Israel is one of the most fascinating and historically rich cruise destinations in the Mediterranean. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the vibrant coast of Haifa and the religious landmarks around the Holy Land, Israel stands out as a bucket-list stop for travelers across the world. When people search for which Royal Caribbean cruises go to Israel, they are often looking for details about ships, routes, ports, shore excursions, and seasonal availability.
This extensive guide explains everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean itineraries that include Israel. Whether you dream of walking in Jerusalem’s Old City, exploring Galilee’s landscapes, or discovering Israel’s coastline and culture, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of Mediterranean cruise routes that make this possible.
Israel offers an unmatched blend of ancient history, archaeology, religious importance, coastal beauty, modern culture, and exciting day-trip opportunities. Royal Caribbean includes Israel in several of its Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, especially during the summer and fall months.
Israel provides travelers with a destination unlike any other. Several factors contribute to its popularity among cruisers:
Millennia of historical and biblical landmarks
Safe, modern, well-organized cruise ports
Easy access to world-famous sites from Haifa and Ashdod
Strong demand for Holy Land itineraries
Beautiful Mediterranean climate
Excellent shore-excursion infrastructure
Travelers who step off a Royal Caribbean ship in Israel can visit multiple UNESCO sites, historical ruins, religious places, lively markets, beaches, and national parks—all in a single day.
Depending on seasonal deployment, the following ships often include Israel on their Mediterranean routes:
Odyssey of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas
Brilliance of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas
While deployment varies year to year, Royal Caribbean frequently uses ships from the Radiance Class and Quantum Class for Holy Land voyages because of their size, comfort, and suitability for longer Mediterranean routes.
Royal Caribbean offers multiple types of itineraries that include Israeli ports. These range from typical 7-night Mediterranean voyages to longer 10-, 11-, or even 12-night Holy Land and Greek Isles cruises. Israel is usually included in Eastern Mediterranean or Holy Land-focused itineraries that depart from cities such as:
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Athens (Piraeus)
Barcelona
Venice (Ravenna)
Haifa (occasionally as a homeport)
Here are the main itinerary types where Israel regularly appears.
Holy Land itineraries are designed specifically to highlight Israel’s historical, religious, and cultural importance. These voyages usually feature two to three days in Israel, sometimes including both Haifa and Ashdod.
Haifa is the gateway to:
Galilee
Nazareth
Mount Carmel
Caesarea
The Baháʼí Gardens
Akko’s Crusader-era port
Cruises that dock here often offer full-day excursions into the countryside or religious landmarks.
Ashdod provides easy access to:
Jerusalem
Bethlehem
The Old City
The Western Wall
The Dead Sea
Masada
Many passengers choose Holy Land cruises specifically for the chance to visit these sites.
Royal Caribbean frequently offers long stays in Israel—sometimes more than 12 hours—because travelers often have multiple excursions planned.
Ideal for travelers seeking spiritual or historical experiences
Opportunity to visit multiple world-famous landmarks in one voyage
Smooth sailing conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean
Perfect for families, seniors, and adventure seekers alike
These cruises combine Israel with other major Mediterranean destinations such as Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. Israel often appears as one of the most anticipated stops.
Typical Eastern Mediterranean routes with Israel include ports like:
Santorini
Mykonos
Athens
Ephesus (Kuşadası)
Limassol
Rhodes
Travelers can enjoy a mix of beaches, islands, ancient ruins, and cultural sites.
Many itineraries include both Haifa and Ashdod, providing access to northern and southern highlights.
Options range from 7 to 12 nights depending on departure port.
(These are generalized patterns, not copied from any external source.)
Rome → Santorini → Mykonos → Haifa → Ashdod → Cyprus → Rome
Athens → Ephesus → Limassol → Haifa → Ashdod → Rhodes → Athens
Venice → Dubrovnik → Athens → Haifa → Cyprus → Venice
These itineraries allow travelers to experience both the islands and the Holy Land in one comprehensive journey.
When Royal Caribbean relocates ships between Europe and Asia or between the Mediterranean and the Middle East, these longer repositioning voyages sometimes feature Israel as a highlight.
Ships repositioning to Dubai or Abu Dhabi sometimes include Haifa.
Long cruises passing the Suez Canal can feature an Israeli port before heading toward Jordan or Egypt.
These 12- to 18-night journeys often include rare port combinations, making them ideal for experienced cruisers.
Longer sailing duration
Lower per-night prices
More unusual ports
More days to explore Israel and surrounding countries
Cruisers visiting Israel often enjoy some of the most memorable excursions of their lives. Both of the country’s cruise ports offer easy access to world-renowned landmarks.
Haifa sits at the foot of Mount Carmel and offers access to Israel’s northern region. It is a scenic port surrounded by hills, beaches, and cultural landmarks.
The Baháʼí Gardens (a UNESCO site)
Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation
The Sea of Galilee and Capernaum
Mount of Beatitudes
Caesarea’s Roman ruins
Haifa beaches and museums
The port is modern, clean, and tourist-friendly.
Ashdod is the closest major port to Jerusalem and central Israel. It serves as the primary access point for biblical and historic excursions.
Jerusalem’s Old City
Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity
Masada Fortress
The Dead Sea
Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial Center)
The Western Wall and Temple Mount
Ashdod is extremely well-organized, making it ideal for long-range shore excursions.
Israel cruise calls are influenced by weather, ship deployment, and regional demand.
This is when Royal Caribbean operates the majority of its Mediterranean itineraries. The weather is ideal for excursions, and seas are usually calm.
Some cruises still operate during these months, offering cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Royal Caribbean reduces or pauses Mediterranean operations during the winter.
Royal Caribbean adapts its onboard activities and dining options to cater to international guests drawn to Holy Land cruises.
Fresh, regional flavors often appear on the menu—grilled meats, salads, olives, vegetables, and coastal dishes.
Italian, steakhouse, Asian, and gourmet dining options vary by ship.
A broad buffet selection ensures comfort for families, seniors, and large groups.
Royal Caribbean ships visiting Israel typically offer:
Live music and theater shows
Enrichment lectures (history, culture, travel)
Pool and deck activities
Kids’ and teens’ clubs
Fitness classes and spa treatments
These cruises attract a mix of families, religious travelers, history lovers, and seasoned cruisers.
Below are example cruise patterns inspired by common deployment strategies.
Athens
Santorini
Mykonos
Haifa
Ashdod
Limassol
Athens
Rome
Sea Day
Haifa
Ashdod
Cyprus
Rhodes
Rome
Venice
Dubrovnik
Athens
Haifa
Ashdod
Limassol
Crete
Venice
Rome
Crete
Haifa
Suez Canal
Aqaba
Dubai
These examples reflect the most common patterns used by Royal Caribbean.
Travelers can enhance their Israel cruise experience by planning ahead.
Demand is high because these cruises are limited in number.
This ensures access to both northern and southern regions.
Israel excursions involve extensive walking and warm weather.
Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Masada tours fill quickly.
Cities like Athens, Rome, and Venice are perfect for extending your vacation.
Some nationalities need advance visas or documentation.
Royal Caribbean offers some of the most enriching and memorable itineraries for travelers seeking to explore the Holy Land. Israel appears in a wide range of Mediterranean cruises, from 7-night voyages to extended 10- to 12-night Holy Land-focused itineraries. Whether visiting Haifa, Ashdod, or both, cruisers enjoy unparalleled access to historical treasures, ancient cities, religious landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes.
Israel’s ports are modern, safe, and well connected, making them excellent additions to Royal Caribbean’s Mediterranean lineup. Travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, adventure, and spirituality will find that Israel delivers an unforgettable experience.
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