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The Best Cruises From Haifa, Israel

By Evelyn Uslar-Pietri | Published on February 9, 2023

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.

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Written By EVELYN USLAR-PIETRI

Evelyn's passion for exploring the world, combined with her unforgettable travels onboard Royal Caribbean, shine through in her pieces for the cruise line. She also writes for Roar Media--a full-stack marketing agency based in Miami, Florida--as well as other travel and lifestyle-related brands.

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Royal caribbean says “shalom, israel” with odyssey of the seas debut.

New Innovative Ship to Launch with Cruises from Haifa, Israel

MIAMI, March 1, 2021*  – Israeli holidaymakers will set a new course for adventure this summer when Royal Caribbean International begins sailing from Israel for the first time in May. The global cruise line will offer Israelis a combination of 3- to 7-night escapes visiting the Greek Isles and Cyprus on board its highly anticipated, brand-new ship, Odyssey of the Seas . The new sailings will go on sale on Tuesday, March 9.

The itineraries, roundtrip from Haifa, Israel, will include visits to idyllic isles and destinations in the Mediterranean, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus.  

“We are thrilled to debut Royal Caribbean cruises from Israel with our newest and most innovative ship, Odyssey of the Seas . Israeli travelers will be looking to get away, relax with total peace of mind, and enjoy the travel experiences they are missing dearly; and that is what we do best,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Sailing from Israel is an opportunity we have had our sights on for quite some time. We greatly appreciate the government of Israel for their collaboration and confidence in us to deliver memorable cruise experiences to their residents, and look forward to delivering on that promise aboard our newest ship – the first ‘Green Island’ at sea.” 

Residents of Israel will be the first guests to cruise on Odyssey during its inaugural season. The innovative ship is designed to make for a memorable holiday for every kind of traveler, with a variety of new and signature experiences from bow to stern. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, highlights on board include a two-level pool deck designed for downtime under the sun and stars, SeaPlex – the two-level indoor and outdoor activity complex that is a high-adrenaline playground for all ages, and a lineup of complimentary and specialty restaurants primed to please every palate with cuisine from around the world. And entertainment throughout the ship will be punctuated by high-tech signature productions in the Royal Theater and Two70, where art and multimedia merge for jaw-dropping performances found only on  Odyssey.

“Thanks to the millions of vaccines we have brought, I am proud that Israel will be the first country in the world to launch Royal Caribbean’s new flagship. Royal Caribbean's decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of confidence in our policy. This is an important economic, touristic moment for the State of Israel,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Israel is a global model of success. We will continue our program – the ‘green passport’ – so that we can get out of the COVID-19 virus in peace. Just as we made Israel the world champion in vaccines, we will make it the world champion in economics and tourism in the post-Corona era.”

In conjunction with Israel’s health and tourism authorities, Royal Caribbean will be the first to offer fully vaccinated sailings, where both crew and guests above the age of 16 will be vaccinated against COVID-19. Details on the additional health and safety measures to be implemented by Israel and Royal Caribbean will be announced at a later date.

The Greek Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haris Theoharis, supports all the efforts for the resumption of cruising in Greece and the surrounding area. He said, “We are very happy with today’s announcement as our recent travel agreement with Israel is already bringing results, and more people will have the opportunity to have unique experiences in our beautiful destinations and islands.”

Savvas Perdios, the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Cyprus commented, “It is an honor to be featured in Royal Caribbean’s itinerary this summer, and we are delighted to welcome their newest ship to our island. Cyprus supports the cruise industry and is pleased to help the industry on its road to recovery. We are certain that guests will have a great time, both on board the ship and when visiting Cyprus, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.”  

GAME-CHANGING SHIP Odyssey will be the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to homeport in the region, touting a distinctive new look, an action-packed top deck and a mix of record-holding hits and groundbreaking firsts. 

