What are the Advantages of Cruising out of Philadelphia

Opening in April 2026, the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal is the newest gateway for cruise travel in the region. Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its sailings from Philly with a wide range of itineraries to Bermuda and beyond.

Whether you're a seasoned cruise traveler looking for a fresh embarkation experience or you want a momentous destination for your first-ever cruise vacation, Philadelphia is a prime choice. 

Traffic is expected to be slower at the new PhilaPort than at some of America's other bustling destinations, so you can avoid some of the crush that you'll face at other destinations. Port Canaveral surpassed PortMiami as the busiest cruise port in the world in 2025. Over 8.6 million passengers traveled through Port Canaveral during the 2025 fiscal year, representing a 13% increase over the previous year.

New York is a popular option for many of the same itineraries that Philadelphia serves, but its ports are busier, creating a more chaotic travel experience. The Port of New York/New Jersey ranks second in the United States for container traffic, moving over 35 million metric tons between January and September of 2024. Over the same period, the Port of Philadelphia moved less than 4.5 million metric tons.

Not surprisingly, tourism is also slower in Philadelphia than in New York. While New York City saw almost 65 million visitors in 2024, Philadelphia brought in fewer than 44 million. This is good news for visitors who want to find a city with manageable lines, affordable accommodations, and accessible dinner reservations.

Philadelphia has a bustling airport that welcomed over 30.1 million passengers in 2025, achieving a milestone it hadn't seen since 2019. You can get a nonstop flight to Philadelphia from dozens of locations, including

• Denver, Colorado
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Austin, Texas
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• New Orleans, Louisiana

If you don't mind a little driving, you can also reach Philadelphia by car in just a few hours from much of the Mid-Atlantic region. Philadelphia is within a two-hour drive of Harrisburg, Atlantic City, and Baltimore. Washington, D.C., is just three hours away. You can get to Philadelphia with a half-day of driving from Williamsburg, Virginia, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, both about five hours away.

Anyone cruising during hurricane season, between June 1 and November 30, needs to be aware of the potential for disruptions and delays. Cruise lines take ample measures to avoid hurricanes, so travelers aren't in harm's way. Some may find their itinerary is delayed or redirected to avoid any potential dangers. While Philadelphia is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, the threat is dramatically reduced this far north. 

Floridian ports are among the most hurricane-prone locations in the United States. They're located directly on a tropical cyclone track, which means that they can take the brunt of tropical storm damage. In 2022, Hurricane Ian shut down Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral, JAXPort, PortMiami, and Port Everglades. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused several delayed returns to Florida ports. 

By the time Atlantic hurricanes reach Philadelphia, they have usually weakened. Philadelphia may experience the remnants of tropical storms, but the city rarely experiences fully intact hurricanes. Storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall can still impact the Mid-Atlantic region, so you shouldn't discount the threat of a hurricane entirely. You'll find Philadelphia is a safer bet than any of Florida's cruise ports when it comes to weathering a storm.

It's often wise to plan a day or two near your cruise port before and after your cruise to allow for potential delays on either end of your trip. This is especially true during hurricane season. Fortunately, Philadelphia is a great place to spend a few extra days. WalletHub ranked Philadelphia among the top 10 summer travel destinations for 2026. Rankings were based on numerous factors, including weather, value, experience, and accessibility. 

An extra night or two in Philadelphia won't strain your budget nearly as much as similar options like New York City. You'll pay about twice as much for a hotel room in NYC as you will in Philadelphia. Upscale restaurants are more affordable in Philadelphia as well, and there are plenty of mouthwatering options to choose from. Philadelphia is famous for its sandwiches, including the iconic Philly cheesesteak and hoagie. Philly's rich Italian-American heritage also makes it a great spot for handcrafted pasta and Italian red gravy (the city's version of tomato sauce).

Philadelphia is a natural choice for historic sightseeing. The city is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Museum-goers will find no shortage of stops with options like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute science museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, and Eastern State Penitentiary. You can explore the city on your own or get a guided experience with a Philadelphia Cruisetour added to your Norwegian cruise itinerary. 

