The Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) announced it would begin construction on the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal, a site to serve as the region’s newest cruise travel gateway.
The PhilaPort Cruise terminal will sit on a 16-acre site adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport and will be ready for cruise travel by April 2026, officials said. As the country begins its celebration of the 250th anniversary, the city of Philadelphia will host a number of nationally significant events and tourism experiences. Norwegian Cruise Line will initiate seasonal sailing to Bermuda and other destinations in 2026, giving travelers a new way to experience the city’s maritime history and modern culture.
“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,” Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort, said. “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.”
The new terminal is possible through the coordinated efforts of PhilaPort, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Energy Transfer Marketing and Terminals (ETMT). The property, formerly known as the Hog Island Dock Terminal Facility in Tinicum Township, will be managed on the marine-side by PhilaPort, and by NCLH on the land-side construction and terminal development. The facility’s seven-year berthing agreement will run from April 15, 2026 through March 31, 2033, with NCHL’s cruise brands operating as Philadelphia’s exclusive homeport. The agreement guarantees NCLH with exclusive use of the port with an initial commitment of 41 sailings per year.
Cruise operations at the terminal are expected to generate more than 2,100 jobs and approximately $300 million in economic output throughout Pennsylvania.
“Together with PhilaPort, we’re expanding access to exceptional cruise experiences, connecting guests to world-class destinations with the convenience of sailing from a city rich in American history,” Daniel Farkas, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Development Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said. “As we prepare to launch in 2026, this terminal represents the next wave in our commitment to innovation, regional growth, and delivering an unmatched guest experience from ship to shore.”