The state-of-the-art ship will come to life with game-changing, technological innovations like the next-generation  SeaPlex , which will see the addition of this venue’s first  Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade  with club-level views of the competition below; a reimagined Adventure Ocean kids program, and the maxed-out Social180 teen lounge with gaming consoles, music, movies and an outdoor wraparound deck with ocean views. Guests will also enjoy a variety of dining venues, including  Teppanyaki,  serving East Asian flavors in a traditional Japanese style; and the cruise line’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar,  which offers rustic Italian dishes with a contemporary flair.   Up top, Odyssey’s  vibrant next-level pool deck will feature two open-air, resort-style pools and four whirlpools with shady casitas and hammocks. Also on deck will be several guest favorites, including the  FlowRider  surf simulator, skydiving with  RipCord by iFly , the iconic  North Star  all-glass observation capsule that boasts 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level, and robot bartenders at  Bionic Bar.

For more information on Royal Caribbean’s first cruises from Israel, guests and travel advisors can visit www.royalcaribbean.com/il .

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay ,   the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its  Healthy Sail Panel  of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.  *June 2021 Update Odyssey of the Seas will now debut in July when it sets sail as the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to cruise from the U.S. The brand-new ship will cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on a series of 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries. For more details, visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates .

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Haifa (Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-05-16 03:07

Port Haifa cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Haifa, Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Haifa is Israel's principal/main and largest seaport, both by cargo and passenger/cruise shipping volumes. The Port is located on the Mediterranean and along the north side of Mt Carmel/Mount Mar Elias. Depending on the cruise company, both Port Ashdod and Port Haifa are used as cruise ports to Tel Aviv-Yafo and Jerusalem (Israel's capital). By population (around 280,000), Haifa City is Israel's third-largest - following Jerusalem (~800K) and Tel Aviv (~450K).

Haifa is also the cruise port to Nazareth (approx 45 km / 28 mi to the east, or ~40 min drive distance). In Nazareth, tourists visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of St Joseph (the site of Joseph's carpentry shop) and St Mary's Well.

Port Haifa (locode ILHFA) is approx 90 km (57 mi to the north) from Tel Aviv and approx 150 km (90 mi to the southeast) from Jerusalem. The driving distance from Haifa to Jerusalem is 2 hours, to Tel Aviv - 1 hour. Tel Aviv is easily accessible from the railway station located near Haifa Cruise Terminal (train travel time is 40-60 min).

Haifa Port's current infrastructure includes two containership terminals, two multi-purpose cargo terminals, a R0-Ro terminal (serving vehicle carriers), and a cruise terminal. The Port has total quay length 2,9 km / ~2 mi and max draft/water depth between 11-16,5 m / 36-55 ft.

IMPORTANT : On July 14, 2022, Israel announced the sale of Haifa Port to APSEZ (Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd/Special Economic Zone/India's largest port operator and logistics company) and Gadot Group (Israeli chemical company) for Israeli shekels/ILS 4,1 billion (USD 1,18B). The successful bidding in the Port's privatization tender allowed the Adani-Gadot consortium (70/30) to buy all (100%) of Haifa Port Company Ltd's shares under a 32-year concession (through 2054).

In 2021, Port Haifa handled nearly 50% of Israel’s freight volume (1,46 million TEU-containers and 2,56 million tons of cargoes), most of which (~70%) is with Adani Ports and the remaining ~30% with Gadot.

Western Port (the old Haifa Port) was built in 1933 as Palestine's first modern harbor waterway. However, it blocked the city from the waterfront. Its wharves are narrow and outdated. New wharves for latest generation cargo vessels are planned for the new Eastern Port. There is a proposal for constructing a new Haifa Waterfront area. The development project transformed part of the port into a large public complex.

This city is ancient and special in its own right, with a famous fortress. In antiquity, it was known under the names "Sycaminum" and "Caiphas" (during the Christian Crusades in the 11th-12th centuries). In the 12th century, a castle built on the site by Crusaders was destroyed by Saladin, sultan of Syria and Egypt.

The city is also close to the Galilee Sea (aka Lake Tiberias/Kinneret/Kinnereth) - a freshwater lake encircled by a beautiful beach. In the past, the vicinity of the lake was well populated as some of Asia Minor's trade routes converged at the lake - a total of 9 cities flourished on its shores. The lake was also a center of an extensive fishing industry.

