CRUISES FROM PHILADELPHIA

Cruises Departing Philadelphia, PA

Cruising from Philadelphia is once again an option for travelers in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. With cruise operations returning to the City of Brotherly Love in 2026, vacationers now have another convenient departure port that eliminates the need to fly to Florida or drive several hours to another embarkation city.

For travelers interested in cruises from Philadelphia, the primary focus is currently on Bermuda, The Caribbean & Bahamas, Canada & New England, and select seasonal itineraries. Philadelphia's location also expands cruise options for residents in and near other cruise port cities such as Baltimore, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Norfolk.

Epix Cruise and Travel can help you compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, departure dates, stateroom categories, and pricing to find a cruise that matches your travel plans.

Philadelphia's New Cruise Terminal

Philadelphia officially reentered the cruise market in 2026 with the return of homeported cruise ships after a hiatus of more than fifteen years. Norwegian Cruise Line became the first major cruise line to offer regular sailings from Philadelphia beginning in April 2026.

The city's new cruise terminal is located at: 4 Atlantic Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.

The cruise terminal is situated immediately next to Philadelphia International Airport, making it particularly convenient for both local residents and travelers arriving by air. The facility was developed specifically to support Philadelphia's return as a year-round cruise departure city.

As with any cruise port, exact embarkation instructions should always be verified through your cruise documents before departure.

Cruise Lines Sailing from Philadelphia

Philadelphia's cruise market is currently smaller than major ports such as Miami, Port Canaveral, or Galveston, but it provides a convenient option for travelers in the Northeast who prefer a shorter trip to the port.

The primary cruise line currently offering homeported sailings from Philadelphia is:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian's commitment to Philadelphia represents a significant investment in the region and is expected to help establish Philadelphia as a growing cruise departure port for years to come. As cruise demand grows, additional ships and future cruise opportunities may become available.

Bermuda Cruises from Philadelphia

Bermuda has quickly become one of the most popular cruise destinations from Philadelphia.

Many Philadelphia sailings feature Bermuda as their primary destination, allowing guests to enjoy the island's famous pink-sand beaches, turquoise waters, golf courses, shopping districts, and historic attractions.

One of the advantages of Bermuda cruises is that many itineraries include extended time in port, allowing travelers more opportunity to explore the island rather than experiencing only a brief visit.

Popular Bermuda attractions include:

  • Horseshoe Bay Beach

  • Royal Naval Dockyard

  • St. George's

  • Crystal Caves

  • Hamilton

For travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, beaches, and island culture, Bermuda cruises from Philadelphia can be an excellent choice.

Caribbean Cruises from Philadelphia

Caribbean cruises from Philadelphia offer travelers the opportunity to combine convenient East Coast departures with extended voyages to some of the region's most sought-after tropical destinations. Because the Caribbean is located farther from Philadelphia than Bermuda, most Caribbean itineraries departing from Philadelphia are typically 10 days or longer, allowing guests to enjoy multiple island destinations during a single vacation. Depending on the itinerary, travelers may visit popular ports throughout the Eastern, Southern, and Western Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries have included destinations such as Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), and various private island destinations in the Bahamas. Popular Caribbean attractions include:

  • Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

  • Magens Bay, St. Thomas

  • The Baths, Tortola

  • Maho Beach, St. Maarten

  • Puerto Plata's beaches and historic district

For travelers seeking warm weather, beautiful beaches, diverse island cultures, and the opportunity to experience several destinations in one vacation, Caribbean cruises from Philadelphia can be an excellent choice. This tropical access is a huge advantage for people in and around Philadelphia during the Northeast’s cold winters.

Canada & New England Cruises from Philadelphia

Philadelphia also serves as a departure point for seasonal Canada and New England cruises. These itineraries typically operate during late summer and fall, when travelers can enjoy historic coastal cities, maritime culture, and some of the most spectacular autumn scenery in North America.

Possible destinations may include:

  • Halifax, Nova Scotia

  • Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

  • Saguenay, Quebec

  • Quebec City

  • Boston, Massachusetts

  • Bar Harbor, Maine

These cruises can appeal to travelers seeking a different experience than a traditional tropical cruise vacation.

Other Cruise Destinations from Philadelphia

As Philadelphia's cruise operations continue to expand, additional itineraries may become available.

Depending on season and cruise line deployment, travelers may find opportunities to sail to:

  • Bermuda

  • Canada & New England

  • The Bahamas

  • Caribbean destinations

  • Repositioning cruises

Cruise schedules can vary by year, so it is always worth checking current itineraries when planning a future vacation.

