Uncertain future for cruising out of Philadelphia?

[Philly Steve]

Hooked on cruising in the early 90's, we would often fly to south Florida in advance of a sailing and talk about how great it would be if we lived there. We could take cruises at the the drop of a hat.

 

It was a dream come true when cruises were offered directly out of Philadelphia. We have now taken three cruises from the former Navy Yard and became fans of Bermuda and her pink sand beaches in the process.

 

Now, the future of cruising out of Philadelphia seems very uncertain.

Empress of the Seas left the RCI fleet and NCL's Majesty will only service Philly next October before she departs the line. I'm told the big ships simply won't fit under our bridges so, does that spell an end to cruise vacations out of Philadelphia's "back yard?"

 

With our rich history, Philadelphia has so much to offer to cruise ship passengers before and after sailings. Our city also desperately needs the tax and tourist revenue.

 

Does anyone know about efforts to keep the Philadelphia Cruise Ship Terminal active after next fall? :confused:

 

 

[NewJersey222]

Hello Steve,

 

In answer to your question, I do not think so. I agree with you: the Phila. Naval Yard is beautiful as I have cruised from there on Empress and Enchantment several times. Enchantment is still around. I have now cruised twice out of Cape Liberty, NJ on Explorer and will again on 9/17/09. 5/23/09 I am going on Caribbean Princess out of Brooklyn, NY. It is the airfare that is now killing us Northeasterners......which is why I have resorted to NY......Due to the fact that I have no knowledge of NY, it is becoming an adventure for us!!!!

 

Happy Cruising!!

 

Regards,

 

NewJersey222

Marie

[Host Kewlguy]

With less people flying these days I would expect the cruise lines to bring more ships to the North East similar to what happened after 9/11 when people also stopped flying. I know Royal Caribbean's Vision Class ships can sail out of Philadelphia. So that's a possibility.

[NewJersey222]

Perhaps if when we cruise with RCL ,we put it in the comments at the end of the cruise that would help. My gut tells me that there is not enough revenue for the ships. Keep in mind that it takes the ships about 7 hours to get to the Atlantic Ocean because of the wake down the Delaware River. Hope I am wrong as I only live 20 miles from the Phila. Naval Yard and about 100 from Cape Liberty, NJ and NY.

 

Let's here it for cruising out of Phila.!!!!!!!!!

 

NewJersey222

Marie

[Baby Blue Eyes]

Cruisin' out of Philly would be so nice again. More convenient for some ppl who don't like to fly or travel the distance to port. Sailing out of Bayonne wasn't too bad. We took the EOS to Bermuda and had no problem from start to finish. I am dreading the extra expense and hassle of cruisin' out of FLA with try to get ourselves and luggage all going in the same directions with the airlines charging a small fortune for our bags and flights details. We should see if the naval yard can be used for future departures. :)

[Philly Steve]

I know Royal Caribbean's Vision Class ships can sail out of Philadelphia. So that's a possibility.

 

I really miss RCI and would LOVE to see that happen. I'm dropping hints on the RCI boards when I can. ;)

 

My gut tells me that there is not enough revenue for the ships. Keep in mind that it takes the ships about 7 hours to get to the Atlantic Ocean because of the wake down the Delaware River.

NewJersey222

Marie

 

Good point. That's about 7 hours the ship's casino and shops are not open. On the other hand, there seem to be few empty cabins. :)

[Philly Steve]

Cruisin' out of Philly would be so nice again. More convenient for some ppl who don't like to fly or travel the distance to port. Sailing out of Bayonne wasn't too bad. We took the EOS to Bermuda and had no problem from start to finish. I am dreading the extra expense and hassle of cruisin' out of FLA with try to get ourselves and luggage all going in the same directions with the airlines charging a small fortune for our bags and flights details. We should see if the naval yard can be used for future departures. :)

 

I know what you mean. We look at cabin upgrades when we take airfare out of the picture. I will do just about anything to avoid the airport experience.

[Philly Steve]

Carnival Cruise Lines conducted a PR stunt in Philadelphia yesterday featuring what was described as the "world's largest pinata."

 

http://carnival-news.com/

 

Are they thinking about service in Philly?

 

I also see that CCL is seeking a business development manager for the Philly/South Jersey area (the job posting was five days old as of today).

 

Food for thought? :confused: