The Norwegian Jewel departed from its Tinicum terminal around 4 PM on April 16 with its passengers bound for Bermuda and beyond, writes Cherise Lynch for NBC 10 Philadelphia.
The voyage out of Philadelphia marks the first time a cruise ship has docked in the Philadelphia area in 15 years.
Norwegian Jewel, part of Norwegian Cruise Lines, arrived early in the morning at the PhilaPort cruise terminal, built on 16 acres next to the Philadelphia International Airport in Tinicum.
“The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Jewel signals the beginning of a new chapter for our port, our city, and the entire region,” said PhilaPort Executive Director and CEO Jeff Theobald in a statement.
The new port is expected to create 2,185 new jobs and generate $300 million in economic output for Pennsylvania.
PA Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker were scheduled to appear Thursday for a special onboard ceremony and presentation that included other municipal officials, industry partners, and stakeholders.
The Norwegian Jewel will offer voyages to Bermuda this summer.
In cooler months, the ship will sail to Canada and New England.
Read more about the departure of Philadelphia’s first cruise ship in 15 years at NBC 10 Philadelphia.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published on DELCO.Today in April 2026.
