PhilaPort, on Tuesday, announced that it has started construction on the future PhilaPort Cruise Terminal.

Organizers said, in a statement, that the new terminal will be built on a 16-acre site adjacent to the Philadelphia International Airport and is intended to become “the region’s newest gateway for cruise travel.”

It’s set to be completed by April of 2026.

“This is a unique opportunity, and we are fortunate to have two outstanding partners in Energy Transfer and Norwegian Cruise Line, both of whom see tremendous potential in Philadelphia,” said Jeff Theobald, PhilaPort executive director and CEO, in a statement shared with NBC10. “It took a lot of hard work to bring this agreement together, and Energy Transfer and Norwegian Cruise Line were committed every step of the way. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we are ready and excited to welcome cruise passengers this spring.”

In a statement, organizers said that Norwegian Cruise Lines will host seasonal sailings to Bermuda and other destinations during the first year that this new port becomes operational.

Also, organizers said, the new port is expected to create 2,185 new direct and indirect jobs and generate an additional $300 million in economic output for the Commonwealth.

“Philadelphia’s debut as our newest homeport marks a strategic milestone for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and our three award-winning brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” said Daniel Farkas, the executive vice president, general counsel and chief development officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in a statement. “Together with PhilaPort, we’re expanding access to exceptional cruise experiences, connecting guests to world-class destinations with the convenience of sailing from a city rich in American history. As we prepare to launch in 2026, this terminal represents the next wave in our commitment to innovation, regional growth, and delivering an unmatched guest experience from ship to shore.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has signed an agreement that will run from April of next year through March of 2033 to operate as Philadelphia’s exclusive homeport with a commitment of 41 sailings per year, organizers said.