• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and PhilaPort celebrated the official inauguration of the new Philadelphia Cruise Terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking another milestone in the return of cruise operations to the city and reinforcing NCLH's long-term commitment to that metropolitan region.
The inauguration follows Norwegian Cruise Line's historic return to Philadelphia earlier this year, when it became the first cruise line to sail from the city in over 15 years. The completion of the permanent terminal establishes an exclusive home for these ship operations and consolidates the long-standing collaboration between the cruise line, PhilaPort, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As part of the celebration, NCLH announced a USD 50,000 donation to support communities in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. These donations are part of the company's global Sail & Sustain program and its Strengthening Our Communities pillar, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting and investing in the communities where it lives, works, visits, and operates.
Of the donation, USD 20,000 will go to the local fire department of Tinicum Township, and the remainder will benefit three local Boys & Girls Clubs, helping to fund programs and resources for children and families throughout the region.
"Today we celebrate being part of this community. Through our global Sail & Sustain program, we believe in investing in and strengthening the communities we serve. By establishing a long-term presence in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, we are proud to support first responders, youth, and families who call this region home, while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth," said Daniel Farkas, Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer, and General Counsel of NCLH.
The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, community partners, and business sector representatives to celebrate the completion of the facilities, which were designed to provide passengers with a seamless embarkation and disembarkation experience.
"PhilaPort's new cruise terminal is a fundamental component of our comprehensive economic development strategy: creating quality jobs, generating new economic activity, and strengthening the economies of Philadelphia and the entire region," stated Rich Lazer, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort.
"Our alliance with Norwegian Cruise Line will solidify Philadelphia as a welcoming destination for the cruise industry, attracting more visitors to our region and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey," Lazer added.
The new cruise terminal supports Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' seven-year agreement with PhilaPort, valid until March 31, 2033, reinforcing the company's long-term presence in the market. Cruise operations at the new terminal are expected to generate approximately 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and nearly USD 300 million in annual economic activity throughout Pennsylvania, boosting tourism, hospitality, transportation, and other businesses in the region.
