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Cruise Port Advisor

Port of Philadelphia – Terminal Information

Everything you need to know about the Philadelphia cruise terminal at Pier 1 South — check-in, parking, and what to expect on departure day.

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Hot Tip: âš ī¸ Important Notice (April 2026): Due to ongoing construction at the permanent terminal, Norwegian Cruise Line is currently processing check-in at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport (76 Industrial Hwy, Essington). Do not go directly to the port — you will be turned away. Follow all instructions in your NCL pre-cruise email.

About PhilaPort – Pier 1 South

Philadelphia's cruise terminal is located at Pier 1 South along the Delaware River, just minutes from Center City. The port — officially known as PhilaPort — has undergone significant investment and expansion in recent years to establish Philadelphia as a growing homeport on the East Coast.

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently the primary cruise line operating from Philadelphia, with Norwegian Jewel sailing 8-day itineraries to Bermuda and beyond.

âš ī¸ Temporary Check-In Process (Spring 2026)

Due to construction delays at the permanent terminal building, Norwegian Cruise Line has implemented a temporary check-in process for initial sailings. Passengers are directed to check in at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport (76 Industrial Hwy, Essington, PA) — approximately 6 miles from the cruise pier.

  • Do not attempt to go directly to the port — security will only allow official NCL shuttle buses through the gates.
  • Check in at the hotel ballroom. Keep passports, medications, and boarding documents in your carry-on — checked bags will go straight to your stateroom.
  • If you booked airport transfers through NCL, you will be taken directly to the Clarion Hotel.
  • Parking is available at $16/day. Staff will be on-site to direct you.
  • After check-in, NCL shuttles will transport all passengers to the ship at the pier.
  • Dress for the weather — some of the walk to the ship is outdoors.

NCL asks all passengers to stick to their assigned check-in timeslots to avoid crowding at the hotel ballroom. This temporary process is expected to remain in place until the permanent terminal construction is complete.

At the Pier

Norwegian Jewel docks at Pier 1 South on the Delaware River waterfront. The pier is located at approximately 5 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia. You may see construction crews and equipment at work on the permanent terminal building nearby — this is normal and expected during this transition period.

Disembarkation

On return, guests with NCL airport transfers will be taken directly from the ship to Philadelphia International Airport. All other passengers will be shuttled back to the Clarion Hotel to collect their vehicles or arrange onward transportation. Note that rideshare and taxis are not available at the pier itself — plan pickups from the Clarion Hotel location.

Cruise Lines at Philadelphia

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line currently operates from PhilaPort with Norwegian Jewel. Philadelphia is a growing homeport and additional cruise lines may be announced. Check back for updates.