The first cruise ship to sail from the Port of Philadelphia in 15 years departed Thursday evening after arriving in the city earlier in the day.
The Norwegian Jewel docked at the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal early Thursday morning, a key step in the terminal’s inauguration.
From now through August, the ship will travel between Bermuda and the City of Brotherly Love. However, the terminal is still under construction. The port is telling passengers that construction will not delay any scheduled trips.
Chopper 3 was there when the ship ventured out to sea around 7 p.m.
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“The PhilaPort Cruise Terminal remains under construction; however, the Norwegian Jewel will dock and depart on time, as scheduled,” the port’s website says.
In true Philadelphia fashion, a group of mummers greeted excited guests as they boarded the first cruise to depart from the city.
“It’s coming back to Philadelphia,” Chip Critelli of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, said. “We didn’t get the chance to cruise out of Philly before, but now that it’s back, we’re ready.”
More than 2,300 passengers are expected as the $50 million project moves closer to completion. The recently refurbished ship features updated dining, entertainment and accommodations.
“Everything from pools to the casino to the beach club, there’s games,” Sandy Borowsky, owner of Starr Bus Charter and Tours, said. “They can drop their kids off and just enjoy while they’re here.”
City and state leaders were among those on board to celebrate the return of cruising Thursday, projecting it will provide a big boost to the local economy. Officials say once the cruise terminal is fully ready by early summer, it could generate nearly $300 million for the local economy.
“We are estimating 2,100 new direct and indirect jobs, with the potential for almost $295 million in economic impact in the city of Philadelphia,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said. “Yes, this is a big deal.”
This fall, Norwegian will offer voyages to Canada and New England from Philly. Port officials said in a news release that they expect to expand service with more sailings and future deployments in the future.
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