Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

United States

Walk the Freedom Trail past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where America's founding story comes alive in the birthplace of the nation.

Currency United States Dollar (USD)

Language English

Time Zone EST (UTC-5)

Best Time to Visit Apr–Aug

Typical Duration 7-8 nights

Price Range $489.50–$5,000 per person

Port Type embarkation

Tender Port No

Being a major homeport for Caribbean cruises with convenient access to historic Philadelphia and easy embarkation for Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries.

Cruises that visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Build Your Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM

Usually about 8 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Reading Terminal Market It's a great spot for food along with arts & crafts. Market · ★ 4.7 · 46k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Longwood Gardens Children will enjoy the Canopy Cathedral Treehouse. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 32k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Independence National Historical Park Its massive for an area in the city with tons of stuff to see. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 26k

Liberty Bell Cool free educational exhibit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 23k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Philadelphia Museum of Art They had 2 hours for kids to make art and even a special kids tour. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 23k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Franklin Mall A lot of parking spaces, clean, a lot of stores Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 17k Closes soon · 7 PM

Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps Nice place with lots of attractions nearby to keep you engaged for hours. Museum · ★ 4.7 · 14k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Dilworth Park Varying year-round activities and food and drinks. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 10k

Spruce Street Harbor Park Many food trucks, many fun activities beside relaxing on hammocks. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 8k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu

Independence Hall Had a blast, for the price, it's a great way to spend an hour or two Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 8k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Rittenhouse Square Lots of fun activities and live music. Park · ★ 4.7 · 7k

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink plenty of cool stuff to do alongside the river there. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 6k

Fashion District Philadelphia So spacious and clean with so many stores. Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 6k Closes soon · 7 PM

The Shops at Liberty Place Nice assortment of stores and a variety of eateries at the food court. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 6k Closes soon · 7 PM

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Fun walk through art piece lots to see and fun photo opportunities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

The Dandelion Perhaps my favorite restaurant in the whole of Philadelphia! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 5k

McGillin's Olde Ale House Very nice and warm place for a drink, cute seasonal decors, good service. Irish pub · ★ 4.4 · 5k

Elfreth's Alley Museum Only $3 for entry to the museum, alley is free to just walk through. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k Closed · Opens 12 PM Fri

Rocky Statue Run up the stairs to the art museum and do the pose. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 5k

Independence Visitor Center Amazing staff, fun things to do for kids, and beautiful building. Visitor center · ★ 4.6 · 4k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Museum of Illusions Philadelphia Kids spent hours solving puzzles and being creative. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k

Talula's Garden Everything was worthy of the "best of Philadelphia" lists it has made. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 3k

Good Dog Bar Great atmosphere, friendly staff and bartender, great selection of drinks! Bar · ★ 4.4 · 3k

Morgan's Pier Parking sucked, great Djs decent food, hot staff and clean bathrooms Grill · ★ 4.1 · 3k

Butcher and Singer This is one of the best restaurants in the Philadelphia aria. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Harp & Crown My favorite spot in Philadelphia ❤️ Gastropub · ★ 4.5 · 2k

Andorra Shopping Center Atmosphere was great, kohl store was pleasant and clean. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 2k Open · Closes 9 PM

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Free admission and walk in available. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

The Twisted Tail Live music is great, drinks are very good, staff are very cool! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k

Rodin Museum Tours are great and the drawing interactions are also super nice! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri

The Love. In my opinion one of the best restaurants in philly! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Market Place East Good share of stores, mostly friendly staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 2k Open · Closes 10 PM

Time great drinks, great service, great music. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Little Nonna's I will come back to Philly JUST to eat here ! Italian · ★ 4.5 · 2k

Cherry Street Pier ... a huge and perfect place to have company team building activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k

Harper's Garden If I lived in Philadelphia, I would be here regularly. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k

Vernick Food & Drink Possibly the best restaurant I have eaten at in Philadelphia. New American · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Dirty Franks Relaxed vibe, fairly priced drinks, and nice staff. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Oscar's Tavern Cheap drinks and great atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k

The Ranstead Room Great drinks, great service, great interior. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k Opens soon · 7 PM

Friday Saturday Sunday Philadelphia Magazine rates this as the best restaurant in the city. New American · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Jean-Georges Philadelphia Jean-Georges Philadelphia is truly one of the best dining spots in the city! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Graffiti Bar Great drinks, amazing food, immaculate vibes. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Primark Huge primark with good collection at a reasonable price. Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closes soon · 7 PM

Boyds Philadelphia Great service and selection! Clothing store · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

The Library Bar Great atmosphere, the cocktail menu was very good, excellent service. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Open House Store The staff is friendly, and the shop has a cozy, welcoming vibe. Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM

East Market There are several different stores here and a very large grocery store. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM

Market Street Shopping District Too crowded, too expensive but great experience Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 8:30 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia stands as a vibrant embarkation port on the East Coast, welcoming cruise passengers through two major cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. With 89 upcoming cruises and a robust schedule of seven-night voyages, this historic city offers convenient homeporting for Caribbean-bound travelers. From Philadelphia's modern cruise terminals, you'll set sail toward popular destinations including San Juan, Charleston, Norfolk, and the stunning beaches of Kings Wharf and Puerto Plata.

Before you embark, take advantage of Philadelphia's rich maritime heritage and walkable downtown neighborhoods. The port's location puts you within easy reach of iconic American history, world-class museums, and excellent dining options. Whether you arrive a day early to explore or depart straight from your ship, Philadelphia delivers the perfect blend of convenient cruise operations and authentic urban exploration for your pre-voyage experience.

Historic Independence Hall & Old City

Walk through America's most historic neighborhood and stand where the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall. Explore charming cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century buildings, visit the Liberty Bell, and immerse yourself in Revolutionary War history. This UNESCO World Heritage site is just minutes from the cruise terminal and offers guided tours perfect for a half-day excursion.

Reading Terminal Market's Local Flavors

Dive into Philadelphia's iconic public market, a vibrant 1893 landmark bursting with local vendors, artisanal foods, and authentic Philly cuisine. Sample world-class cheesesteaks, fresh produce, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, and international delicacies all under one historic roof. It's an authentic taste of local culture and the perfect spot for lunch before your Caribbean departure.

Schuylkill River Waterfront Stroll

Enjoy a scenic walk along Philadelphia's revitalized riverfront parks and trails, featuring public art installations, gardens, and stunning city views. The Schuylkill Banks offer peaceful green space just steps from downtown, perfect for stretching your legs before boarding. On clear days, you'll see the iconic Philadelphia skyline reflected in the water.

Rittenhouse Square Shopping District

Browse upscale boutiques, flagship stores, and local shops surrounding elegant Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia's most prestigious neighborhood. From designer brands to independent retailers, this tree-lined square offers sophisticated shopping and dining in a picturesque park setting. It's an ideal spot for finding unique souvenirs and experiencing refined Philadelphia style.

Philadelphia Museum of Art's Grand Steps

Climb the famous museum steps immortalized in Rocky and explore one of America's greatest art collections featuring works from ancient to contemporary periods. Even a quick visit to the iconic steps and surrounding Parkway offers cultural enrichment and Instagram-worthy views. The museum's diverse galleries span just a few hours, making it perfect for art-loving cruise passengers.