Norwegian Cruise Line Philadelphia Cruises 2026

Published: February 13, 2026
Philadelphia skyline with a cruise ship docked at the waterfront cruise terminal

Table of Contents

2026 Philadelphia Cruise Quick Facts

  • Total Sailings: 28 departures from Philadelphia Cruise Terminal
  • Ships: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl
  • Destinations: Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean
  • Durations: 5-11 days
  • Peak Seasons: May-August (Bermuda via Charleston), November-December (Caribbean)
  • Terminal: Philadelphia Cruise Terminal

Compare prices on all 2026 Philadelphia cruises →

In a landmark move for 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its inaugural season from Philadelphia, making the City of Brotherly Love a brand new embarkation port. With 28 sailings spread across two ships from April through December, NCL brings convenient no-fly cruise vacations to the Mid-Atlantic region.

Find the best prices on these sailings using our Norwegian Cruise Line deal finder or sign up for deal alerts to get notified when prices drop.

Season Highlights

Our analysis of 28 unique sailings reveals an impressive inaugural schedule that spans mid-April through late December. Norwegian Jewel opens the season in April, delivering weekly Bermuda sailings enhanced with a Charleston stop through the end of August, followed by two scenic Canada/New England repositioning voyages in September. Norwegian Pearl then picks up the schedule in November with direct Bermuda service and Caribbean itineraries that carry the season through the holidays. This two-ship deployment means Philadelphia cruisers can enjoy diverse destinations from spring through winter in NCL's very first year at this port.

Why Choose No-Fly Cruises from Philadelphia?

These drive-to cruises from the Mid-Atlantic offer unmatched convenience for travelers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and beyond. Simply arrive at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal — no airport security lines, no baggage fees, and no risk of missed flight connections. These no-fly cruises from Philadelphia let you start your vacation the moment you leave home, with Philadelphia cruise terminal departures easily accessible via I-95, I-76, or the New Jersey Turnpike. For families and groups, the drive-to cruises Mid-Atlantic option eliminates the complexity of coordinating multiple airline tickets. Philadelphia's central location along the Northeast Corridor also makes it reachable by Amtrak or regional rail for travelers who prefer not to drive, opening up cruise access to a massive population center that previously had no local NCL sailing options.

Compare current prices on all Philadelphia cruises to find your perfect sailing.

Destination Breakdown

Bermuda via Charleston (Spring/Summer) - The signature itinerary of Philadelphia's inaugural season pairs Bermuda with a stop in historic Charleston, South Carolina. Norwegian Jewel operates these 7-day round-trip sailings weekly from mid-April through late August, visiting Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda and Charleston. This two-port combination offers the turquoise waters and pink sand beaches of Bermuda alongside Charleston's celebrated food scene, antebellum architecture, and Southern hospitality.

Direct Bermuda (Late Fall/Winter) - Norwegian Pearl offers a streamlined Bermuda experience in November and December with 5- and 7-day round-trip sailings direct to Royal Naval Dockyard. Without the Charleston stop, these itineraries maximize time in Bermuda itself, ideal for travelers seeking a focused island getaway during the cooler months.

Canada & New England Fall Foliage - Two 11-day one-way voyages depart in September, sailing from Philadelphia to Quebec City. These sailings visit an extraordinary range of Maritime and New England ports including Charlottetown, Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Boston, Saint John, Saguenay (La Baie), and Bar Harbor. Perfectly timed for peak autumn colors, these repositioning cruises offer a once-in-a-season opportunity to experience the full sweep of the northeastern coastline.

Caribbean (Holiday Season) - Norwegian Pearl rounds out the year with Caribbean itineraries departing in late November and December. These 10- and 11-day voyages visit the Eastern Caribbean including Tortola, St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Plata, and on the holiday sailing, Philipsburg (St. Maarten). These longer itineraries provide a warm-weather escape during the holiday season directly from Philadelphia's doorstep.