You'll find a wide range of cruise options when you're departing from PhilaPort. While Bermuda is one of the most popular options here, due to its close and convenient proximity, this isn't your only choice. You can travel to The Caribbean, sail north to Canada, or even take a trans-Atlantic journey. Make PhilaPort your new departure port of choice, and you'll have plenty of options for your final destination.

Philadelphia is a prime port for a Bermuda cruise. You can embark on a round-trip cruise to the Bahamas that lasts five, seven, eight, or nine days. All of Norwegian's cruises to Bermuda include at least one day at the Royal Naval Dockyard. This port offers access to untold wonders. You can explore the stunning geological formations in the Crystal Caves, soak up the sun at Horseshoe Beach Bay, or peek beneath the waves in a glass-bottom boat tour. 

Take a tender to St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest English settlement in the New World. Here you'll find historical sites from the 17th and 18th centuries, like the Globe Hotel and Steward Hall. If you want to see a little of everything in a short amount of time, take the Quintessential Bermuda bus tour that cruises along the Bermuda islands to prime shopping and dining destinations. 

Longer cruises will also stop at ports like Charleston, SC. If you want a trip with plenty of sun and sand alongside beautiful historic highlights, cruising from Philadelphia to Bermuda is an excellent option.

Caribbean cruises from Philadelphia offer a round-trip island getaway. Choose from 10-, 11-, and 12-day cruise itineraries to suit your schedule. Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is a prime feature on these cruises. Here, you can bask in the Damajagua waterfall, go horseback riding on the beach, and tour the Rum Legacy Museum. Puerto Plata is also home to Ocean World, an adventure park where you can swim with dolphins, sharks, and sea lions.

These itineraries also include ports like:

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• St. John's, Antigua
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• Castries, St. Lucia

You can take submarine adventures in Barbados, indulge in a volcanic mud bath in St. Lucia, explore the rainforest in Puerto Rico, and mingle with tropical birds in St. Maarten. These destinations offer an unforgettable and undeniably exotic getaway.

Sail north from Philadelphia on an 11-day cruise along the coast of New England and Canada for a rejuvenating getaway. These cruises frequent ports like Boston, Quebec City, Halifax, Cape Breton Island, and Charlottetown. These destinations are ideal for picturesque tours and rich cultural experiences. You can see the setting that inspired the fictional Anne of Green Gables books on Prince Edward Island. Experience life in the 1700s at the Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia. Enjoy self-guided excursions as you hop on and off the Old Town Trolley in Boston. 

These cruises offer a unique alternative to tropical beaches and island escapes. Debarking in Quebec City, you can conclude your holiday with a Canadian vacation rich in treats like local maple syrup and the area's famous poutine.

You can cover the world from Philadelphia with a 14-day transatlantic cruise. This itinerary often takes you to the Azores, Portugal, Spain, and France. You'll enjoy five days at sea on the way to Europe, which gives you ample opportunity to enjoy your cruise ship amenities. 

Norwegian Pearl currently makes this Transatlantic sailing. Onboard, you'll find an abundance of activities, including a climbing wall, bowling alley, and arcade. You can unwind with an indulgent spa treatment or purchase a Thermal Suite Voyage Pass for access to the thalassotherapy pool, dry sauna, plunge pool, and heated loungers. 

Norwegian Pearl offers age-appropriate destinations for everyone onboard, from the Guppies play area for babies and toddlers to Splash Academy for kids and Entourage for teens. With 16 bars and lounges, there's an adult experience for nearly any traveler, whether you're looking for a whiskey bar, a champagne and wine bar, or a cigar club.

Philadelphia is poised to become the premier East Coast cruise port of the future. You can experience this new travel experience early by booking one of the first cruises to leave from Philadelphia. Norwegian has the distinction of providing exclusive travel opportunities from the new PhilaPort Cruise Terminal. Check out these exciting new itineraries and secure your spot on a cruise out of Philadelphia now.