The port of Philadelphia closed its doors to cruise ships in 2011. Despite once serving lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian and offering more than 30 sailings per year during its prime (2005 and 2006), it couldn't keep up with its Northeast competition: New York City, Bayonne, NJ, and even Baltimore. Bigger ships were on the horizon, and the port's location 100 miles up the Delaware River limited it to midsize ships; 4,500-plus passenger ships can't fit under the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Another concern was losing money, as ships can't serve liquor, open shops or operate the casino until they're in international waters. Many locals still have hope cruise ships will someday return to the City of Brotherly Love and once again offer sailings to Bermuda, Canada and New England. Perhaps Delaware River cruises are the next big thing?

#inCruises