Month-by-Month Philadelphia Cruise Calendar for 2026

April 2026

Philadelphia's inaugural NCL cruise season launches in mid-April with three weekly Bermuda sailings aboard Norwegian Jewel. Departures on April 16th, 23rd, and 30th all feature the 7-day round-trip itinerary visiting Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda and Charleston, South Carolina. As the first-ever NCL sailings from this port, these April departures mark a historic milestone for Mid-Atlantic cruising. Spring weather in Bermuda is pleasant and warming, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months.

Ships: Norwegian Jewel Destinations: Bermuda Duration: 7 days

May 2026

May brings a full month of weekly Bermuda departures with four sailings on May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. Norwegian Jewel continues the 7-day Bermuda-and-Charleston itinerary, with Bermuda's weather growing warmer and ideal for beach days and snorkeling. The Memorial Day weekend departure on May 28th is well-positioned for families and travelers looking to kick off the summer season with a week at sea.

Ships: Norwegian Jewel Destinations: Bermuda Duration: 7 days

June 2026

Summer cruising heats up with four weekly departures on June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th. Norwegian Jewel maintains its consistent 7-day Bermuda-with-Charleston schedule, now sailing into Bermuda's warmest and most vibrant season. June offers long daylight hours perfect for exploring Royal Naval Dockyard, swimming at Horseshoe Bay, and strolling Charleston's cobblestone streets. School letting out mid-month makes the later June sailings especially popular with families.

Ships: Norwegian Jewel Destinations: Bermuda Duration: 7 days

July 2026

The peak summer month delivers five weekly sailings — the busiest month of the season — with departures on July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Norwegian Jewel continues its 7-day Bermuda-Charleston rotation, sailing during prime vacation season. The July 2nd departure coincides with the Independence Day holiday weekend, while the full five-week lineup provides maximum flexibility for summer vacation planning.

Ships: Norwegian Jewel Destinations: Bermuda Duration: 7 days

August 2026

August wraps up the peak Bermuda season with four sailings on August 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. The first three follow the standard 7-day Bermuda-and-Charleston itinerary, but the August 27th departure extends to 9 days — the longest Bermuda sailing of the season — offering extra sea days to enjoy Norwegian Jewel's onboard amenities. Late August sailings provide a final chance to soak up summer warmth in Bermuda before the ship transitions to fall itineraries.

Ships: Norwegian Jewel Destinations: Bermuda Duration: 7-9 days

September 2026

September marks a dramatic shift as Norwegian Jewel pivots to two spectacular 11-day Canada & New England repositioning voyages departing September 5th and 26th. These one-way sailings from Philadelphia to Quebec City chart a course through the best of the northeastern seaboard: Charlottetown, Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Boston, Saint John, Saguenay (La Baie), and Bar Harbor. Timed perfectly for fall foliage season, these sailings showcase autumn colors across Maritime Canada and coastal New England. With only two departures available, these are among the most distinctive sailings of the inaugural season.

Ships: Norwegian Jewel Destinations: Canada & New England Duration: 11 days

November 2026

After a brief October pause, Norwegian Pearl arrives to carry the season through winter. November features three sailings beginning with two 7-day direct Bermuda round-trips departing November 14th and 21st — a streamlined itinerary without the Charleston stop, heading straight to Royal Naval Dockyard. The month concludes with a 10-day Caribbean voyage departing November 28th, visiting Tortola, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Puerto Plata. This transition from Bermuda to the Caribbean brings warm-weather options to Philadelphia just as autumn gives way to winter.

Ships: Norwegian Pearl Destinations: Bermuda, Caribbean Duration: 7-10 days

December 2026

The inaugural season finishes strong with three sailings in December. A 10-day Caribbean cruise departs December 8th visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, and Tortola. Mid-month offers a quick 5-day Bermuda getaway departing December 18th — the shortest sailing of the season and a perfect option before the holidays. The season finale on December 23rd is an 11-day Caribbean and Extraordinary Journeys itinerary visiting Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Tortola, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, and San Juan, returning just after New Year's for a memorable holiday cruise.