From Haifa, it is also possible to visit Jerusalem City - sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. Most cruise ship passengers don't stay in Haifa, but instead book tours in Jerusalem or Bethlehem (up to 3-hour travel time). From Haifa start tours to Galilee, Acre, Nazareth, Caesarea. Due to the popularity of all these "Holy Land" travel destinations, many cruise liners stay in port overnight.

For season 2018, the cruise port had scheduled 34 ship calls with around 25,000 passengers. The port's record year was 2012 when it handled a total of 118 ship calls and approx 170,000 passengers. For season 2019, the port had scheduled 46 calls with around 60,000 passengers.

In Haifa is homeported the Mano Cruises ship Golden Iris . Departures are offered in the period March through November, with ~60 turnarounds (roundtrips) and approx 50,000 passengers annually.

Haifa cruise terminal

Haifa Port handles both ferries and cruise ships at its newly expanded cruise terminal. The facility is sized approx 5500 m2 (59200 ft2) and offers as amenities cafeteria, currency exchange, parking, terminal for tour buses, duty-free shopping, telecommunication center (free WiFi).

The nearest train station is under 5-min walking distance from the cruise terminal. The railway connects the seaport with Tel Aviv directly. The downtown is a 5-min easy walk from the Port.

Occasionally, complimentary bus shuttle service to the cruise port is also provided.

(NEW) Haifa cruise terminal

By the new redevelopment project for the old Western Port of Haifa, all new buildings are of warehouse design (industrial-looking linear structures) and 2-story high. The Port's old infrastructure (including gantry cranes, grain conveyors, roads, train tracks, etc) and all existing port facilities remained intact.

In the Port's east area, the 3 existing/abandoned warehouses were redesigned to form the "concrete cathedral" housing many public events and activities (bith commercial and cultural).

Among the project's main features are building a wide pedestrian waterfront promenade and spacious public space. The new promenade is lined up with small hotels, cafes, restaurants, outdoor food markets, among others. There are no shopping malls and new residential properties. The existing residential area (an Arab neighborhood) within the waterfront was renewed. The adjacent Navy Port will be also developed, with its wharves converted to a modern yacht marina.

Construction works also included building of pedestrian walkways, small streets and plazas. The plan was officially approved in 2013.

After its privatization in July 2023, Haifa Port contracted the construction engineering company Bermello, Ajamil & Partners Inc (1939-founded, subsidiary of BAP Development Inc) to design Israel's first purpose-built cruise terminal. BAP's cruise terminal design projects include the USA's ports of Miami FL, Seattle WA, San Francisco CA, NYC, Galveston TX, as well as Singapore.

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Review: Rhapsody of the Seas - 6 Night Greek Isles from Haifa - Solo

By IgKh , August 19, 2022 in Royal Caribbean International

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Just back from this 6 night Greek Isles cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas which departed on August 12th - sailing from Haifa, Israel as the home port (the second one ever for Royal) and interporting in Limassol, Cyprus - and wanted to share a brief review about my experience.

Royal Caribbean has been meaning to enter the Israeli market for a few years now, but the pandemic delayed that. Last year was supposed to be the debut, with the Odyssey of the Seas starting its inaugural season out of Haifa as the world’s first all-vaccinated sailing, but for various reasons this fell through in the 11th hour. Nevertheless, Royal still continued, and earlier this year it was announced that the Rhapsody of the Seas will sail from Haifa for a three month season (August to October), doing Greek Island cruises of varying lengths.

While the Rhapsody is not the crowning gem of Royal Caribbean's fleet, I found the opportunity to take a cruise directly out of my country without any flying really exciting - and even more so considering the madhouse that is airports in Europe this year (and Tel Aviv’s airport is no exception). I therefore booked the August 12th sailing in April, directly with Royal Caribbean.

