Shore Excursions from Philadelphia
Norwegian Cruise Line operates 7-night (with some 9-night) itineraries from Philadelphia aboard Norwegian Jewel, sailing through October 2026. Bermuda is the anchor destination, with an overnight stay at Royal Naval Dockyard, and most 7-night sailings add a stop in either Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax, Nova Scotia — the exact routing varies by sailing date, so check your specific itinerary when booking.
Current Philadelphia Itinerary Highlights
A typical 7-night sailing from Philadelphia includes:
- Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda — An overnight stay, giving roughly two days in port rather than a single day call.
- Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax, Nova Scotia — A single port day, depending on the sailing.
- Sea days on the outbound and return legs.
Note: Exact arrival/departure times and day numbers vary by sailing — confirm the specific schedule for your cruise date directly through NCL.
Bermuda Excursions (Royal Naval Dockyard)
Bermuda is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Atlantic, and an overnight stay gives you more time than a typical day call.
- Snorkeling & Glass Bottom Boat Tour — Bermuda's crystal-clear waters and coral reefs are world-class. Multiple operators offer half-day snorkel tours from the Dockyard.
- Horseshoe Bay Beach — Bermuda's most famous pink-sand beach, a must-visit. Accessible by taxi, bus, or organized excursion from the Dockyard.
- Hamilton City Tour — Bermuda's charming capital is a short ferry ride from the Dockyard. Explore Front Street shops, the Bermuda Cathedral, and the Cabinet Building.
- St. George's Town — UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic town at the far end of the island. Accessible by bus or organized tour. The oldest continually inhabited English settlement in the New World.
- Scooter or E-Bike Rental — The classic way to explore Bermuda independently. Rent from the Dockyard and head to beaches, forts, and lookout points at your own pace.
- Crystal & Fantasy Caves — Stunning natural limestone cave formations in Hamilton Parish — a top-rated attraction.
Charleston Excursions
On sailings that call at Charleston, you'll get a chance to explore one of the South's most beautiful and historic cities. Confirm your port hours when booking, as call times vary by sailing.
- Historic Charleston Walking Tour — The Battery, Rainbow Row, antebellum mansions, and St. Philip's Church. Charleston's historic district is compact and walkable.
- Boone Hall Plantation — One of America's oldest working plantations, about 8 miles from downtown. Guided tours cover the full history of the property.
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens — America's oldest public garden, featuring spectacular azaleas and a nature tram tour.
- Fort Sumter Boat Tour — Visit the site where the Civil War began. The ferry departs from Liberty Square near the cruise terminal.
- Kayaking in Charleston Harbor — Guided kayak tours of the historic harbor and waterways.
Halifax Excursions (Select Sailings)
Some 7-night sailings call at Halifax, Nova Scotia, instead of Charleston. If your itinerary includes Halifax, highlights include the Halifax Citadel, the waterfront boardwalk, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Booking Tips
- Book Bermuda excursions early — the overnight stay is popular and third-party operators fill up fast.
- NCL offers ship-sponsored excursions with guaranteed return-to-ship, but independent operators often provide better value and smaller group sizes.
- Bermuda public buses and ferries are excellent — experienced travelers can explore independently at low cost.
- Confirm whether your specific sailing calls at Charleston or Halifax before planning excursions.