Cruise ships are a popular way to explore the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Israel, located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is a popular destination for cruise ships. In this article, we will explore where cruise ships go in Israel.
Haifa Port
The Haifa Port is one of the busiest ports in Israel and serves as a gateway to many of the country’s top tourist attractions. It is located in northern Israel and has become increasingly popular with cruise lines. From Haifa, passengers can visit cities such as Nazareth, Acre, and Jerusalem.
Nazareth
Nazareth is one of the holiest cities in Christianity and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Visitors can explore its many churches and shrines such as The Church of Annunciation which is believed to be built on the site where Angel Gabriel appeared before Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus.
Acre
Acre is an ancient city located on the Mediterranean coast. It has been inhabited since ancient times and was an important city during the Crusades. Visitors can explore its well-preserved Old City which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the most famous cities in Israel and attracts millions of tourists every year. It is considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims and has many important religious sites such as The Western Wall, The Church of Holy Sepulchre, and The Dome of Rock.
Ashdod Port
Ashdod Port is located in southern Israel near Tel Aviv. It is a modern port that handles both cargo and passenger traffic. From Ashdod, passengers can visit cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or take day trips to Masada or Dead Sea.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a vibrant city with a thriving nightlife, beautiful beaches, and excellent restaurants. It is known for its Bauhaus architecture and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore its many museums and art galleries.
Masada
Masada is an ancient fortress located in the Judean Desert. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the fortress and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding desert.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth and has long been known for its healing properties. Visitors can float effortlessly in the sea due to its high salt content or cover themselves with mud which is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Eilat Port
Eilat Port is located on the southern tip of Israel near Jordan’s border. It serves as a gateway to many Red Sea resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and Taba in Egypt, as well as Aqaba in Jordan.
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt’s top beach destinations. It has beautiful beaches, world-class diving sites, and luxury resorts.
Aqaba
Aqaba is a historic city located in Jordan on the Red Sea coast. Visitors can explore its many ancient ruins such as Aqaba Castle or visit Wadi Rum desert which has been used as a backdrop for many Hollywood movies.
In conclusion, Israel offers visitors an incredible range of experiences from exploring ancient cities to floating in the Dead Sea or enjoying modern cities such as Tel Aviv. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder why Israel continues to be one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships in the Mediterranean region.