The run-up to the cruise wasn’t a completely smooth one. Around May, just before the season was due to start (with MSC’s Lirica beginning to interport in Haifa) an inspection discovered that the Port of Haifa’s passenger terminal has structural flaws, which of course necessitated its immediate closure. The port authorities worked to very quickly set up a temporary terminal inside a nearby hangar. Complaints about the inadequacy of the facility and long walks in the sun carrying luggage quickly surfaced in Israeli social media groups. Those died down overtime, but still I was dreading the experience a bit.

More importantly, a little over two weeks before the sailing I got an email stating that due to an “inventory error”, the sailing (and all the other August sailings) was overbooked, and asking for volunteers that would cancel their booking in exchange for a full refund and 50% FCC (and with an implied threat, that if after this “special offer” expired there would still be oversold cabins, those will be canceled unilaterally). This struck me as quite strange, but I wasn’t particularly worried at that point since I had a cabin assigned already. But a few days later, I got another email that stated that the sailing is still overbooked, and improved the offer to 100% FCC or a price-protected move to another sailing out of Haifa - this year or in 2023).

Now, I started to worry, as this meant that the severity of the problem was large, and there was no transparency as to who’s booking exactly is oversold, and how much I was at risk. In other circumstances, I would have jumped at the offer, but I had various reasons why I wanted to go at that particular week (and if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have booked a cruise in the highest of the high season). The offer’s deadline was also further extended, to less than a week before the sailing date. It was then extended again, such that I was sure I was able to go only 3 days prior to sailing.

At the end, according to the sailing’s WA group, many cabin assignments were changed (not mine, though) and at least a few people did end up being involuntarily ejected from the sailing all together and were moved to the September 1st one.

So for me at least, all’s well that ends well, but still - not a desirable situation to be in instead of getting into a vacation mood.

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While there was no strict need to get to Haifa early, I still opted to go a day early. For me, arriving at the departure port a day or more before is an inherent part of a cruising vacation and a way to ease into vacation mode and start the actual cruise fresh. Also - having lived in Haifa for a few years some time back, I really like this city and always happy to spend time there.

A second particular reason was that the sailing was to depart on a Friday, and due to engineering works there are no trains from the center of the country to its north on weekends. I could have taken a bus of course, but the train is so much more comfortable. I didn’t want to drive, as it is quite far for me to do alone, and long term parking in Haifa’s downtown is very problematic (well, if you prefer to find your car in one piece after returning, that is). Royal Caribbean’s local agent Sun-O-Rama did offer some arrangement to park for the week at a nearby shopping mall at the cost of ILS 60 per day - which was a bit steep to my taste, and I preferred not to drive anyway.

So on Thursday morning I got to the Jerusalem Central Station, and took the train to Tel Aviv and then Haifa, but not before getting a quick breakfast of Bureka Treat and Coffee at the Aroma branch there:

I always find the Jerusalem terminal of the Tel Aviv - Jerusalem high speed line impressive; its platforms are quite deep - 70m below street level, and it is interesting to descend to them - though the express elevators or three flights of seemingly never ending escalators.

After arriving in Haifa, I checked into the Hotel. I’ve booked one night at the Schumacher boutique hotel in the German Colony area of Haifa, not too far from the port. A very nice hotel overall, with an awesome rooftop terrace with views to the Baha’i Gardens, sort of the City’s symbol. Not very private in the room though. It wasn’t my first choice, but it is the peak season, and many hotels wouldn’t accept a booking for just one night on the weekend - and as said, it is a nice hotel anyway.

The main activity I planned for the day was going to the Israel Railways museum, which is one of my favorite places. A festival was going on to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the introduction of the first Diesel locomotive to the country’s railways. The museum staff actually threw a proper birthday party for the locomotive, with goodie bags for the children and a magnet photographer.

