first line to homeport and sail from Philadelphia in 15 years. The Norwegian Jewel began offering voyages to Bermuda from a temporary facility while the new cruise terminal, PhilaPort, was being completed. On August 27, PhilaPort opened with a special ceremony.
Norwegian Cruise Line hosted Philadelphia officials, including Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, for the ribbon cutting at PhilaPort. Earlier that morning, the Norwegian Jewel had docked there.
Mark Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said, “Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region.”
He added, “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 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.”
PhilaPort occupies a 16-acre site adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport. Originally, the port had been scheduled to open in spring 2026, but severe winter conditions impacted the build-out.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises to Bermuda from the new PhilaPort.
Norwegian Sailings from Philadelphia
The 2,368-passenger Norwegian Jewel, which began her season sailing to Bermuda and Canada/New England in April, offered her last sailing from PhilaPort on September 26. Starting in November 2026, the 2,344-passenger Norwegian Pearl will begin sailing from PhilaPort, offering 7-day cruises to Bermuda and other destinations, including the Bahamas and Jacksonville. Caribbean sailings will be available through 2028.
Diverse Dining Options
The Norwegian Jewel has 13 restaurants onboard. Complimentary dining options include the following:
- Azura and Tsar’s Palace, the main dining restaurants
- O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, open 24 hours
- Garden Cafe – buffet dining
- The Great Outdoors, an outdoor buffet
- Topsiders Bar & Grill
Specialty restaurants, which have a cover charge, include:
- Cagney’s Steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, a Japanese grill
- La Cucina – Italian cuisine
- Le Bistro – French cuisine
- Chin Chin – Asian cuisine
- Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse
- Sushi
Norwegian Pearl
The Norwegian Pearl has 14 restaurants. Besides the main dining restaurants, complimentary dining includes:
- Topsiders – casual dining, from grilled burgers to English-style fish and chips; located on Deck 12
- O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill – classic pub fare with dishes like fish n’ chips and Reuben sandwiches
- Sky High Bar & Grill – a colorful, hot-air balloon-themed grill providing great sea views and ocean breezes
Specialty dining (with cover charge) on the Norwegian Pearl includes:
- Cagney’s Steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, a Japanese grill
- La Cucina – Italian cuisine
- Le Bistro – French cuisine
- Lotus Garden – Asian fusion
- Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse
- Sushi
Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar
Diverse Entertainment, Lounges and Bars
The Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl both have 17 bars and lounges, plus eight entertainment options. On the Norwegian Pearl, lounges and bars include:
- Atrium Bar
- Sugarcane Mojito Bar
- Bliss Ultra Lounge
- Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar
- Corona Cigar Club
- Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar
- Spinnaker Lounge
- Shaker’s Martini & Champagne Bar
- Starbucks®
- The Great Outdoors Bar
Among the eight entertainment options on the Norwegian Pearl are:
- Deal or No Deal – an exhilarating show where contestants play and deal for cash
- Wheel of Fortune – from Hollywood to the high seas, guests can experience this new interactive game show
- Fusion –a Latin ballroom with pop hits and passion infused into one thrilling night
- Famous Riffs – a game show pitting two teams that go head-to-head in music trivia, battling it out in rounds, all powered by the electrifying house band, The Riffs
- Stardust Theater – Broadway and Las Vegas-style shows before and after dinner
- The Broadway Cabaret: Rock Edition – featuring Norwegian Pearl production vocalists and percussionists
Why Groups Should Consider Sailing from PhilaPort
PhilaPort is brand new and adjacent to the Philadelphia airport. Your group can choose from diverse itineraries offered year-round by Norwegian Cruise Line.
Reimagine your adventures at sea and sail for unrivaled experiences – start charting your new path with our Cruise Guide.
By Cindy Bertram
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