Ships: Norwegian Pearl Destinations: Bermuda, Caribbean Duration: 5-11 days

Ship Deployment

  • Norwegian Jewel - Operates mid-April through late September, serving as Philadelphia's inaugural ship. Handles the core Bermuda-with-Charleston rotation (weekly 7-day sailings, plus one 9-day sailing) before transitioning to two 11-day Canada/New England repositioning voyages in September.
  • Norwegian Pearl - Takes over from mid-November through late December, bringing direct Bermuda service (7-day and 5-day options without Charleston) and Caribbean itineraries (10-11 days) to close out the inaugural season through the holiday period.

Planning Tips

  • For Bermuda with a twist, choose the Jewel sailings - The spring and summer Bermuda itineraries include a bonus stop in Charleston, offering two distinct port experiences in a single 7-day cruise.
  • Book the September Canada/New England sailings early - With only two departures for these 11-day one-way voyages to Quebec City during peak fall foliage, these are likely to be among the first to fill up.
  • Consider shoulder season for Bermuda - April and late August offer warm Bermuda weather with lighter crowds compared to the peak June-July window.
  • Plan for one-way logistics on September sailings - The Canada/New England voyages end in Quebec City, so you will need to arrange return transportation from Canada.
  • Take advantage of the December 18th quick getaway - The 5-day Bermuda sailing is the shortest option of the season, ideal for travelers with limited vacation days or those looking for a brief pre-holiday escape.
  • Holiday Caribbean cruises are a standout - The December 23rd sailing returns after New Year's Day, offering a unique way to celebrate the holidays in the Caribbean.

How to Find the Best Deals on Philadelphia Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line pricing fluctuates based on demand, booking time, and availability. Here's how to maximize your options for this brand new port:

  • Book early for inaugural sailings - As NCL's first-ever Philadelphia season, early interest may be high — promotional fares are often available 12-18 months in advance
  • Monitor price drops - Fares change weekly; set up deal alerts to track your preferred sailings
  • Consider shoulder season - April and late August Bermuda sailings, plus the early November departures, typically see lower demand than peak summer months
  • Longer cruises offer more per day - The 10- and 11-day Caribbean and Canada/New England itineraries typically offer better per-day rates than the shorter sailings
  • Watch the December 18th short sailing - Shorter 5-day sailings can be a convenient and efficient way to cruise
  • Compare nearby ports - Northeast travelers may also consider sailings from New York City or Boston
  • Solo traveler strategies - How to cruise for less as a solo traveler covers booking strategies applicable to Philadelphia sailings

Compare current prices across all 2026 Philadelphia sailings →

Our deal finder shows real-time pricing across all 28 departures from Philadelphia in 2026, helping you identify the right sailing for your preferred dates and destinations.

Whether you are drawn to Bermuda's pink sand beaches, the fall colors of New England and Canada, or a Caribbean escape during the holidays, Philadelphia's inaugural NCL season offers a remarkable range of options — all without stepping foot in an airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Norwegian cruise ships depart from Philadelphia in 2026?

Two ships serve Philadelphia in 2026: Norwegian Jewel operates from mid-April through late September with Bermuda and Canada/New England sailings, then Norwegian Pearl takes over from mid-November through late December with Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries.

Is Philadelphia a new cruise port for Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, 2026 marks NCL's inaugural season sailing from Philadelphia. This is a brand new embarkation port for Norwegian Cruise Line, offering 28 sailings across two ships from April through December.

What destinations can I reach from Philadelphia without flying?

No-fly cruises from Philadelphia reach Bermuda (with many sailings including a Charleston stop), the Caribbean (Tortola, St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Plata, St. Maarten), and Canada/New England (Halifax, Charlottetown, Sydney, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Saguenay, and Quebec City).

How long are cruises from Philadelphia?

Philadelphia cruises range from 5 to 11 days. Most Bermuda sailings are 7 days, Caribbean cruises run 10-11 days, and the Canada/New England voyages are 11-day one-way sailings to Quebec City.

When is the best time to cruise from Philadelphia to Bermuda?

Bermuda cruises from Philadelphia run from mid-April through late August on Norwegian Jewel (with a Charleston stop) and again in mid-November through mid-December on Norwegian Pearl (direct Bermuda service). Peak summer months offer the warmest weather, while spring and late fall provide milder conditions and fewer crowds.