UPDATE: A new cruise terminal is set to open next spring, bringing the first cruise ships to depart from the Philadelphia region in over a decade. The PhilaPort Cruise Terminal, adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport, will welcome its first passengers in April 2024, marking a significant revival for the city’s cruise industry.
This development comes as part of a groundbreaking agreement between the Port of Philadelphia and Norwegian Cruise Line, which aims to re-establish Philadelphia as a key player in the cruise sector. The city’s cruise operations have been dormant since 2011, but officials are optimistic about the future.
The new terminal will be constructed on a 16-acre site in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, purchased last month from Energy Transfer Marketing and Terminals for an undisclosed sum. Historically, this location served as a shipyard during World War I and later became part of the airport infrastructure.
Norwegian Cruise Line has committed to a seven-year berthing agreement, with a minimum of 41 sailings per year departing from Philadelphia through March 2033. The cruise line plans to operate voyages on the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jewel, each capable of carrying over 2,300 passengers. Destinations will include popular spots like Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and fall trips to New England and Canada.
“This terminal represents the next wave in our commitment to innovation, regional growth, and delivering an unmatched guest experience,” said Daniel Farkas, executive vice president at Norwegian Cruise Line.
The previous terminal located at the Navy Yard managed by the Delaware River Port Authority operated between 1998 and 2011, reaching a peak of 36 voyages in 2006. However, competition from neighboring ports and operational challenges led to a significant decline in cruise traffic.
PhilaPort spokesperson Sean Mahoney emphasized that the new terminal will cater to a market eager for cruise options. “We potentially could see many more cruises in Philadelphia,” he noted, highlighting the demand from local travelers.
As the city prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year, which coincides with major events like the World Cup and MLB All-Star Game, the return of cruises is expected to boost tourism significantly. The construction of the terminal is projected to create 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and generate approximately $300 million in annual economic output for Pennsylvania.
Norwegian Cruise Line will oversee land-side modifications, including expanding parking facilities, while PhilaPort manages marine improvements. The new terminal is designed to accommodate vessels with a passenger threshold of about 3,000 people, ensuring smooth navigation along the Delaware River.
As the cruise industry gears up for its return, other lines are also expected to consider Philadelphia as a homeport in the coming years. “There’s a whole market segment that we can handle here in Philadelphia,” Mahoney stated, underscoring the potential for further growth in the region’s cruise offerings.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting development unfolds!
