Massport Prepares for Expanded Cruise Season with Larger Ships, Major Upgrades

The largest cruise ship ever to homeport in Boston is among the expected vessels this season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and architectural elegance of a modern cruise ship or port facility, conveying the excitement and romance of cruise travel without any literal depictions.Massport's major upgrades to Flynn Cruiseport position Boston as a premier departure point for larger, more modern cruise ships serving the Northeast.Boston Today

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is gearing up for another year of growth at Flynn Cruiseport Boston, with larger cruise ships, more passengers, and significant infrastructure improvements. The Cruiseport will welcome 23 cruise brands and nine homeport vessels between April and November, including the largest cruise ship ever to homeport in Boston, Norwegian Breakaway. Massport is also installing a new passenger boarding bridge and making other upgrades to streamline the passenger experience and support the strong economic impact of the cruise industry.

Why it matters

The upgrades and expansion at Flynn Cruiseport Boston reflect the growing demand for cruise travel in the region and Massport's commitment to positioning Boston as a leading departure point in the Northeast. The investments will enhance the passenger experience, support the local tourism economy, and strengthen Boston's reputation as a premier travel destination.

The details

Massport has committed $100 million toward long-term improvements at Flynn Cruiseport, including expanding the passenger waiting area, streamlining the security check-in process, and installing a new escalator. A large tent structure will be used for check-in, embarkation, and debarkation during the construction. Massport also announced plans to bring ship-to-shore power to the Cruiseport by 2030, reducing emissions from docked ships.

  • The 2026 cruise season at Flynn Cruiseport Boston will officially kick off next week.
  • Norwegian Breakaway, the largest cruise ship ever to homeport in Boston, will begin its operations on April 14 and sail through November 8.

The players

Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)

The government agency that owns and operates Flynn Cruiseport Boston and is overseeing the infrastructure upgrades and expansion.

Rich Davey

The CEO of Massport.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The cruise line that will homeport its largest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, in Boston.

Marc Kazlauskas

The president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Holland America Line

The cruise line that will offer specialty sailings from Boston, including a 35-day Vikings Solar Eclipse voyage.

Beth Bodensteiner

The president of Holland America Line.

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What they’re saying

“'Flynn Cruiseport is poised for another outstanding season as New England's premier homeport. Cruise lines are investing in larger, more modern ships in Boston as demand continues to grow. These upgrades ensure we are ready while enhancing the passenger experience and supporting the strong economic impact cruising brings to the region.'”

— Rich Davey, CEO of Massport

“'We are proud to play a key role in Boston's cruise expansion. Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to ever homeport here, offering weeklong voyages to Bermuda and Canada & New England. Our continued partnership with Massport has been instrumental in bringing more guests to experience Boston.'”

— Marc Kazlauskas, President of Norwegian Cruise Line

“'We're excited to kick off another season sailing from this historic city. From celebrating America's 250th anniversary to exploring Atlantic Canada and witnessing a solar eclipse, Boston allows us to offer an incredibly diverse lineup of itineraries.'”

— Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line

What’s next

Massport plans to have the new passenger boarding bridge and other infrastructure upgrades completed before the start of the 2026 cruise season.

The takeaway

The expansion and upgrades at Flynn Cruiseport Boston demonstrate the city's growing appeal as a premier cruise destination, driven by increased demand and the cruise lines' investment in larger, more modern ships. The improvements will enhance the passenger experience, support the local tourism economy, and solidify Boston's reputation as a leading departure point in the Northeast.