Parking at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal

Since the cruise terminal is still new, parking options are still developing.

As of October 2026, the main parking option is the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, 76 Industrial Highway, Essington, PA 19029.

Currently, parking at the Clarion includes shuttle service to the cruise ship, which is roughly a 17 minute ride.

You do NOT have to bet staying at the Clarion to park there for your cruise.

Cruise passengers are also welcome to park at other long-term parking facilities that serve the airport, but be aware that most of them will likely not have partnerships that provide free shuttle service to and from the cruise terminal. If you choose to park at these other facilities, be prepared to use rideshare or taxi services.

As of October 2026 we do not have any knowledge of a dedicated parking facility being built for the cruise terminal.

For the most up to date information for Philadelphia cruise terminal parking, we recommend also checking the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) website.

Cruises from Philadelphia - PhilaPort
Cruise ship under Philadelphia's Commodore Barry Bridge

Flying to Philadelphia for Your Cruise

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the most convenient airport for travelers flying in for a Philadelphia cruise.

One of the biggest advantages of the new cruise terminal is its proximity to the airport. The terminal is located only a short distance from Philadelphia International Airport, helping reduce transfer times on embarkation day.

Transportation options may include:

  • Cruise line transfers

  • Taxi service

  • Uber and Lyft

  • Private car service

  • Rental cars

For many cruise guests, rideshare services and taxis provide the simplest option for getting between the airport and the cruise terminal.

Hotels Near the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal

Many travelers arrive the day before their cruise to reduce stress and protect against travel delays.

Three hotels worth considering include:

Philadelphia Airport Marriott

1 Arrivals Road
Philadelphia, PA 19153

Located directly connected to Philadelphia International Airport, this hotel can be a convenient option for out-of-town guests arriving the evening before their cruise.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

9000 Bartram Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153

This all-suite property offers additional space and complimentary breakfast, making it popular with families and multi-generational travelers.

DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

4509 Island Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153

Situated near both the airport and the cruise terminal area, the DoubleTree offers convenient access for travelers preparing to embark on their cruise vacation.

Hotel pricing and availability vary throughout the year, so comparing rates before booking is recommended.

Philadelphia Weather by Month

Philadelphia experiences four distinct seasons, which can influence both your cruise experience and pre-cruise sightseeing plans.

  •  January - Average High: 41°F | Average Low: 26°F

January is typically Philadelphia's coldest month, with occasional snow and chilly conditions.

  • February - Average High: 45°F | Average Low: 29°F

Winter conditions continue, although temperatures begin a gradual warming trend.

  • March - Average High: 54°F | Average Low: 36°F

Early spring arrives, bringing milder temperatures and blooming landscapes.

  • April - Average High: 65°F | Average Low: 46°F

Spring weather becomes increasingly comfortable and popular for sightseeing.

  • May - Average High: 75°F | Average Low: 56°F

May often offers some of the year's most pleasant weather.

  • June - Average High: 84°F | Average Low: 65°F

Summer begins with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours.

  • July - Average High: 89°F | Average Low: 71°F

July is typically the warmest month of the year.

  • August - Average High: 87°F | Average Low: 69°F

Warm summer temperatures continue throughout August.

  • September - Average High: 80°F | Average Low: 62°F

Early fall brings comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

  • October - Average High: 69°F | Average Low: 50°F

October is one of the most popular months for outdoor activities and fall foliage.

  • November - Average High: 57°F | Average Low: 40°F

Late fall introduces cooler weather ahead of winter.

  • December - Average High: 46°F | Average Low: 31°F

December brings holiday festivities and the arrival of winter conditions.

Why Choose a Cruise from Philadelphia?

For many travelers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and the surrounding region, Philadelphia offers an appealing alternative to flying to distant cruise ports.

Benefits include:

  • A convenient Mid-Atlantic departure location

  • Easy access from multiple states

  • Proximity to Philadelphia International Airport

  • Caribbean sailings without needing to travel to Florida

  • Canada & New England itineraries during peak fall foliage season

  • The opportunity to begin your vacation closer to home

Whether you're planning your first cruise or you're an experienced cruiser looking for a more convenient departure port, Philadelphia is quickly becoming an exciting new option in the Northeast cruise market.

If you're interested in cruises from Philadelphia, contact Epix Cruise and Travel. We'd be happy to help you compare itineraries, staterooms, and pricing so you can find the right cruise for your next vacation.