KEY POINTS
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PhilaPort announced construction has begun on a 16-acre cruise terminal near Philadelphia Airport, set to open in April 2026 as the region’s newest cruise gateway.
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The project, in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and Energy Transfer, includes a seven-year berthing agreement with 41 annual sailings. It’s expected to create 2,185 jobs and $300M in annual economic output.
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As part of PhilaPort’s Destination 2040 plan, the terminal diversifies its cargo purpose to include tourism and leisure.
PhilaPort announced in a press release on December 2, 2025, that construction has begun on the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal. The 16-acre site in Tinicum Township is adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport and is expected to open as the region’s newest cruise gateway in April 2026.
The terminal’s inaugural season coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations, featuring Norwegian Cruise Line’s sailings to Bermuda and other destinations to highlight Philadelphia’s maritime heritage and modern culture.
Partnership and Development Details
PhilaPort stated that the nonresidential project originates from a collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and Energy Transfer Marketing and Terminals (ETMT), which finalized the sale of the former Hog Island Dock Terminal Facility.
PhilaPort will oversee marine-side improvements, while NCLH leads land-side construction of the terminal under a seven-year berthing agreement from April 15, 2026, to March 31, 2033.
A rendering of the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal before its construction. The 16-acre site in Tinicum Township is adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport and is expected to open as the region’s newest cruise gateway in April 2026. Image: PhilaPort
The agreement includes an initial commitment of 41 sailings per year as Philadelphia’s exclusive homeport for brands including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Expected Economic Impact
PhilaPort said that operations are projected to create 2,185 direct and indirect jobs, including construction jobs, and generate approximately $300 million in annual economic output for the Commonwealth.
Jeff Theobald, PhilaPort Executive Director and CEO, said, “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.”
Strategic Vision
PhilaPort, the Port of Philadelphia, is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, charged with managing, maintaining, marketing, and promoting port facilities along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, as well as strategic planning throughout the port district.
The cruise line-related construction advances the Destination 2040 strategic plan to diversify beyond cargo into tourism and leisure.
What’s Next
PhilaPort noted that more details on construction schedules, milestones, and amenities will follow as development progresses, positioning the facility as a convenient East Coast hub with airport access and ties to Philadelphia’s past and future.
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