The birthday boy itself was restored and re-painted at its’ original livery of gray and red:

Alongside, locomotive #107 painted in the bright blue and yellow livery adopted after the 1985 HaBonim disaster:

And locomotive #303, which was abandoned in the Sinai peninsula after the Six Days War and subsequently looted, restored to its original Egyptian Railways livery:

There were also guided tours of the museum’s collection offered. While small, and doesn’t really hold a candle to the likes of the museums in York or Nuremberg, this is a really nice railway museum. Although if I had to have some criticism, it is that it focuses too much of the past of the Railways in Palestine/Land of Israel - under the rule of the Ottomans, British and the early years of the modern State of Israel, and doesn’t showcase the massive renaissance that rail travel in Israel is undergoing in the last 25 years.

The icing on the cake was the special event train operated from Haifa Center station, to the museum’s premises in the historical Haifa East station, which was one of the starting points of the famous Hejaz Railway, but is no longer being used as an active passenger station. The short ride went right next to the port area and offered some view of the MSC Lirica docked:

Pre-Cruise (Continued)

After a quick lunch, I did another favorite pastime - walking the stairs of Haifa. Being a city that is built on the steep slopes of Mt. Carmel, there are large elevation differences between its’ neighborhoods. A result is that many streets are in fact public stairs that offer pedestrian shortcuts between the paved roads that have to twist and turn to cover the slopes. Years ago the city recognized their touristic potential, and marked several stair trails descending from the Carmel Center to the downtown. Sadly, this wasn’t maintained very well and the signage faded and/or disappeared over time, making the trails hard to follow. But this year, the city decided to start a renewal, with the two top sections of stairs enhanced and converted into an outdoor art exhibition. Some of the works were really good and integrated into the environment in interesting ways.

View of the Port's passenger pier from the top - the MSC Lirica and Mano Maretime's (a local Israeli cruise line) Crown Iris can be seen:

After that, I got back to the Hotel and prepared for dinner. I made reservations at Raffaello, an Italian restaurant which I used to go back to at the time with my team at work in the nearby industrial park to celebrate occasions, and I remembered it as really good. I took the BRT from outside the hotel to the Hof Ha-Carmel area, and then walked to the pretty funky commercial center it is housed in.

Thankfully, it survived the pandemic, and I’m happy to report that it is still serving incredible food with impeccable service (bonus food shots in the next post).

Some food shots from the dinner -

Aperitif - "Fontana di Trevi": Floral sauvignon blanc, lychee syrup, lemon juice, prosecco and caramelized apple (ILS 29):

Appetizer - "Mozzarella Burrata": Roast tomato, olives, confit garlic, artichokes, basil, oregano, pine nuts, fresh chili and balsamic reduction (ILS 67):

Main - "Linguine di Manzo": Short ribs braised in beef and tomato stock, spinach, roast mushroom, pine nuts and Parmesan shavings (ILS 86)

 Dessert - Apple financier cake with hazelnut crumble, salted caramel sauce, and vanilla ice cream (ILS 44):

Another dessert - special for the fact that it was the 15th of the Hebrew month of Av, which is kind of a Jewish Valentine's Day. Off the menu, I think it was peach sorbet with berry compote (on the house):

After an extremely satisfying dinner, rode the BRT back to the hotel and enjoyed the night view from the rooftop terrace:

Pre Cruise (Continued)

For some reason I didn’t sleep very well, and woke up very early - at 05:00 or so. Since I couldn’t get back to sleep I decided to make the best of it and go for an early breakfast. The hotel does not serve breakfast, and instead sells discounted vouchers for having breakfast in several of the German Colony’s cafes and restaurants.

I opted out of this option and took the Carmelit, Haifa’s quirky underground funicular railway to the Carmel Center. (Fun fact, the Carmelit is the only underground railway in Israel, at least until the Tel Aviv light rail opens later this year; and it was once the Guinness world record holder for being the shortest underground railway in the world).

8 minutes after departing the downtown station I was in the Carmel Center, and I went to Gal’s Bakery - a real institution. Haifa absorbed a lot of Jewish immigration from Central Europe in the 1920s and 30s, and a fortunate side effect was the development of a strong pastry culture. Gal’s is a really famous place, and as a favorite Israeli pastime for Friday mornings is to have a long sit down at a cafe to start off the weekend, it can be hard to get in on Fridays. But the pastries are really second to none. Getting there super early meant that I could easily get a table in their garden, and it wasn’t too hot yet. I enjoyed a berry tart and some tea (which cost around ILS 40 together, don’t remember exactly how much). As is customary with “institutions”, service is indifferent, bordering on hostile.

