The Best Cruises From Haifa, Israel

Haifa: A Historic Haven

When you sail from a fascinating home port, exploring some of the local sights – like Haifa’s majestic Baha’i Gardens – is a must. Gracing terraces that slope towards the Mediterranean, the gardens are part of the Baha’i World Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of pilgrimage for followers of the Baha’i faith.

As further evidence of the city’s diverse cultural flavour, stretching at the foot of the gardens, the bustling German Colony is full of restored templar-era buildings, many housing delicious restaurants and bars. Whether you decide to dine at an established eatery, or go for street food, you’ll find that much of the local cuisine blends Arab and Israeli favourites, from hummus and shawarma to hand-crafted pies and pastries. If you opt for a guided food tour, you’ll not only sample the best of Haifa’s impressive gastronomy, you will also learn about its colourful and storied past.

You may never want to leave Haifa, but you are, after all, about to embark on an amazing cruise! Which of 10 itineraries you decide to choose may depend, at least partly, on the length of your planned getaway. Only have 2 or 3 nights for your cruise? No worries – lots of adventure can be had sailing to Limassol, Cyprus!

Cyprus: The Isle of Enchantment

Cyprus is synonymous with amazing beaches, incredible history and picturesque villages – and if you haven’t yet visited, you’re about to be swept off your feet! In Limassol you will find a captivating blend of the old and the new, as the state-of-the-art marina contrasts sharply with the winding streets of Old Town, and the reimagined Old Port, with its brand new shops and restaurants, is many centuries ahead of the nearby Limassol castle! There, according to local lore, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England.

History buffs will be thoroughly stoked by the spectacular Tomb of the Kings, a site that dates back to Hellenistic and Roman times in the 4th century AD. With eight incredibly well preserved tombs, including some surviving frescoes, this subterranean rock sepulchre leaves a lasting impression. Also well-worth visiting, the Roman ruins of Kourion – with its incredible theatre that seated up to 3,500 people in the 2nd or 3rd century AD – are easily accessible from Limassol.

After all that poking through centuries-old archaeological digs, you may wish to rinse the dust off! Head to Aphrodite’s Beach where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love emerged from the ocean. You’re sure to feel the love as you soak in the limpid cerulean waters, gazing on Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s rock) and the surrounding white-cliffed coastline.

If you can squeeze an extra night or two into your holiday, Royal Caribbean® also has 4 and 5 night Mediterranean cruises that add to the itinerary the beautiful islands of Rhodes and Santorini respectively.

Rhodes: A Mosaic of Adventure

One of the Mediterranean’s most beloved isles, Rhodes is overflowing with treasures of every kind, from paradisiacal beaches and the dreamy Butterfly Valley nature reserve, to the Old Town of Rhodes – one of the best preserved mediaeval settlements in the world – and vineyards that date back to antiquity.

Begin your visit within the imposing walls of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the imprint of ancient civilisations is evident in the diverse array of statues, fountains, mosques and hammams. The local cuisine is part of Rhodes’ allure and in Old Town you’ll find plenty of tastebud-tempting options. Tuck into souvlaki at a traditional taverna or go for a scrumptious plate of pasta – part of the heritage left by the Italian occupation during WWII. And you won’t find fresher seafood than in Rhodes, where local fishermen bring a daily bounty of lobster, octopus, shrimp and other delicacies.

For some beach time and outdoor activities, head to Faliraki, a buzzing place with a bar and restaurant-lined beach, plenty of water sports, bungee-jumping and bumper cars. Faliraki is also home to Europe’s largest water park, a thrill-filled adventure-land with slides, black holes, a huge wave pool and other must-have fun.

Santorini: A Volcanic Wonder

Endlessly enchanting Santorini evokes images of white-washed villages and azure-domed churches perched atop sheer cliffs. Millenia in the making, the island came into existence as a result of massive volcanic activity but, despite the collapse of the volcano’s central part and the resulting crater (caldera), it remains active, tenaciously recreating itself over and over.

Travellers flock from the four corners of the world to watch the sun set over the caldera – one of the few active volcanoes in Europe – as it slips into the gorgeous Aegean sea.

A bucket-list topper is the amazing archeological site of Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean dating to the Middle and Late Bronze Age. As in Pompei, an eruption covered the 20-acre town in a layer of volcanic material, protecting buildings – including their elaborate facades – and their contents for posterity.

Mykonos: More to Love

Known as the Island of the Winds for its breezes, Mykonos is a cosmopolitan destination in the midst of the Cyclades group. You will not only discover fascinating archaeological sites and sun-kissed villages, but also some of the best luxury shopping, dining and clubbing in all of Greece.

To experience a wonderful taste of the island, head to its capital, Chora, also known as Mykonos Town. Here, narrow streets flanked by picturesque white houses trimmed in blue, along with vibrant bougainvillaeas and potted plants, create the quintessential portrait of a charming Greek town. Follow the main street, Matogianni, to find wonderful boutiques, art galleries, jewellery stores, restaurants and bars.

