Cruise industry returns to Philadelphia with Norwegian Jewel's inaugural sailing
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Cruise ships are once again departing from Philadelphia, marking a major milestone for the region as the Norwegian Jewel set sail on its inaugural voyage to Bermuda on Thursday.
The launch comes after a years-long effort to revive cruise service in the city, and nearly two decades since a cruise ship last operated regularly from Philadelphia.
"This is an exciting milestone for all of us at Norwegian Cruise Line as we officially return to Philadelphia after 17 years," said Jason Krimmel, Chief International Sales and Marketing Officer for Norwegian.
The ship docked early Thursday morning at the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal along the Delaware River, where passengers arriving from Miami disembarked and nearly 2,000 new passengers boarded for the Bermuda trip.
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State and city leaders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, toured the vessel ahead of its departure, calling the moment a turning point for the city.
"This is just the beginning. Coming this cruise season, PhilaPort and Norwegian Cruise Lines are gonna open up a brand new terminal to improve the cruise experience for passengers who are parking right in here in Philly," Shapiro said.
Parker highlighted the economic potential tied to the return of cruise operations.
"Today, 2,200 passengers stepped off the ship into Philadelphia and 1,900 more will board today on their way to Bermuda," Parker said. "We are estimating 2,100 new direct and indirect jobs with a potential for almost $295 million in economic impact in the city of Philadelphia. Yes, this is a big deal."
The new cruise service is expected to boost tourism and local businesses.
"More visitors traveling to the area, more economic activity supporting local businesses, more jobs and opportunities tied to tourism, hospitality and the port, and it means giving people in this region access to incredible vacation experiences right from their own backyard," Farkas said.
The terminal itself, located near Philadelphia International Airport, remains under construction after delays caused by harsh winter weather. In the meantime, passengers checked in at a nearby hotel before being transported by bus to the port.
"I was pleasantly surprised with how smooth it was, but it's Norwegian, so I figured they had it all covered, and sure enough, they did," said Brittany Delgado, a passenger from Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood.
Officials said the terminal project has been years in the making.
"It was four years in the making with a great partner, NCL, to obtain the land, rally the stakeholders, gain the funding, get the permit, construction, and as you can see... we still have a way to go," said Michael Pearson.
Pearson added that of the roughly 4,600 passengers moving through the terminal on Thursday, more than 600 were international travelers.
Beginning this spring, Norwegian Jewel will offer sailings to Bermuda, with additional trips to Canada and New England planned for the fall. Another ship, the Norwegian Pearl, is expected to take over operations in November.
Officials say construction will not disrupt scheduled cruises this year, as Philadelphia positions itself as a renewed hub for regional and international travel.
