With Norwegian Cruise Line scheduled to start bringing ships to Philadelphia in 2026, another major operator might be eyeing the city for a potential expansion, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Carnival Cruise Line President and Philadelphia native Christine Duffy said the company sees a chance to add the city to its destinations.

“Certainly, there’s always opportunity and potential,” said Duffy. “I was excited to see that the city was moving forward and getting cruise ships back, because years ago there were cruise ships sailing in and out of Philadelphia.”

Duffy started her travel industry career as a receptionist for Philadelphia-based Rosenbluth Travel. She later moved to McGettigan Partners, another Philadelphia company, and worked her way up to president.

She went on to lead the Cruise Lines International Association for four years before being tapped to run Carnival Cruise Line in 2015.

When Delaware River Port Authority shut down the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal in 2011, Duffy was disappointed to see cruises stop docking in the city. She was then excited to learn that the Norwegian Cruise Line is about to stop the 13-year drought.

“[I’m] happy to see the growth in bringing more visitors,” she said. “I think there’s just a great opportunity to see Philadelphia as a destination.”

Read more about Carnival Cruise Line in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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