A popular and stunning neighbourhood is the 18th century waterfront Alefkandra or Little Venice, where wealthy traders and sea captains built their stately homes. Not only are the houses impressive, but you will also get to admire the windmills for which Mykonos is famous!

If by now you are hopelessly head-over-heels with Greece, you may wish to consider a 7-night Greek Isles Cruise, which – in addition to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Limassol – includes Athens, the birthplace of ancient Greek civilization.

Athens: An Epic Cultural Cradle

The stomping grounds of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, and other notable philosophers, Athens is one of the world’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Today, the Greek capital remains a showcase for such iconic 5th-century BC landmarks as the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel that counts the Parthenon temple among its buildings.

For a journey through ancient history, don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum – with more than 11,000 exhibits, it is Greece’s largest museum. In this fascinating place you will experience the evolution of ancient Greek culture, from the beginning of prehistory to late antiquity, as you view sculptures, vases, jewellery and artefacts of all kinds.

A different but equally satisfying way to experience Greek culture involves wandering Monastiraki Flea Market, Athen’s answer to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar! In this marvellously chaotic market you will find all kinds of stalls, from souvenirs and t-shirts to furniture and bric-à-brac.

If on your cruise from Haifa, you are craving greater diversity – say, for example experiencing both Greece and Spain – consider a 6 night Mediterranean Highlights cruise with stops in both Santorini and Palma, and ending in Barcelona.

Palma: The Postcard-Perfect Capital

Mallorca’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, is one of the most breathtaking destinations imaginable, a place of mediaeval churches, grand palaces, charming squares, wonderful beaches, and plenty of alfresco cafes (for cheeky people-watching, ofcourse!) Overlooking the city, the Bellver Castle is a great starting point for your Palma adventure. The 14th century fortress boasts a storied past, having served as both a prison and a refuge from the plague, and it is also home to an excellent museum chronicling Mallorca’s history.

Also carve out some time to visit the spectacular La Seu, a sandstone cathedral that took 600 years to complete. Guided tours include visits to the cathedral’s bell tower and upper terraces..

Don’t miss walking or cycling along Palma’s lovely seafront promenade to Portixol, or Little Port. The former fishing village has now transformed into a trendy area with a boho vibe, pretty marina, and some outstanding eateries, as well as a long stretch of sandy beach.

Barcelona: The Best of Europe

One of Europe’s hottest destinations, Barcelona is a melting pot of art, history, architecture and science, combining the best of the traditional and the avant-garde. World-famous sights like the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera grace the city, but there are also less known delights to be discovered.

Neighbourhood tapas bars serving up tasty Catalan fare bump elbows with gastronomic temples, and unpretentious markets and shops flank luxury boutiques and design centres. With a coastline that covers 4.5 kilometres, Barcelona offers a number of wonderful beaches, including Barceloneta and MarBella. But if mountains are your preferred thing, you’re in luck. At nearby Montserrat National Park you can hike to your heart’s content, immersing yourself in the stunning multi-peak mountain range. After all, having it all is very much a way of life in Barcelona!

Speaking of having it all, Montserrat is not only full of natural beauty, it is the site of a spiritual destination dating back to the 11th century: Abadia de Montserrat (Montserrat Monastery). If you do opt for the Mediterranean Highlights cruise, which ends in Barcelona, you may want to spend the night in the otherworldly setting of Montserrat – a city unto itself – where Benedictine monks pray, work and welcome visitors. Here you will find an 11th-century Romanesque church, a 12th-century library, several good eateries and shops, as well as hotel accommodations.

Regardless of the itinerary you choose for your Mediterranean cruise from Haifa, an important last order of business remains: an overview of the ship that will take you on your journey!

Rhapsody of the Seas®: Sea Days to Sing About

A midsize Vision-class ship, Rhapsody of the Seas offers a more intimate and serene cruise experience – but without sacrificing the onboard adventures which have made Royal Caribbean the Cruise Line voted Best Overall for 20 years running. With 1,020 staterooms and suites accommodating up to 1,998 passengers, guests will enjoy smaller crowds and superior service. The ship comprises 11 guest decks and has a cruising speed of 22 knots.

World-class dining, showstopping entertainment, thrilling nightlife and activities suited for every family member are all found onboard. Children ages 3 and up will be completely in their element at Adventure Ocean®, a space for games, crafts, and themed parties supervised by specially trained staff. Older kids won’t get enough of the rock-climbing wall while your whole crew will love the pool parties, fun classes (think sushi-making and salsa dancing!), live music events and jaw-dropping original productions.

For a sublime epicurean experience, when you book your cruise make reservations at Chef’s Table, the most exclusive dining experience in the fleet. At this unforgettable white-tablecloth restaurant you will savour five courses ranging from succulent scallop carpaccio to melt-in-your-mouth fillet mignon. Other palate-pleasing specialty eateries include Chops Grille℠, Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Giovanni’s Table℠, as well as such all-inclusive options as the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Café.