Philadelphia Begins Work on New Cruise Terminal for NCL

The Port of Philadelphia has officially broken ground on the long-anticipated PhilaPort Cruise Terminal, a development that will establish the city as a new homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Located within the SouthPort Marine Terminal complex, the terminal marks a major step toward positioning Philadelphia as a regular departure point for cruises to the Caribbean, Canada/New England and Bermuda. The facility is being built at the site of the former historic Hog Island Dock Terminal.

The project follows a seven-year berthing agreement between PhilaPort and Norwegian Cruise Line, running from April 15, 2026 through March 31, 2033. Under the agreement, NCL has committed to operating at least 41 sailings per year, giving Philadelphia a substantial presence in the East Coast cruise market.

Construction duties are divided between the two partners:

• Norwegian Cruise Line will oversee all land-side components, including check-in areas, security facilities and guest service operations.
• The Port of Philadelphia will be responsible for marine-side upgrades such as pier refurbishment, berthing structures and waterside logistics.

PhilaPort estimates that the new cruise terminal will contribute more than $300 million in economic output each year. The project is also expected to generate over 2,100 jobs, spanning construction, stevedoring, tourism, hospitality and transportation throughout the region.