In the meanwhile, the Rhapsody was already docked and I could get this distant picture of her from the Luis Promenade, next to the top entrance to the Baha’i Gardens - so close!

After that, I rode back to the hotel and rested a bit until it was time to check out and go to the port.

P.S: Very near the entrance to the cruise terminal there is another place called Shany Bakery. Even if just docking in Haifa as a port of call try to drop in there on the way back and try a slice of their Apple-Cherry cake - it is really something else...

1 hour ago, IgKh said: Pre Cruise (Continued) For some reason I didn’t sleep very well, and woke up very early - at 05:00 or so. Since I couldn’t get back to sleep I decided to make the best of it and go for an early breakfast. The hotel does not serve breakfast, and instead sells discounted vouchers for having breakfast in several of the German Colony’s cafes and restaurants.   I opted out of this option and took the Carmelit, Haifa’s quirky underground funicular railway to the Carmel Center. (Fun fact, the Carmelit is the only underground railway in Israel, at least until the Tel Aviv light rail opens later this year; and it was once the Guinness world record holder for being the shortest underground railway in the world).      

Embarkation Day

OK, now for the meat of it.

The port of Haifa has one great thing going for it - it is as centrally located as it can possibly get. The entrance to the passenger terminal is right in the middle of downtown, sharing the square with the central railway station and right next to a BRT stop and the bottom station of the Carmelit.

I had the 11:30 check-in slot reserved (the earliest possible), so I left the hotel just before 11:00 and took the BRT for two stops, leaving at the Haifa Center Railway stop. The square was busy with debarking passengers, and I made my way around them to the luggage drop off point. It was outside the port gate, just to the right side of the railway station - so it could be directly accessed by car and taxi. There was no queue, and there was a quick check of the SetSail Pass on the phone and of my passport. After which a security sticker was placed on the passport and I could hand my luggage to the porters.

The port gates were not yet open, so I went off to have a quick coffee at a nearby cafe. After I came back, a queue was already formed. The gate opened at 11:30 exactly. The process was to climb the bridge leading to the gate (there is also an elevator, but there was a long queue to use it), get to the now closed terminal, bypass it and go down on a ramp to the quay. Next there was a walk of several hundred meters until the security tent. This overall took about 10-15 minutes, and as the day was relatively less hot it was OK, and I enjoyed walking through the port areas. There were also golf carts available to assist people with limited mobility and several water stations along the way.

After the usual security checks of hand luggage, there was another short walk into the hangar in which the temporary terminal was set up. This consisted of several tents erected inside the hangar, and were thankfully air conditioned. 

First stop inside was the check-in. The queue wasn’t very long but it moved slowly - I waited about 20 minutes. There was a separate area for Suite guests and Pinnacle members. Check in itself was very fast for me since I did all of the steps in the app, but I suspect most didn’t, so each took time. I had to show my negative COVID test, had my passport scanned, a security photo taken and was given my SeaPass card.

After that it was exit passport control, which went smoothly. As in Ben Gurion airport, you are given an immigration slip in lieu of a passport stamp, which you have to keep until boarding the ship. Next, I had to walk through the duty free shop and exit the hangar.

It was not allowed to walk the final distance to the ship itself - it was a very quick ride in a shuttle minibus which deposited me right at the gangway. Ship’s security checks the immigration slip and scans the SeaPass card - and I’m on vacation!

So it wasn’t TOO bad, but also not as smooth as you'd expect in proper cruise terminals. Indeed - quite a bit of walking in the sun, but the mood was festive, and it was also an unusual and interesting process.

After boarding I went to the Solarium to take a dip in the pool, and relax a bit. Had a quick lunch in the Park Cafe, and then went to explore the ship and visit the muster station to check-in there.

Rooms were ready at 14:00 exactly, but it took some more time for the luggage to arrive. Mine was actually placed next to the wrong stateroom, but thankfully its occupants were kind enough to move it next to mine and let me know.

My cabin was room 2108, a regular oceanview stateroom in the aft left side of deck 2. It can sleep up to 4 people using two pull-down beds, but as I was solo I stayed there by myself.

Other than the beds, the room had a desk with a chair, a couch that could sit 2, a small wall-mounted TV (with its ports accessible!), and ample storage space (many drawers and hanging space in the closet, but almost no shelving). There was no refrigerator - I think those are only available in JS and above in the Vision class ships. Everything was clean and in perfect working order.

Upon arriving, the desk had my shore excursion tickets, a small container of alco-gel, a cruise compass in English for day 1, and a couple of brochures in Hebrew explaining about the SeaPass card and its’ functions, about Royal Caribbean itself, some policies, the ship’s facilities, gratuities, etc. I pre-booked a soft octopus travel set as a gift to take with me through the cruise planner, but apparently that wasn’t available and it was automatically refunded as OBC later that day.

The cabin was booked as an Oceanview GTY, which was assigned a few days after the final payment due date. Normally I wouldn’t bother with oceanviews (I’m more of either Interior or Balcony room kind of guy), and I would always select my own room. In this case, I decided that the terrible heat and humidity that are the defining marks of East Med summers would limit the utility of a balcony, and paying the large premium for that wouldn’t make sense (especially since the single supplement was 100%). However an Oceanview GTY cost the same as selecting an Interior, and after looking through the deck plans I decided that any of the oceanview rooms would be acceptable for me - and so went for it.

I ended up really enjoying the room, especially the window. Deck 2 is low and close to the water level, so it was fun to watch the waves almost at eye level - and the natural light was good of course. It reminded me a bit of the cove balconies in Carnival’s Dream and Vista classes. The room was close to the mid-ship elevators, and reasonably quiet, as in the deck above there were only other guest staterooms and crew cabins in the deck below. There was a little bit of engine vibration felt, but not something that really bothered me. The noise isolation in general however wasn’t that great, and I could hear talking in the corridor or in the adjacent rooms.

Since I was alone, I’ve asked the stateroom attendant to separate the beds so I could have a better view of the window when sitting in bed or on the couch, which he did.

Speaking of the stateroom attendant - he was OK. Did what was expected and no more. Hard to blame him though, considering that each attendant was responsible for 18 cabins, and most of them completely full to capacity.

A few pictures from the first sail-away. It was really special for me, to finally sail from the port I’ve only looked at from the outside for so many years.

The terminal area - you can see the closed permanent terminal in the front of the picture, and the hangar containing the temporary one in the back:

Can't have a sail-away without a fruity drink! In this case, a tropical crush mocktail:

Pushing away from the quay:

And off we go into the sea:

A few words on the ship -

Yes, the Rhapsody is old. The styling is quite dated (lots of brown leather and wood paneling), but on the other hand everything is clean and to me at least seemed to be in near-pristine condition. So in a sense, it was like a 90s time capsule, which is kind of cool, and beautiful in its own way. Compared to the Celebrity Constellation (which I sailed on a few months before the pandemic), while Connie is a few years newer, it definitely felt shabbier than the Rhapsody. The fact that the Rhapsody only recently had a dry dock probably helped.

Yes, the Rhapsody is small. Vision class doesn’t have a lot of public spaces or things to do. There’s a pool, the solarium, three lounges, two bars, the rock climbing wall, the casino, a few shops and that’s pretty much it. However the ship being compact was also nice, since I could easily use the stairs to get to places. The centrum, which cuts from deck 4 all the way up to the Viking Crown lounge at deck 10 is pretty nice since you can see what’s going on while being on most of the ship’s decks, but I still think I prefer a Royal Promenade more.

The ship sailed full. I think that the vast majority of passengers were Israeli, but there were also a sizable number of Cypriots and British expats who boarded the ship in Limassol, and the odd Americans or other nationalities. There were of course a lot of children, since it is the summer vacation. While definitely busy, the ship didn’t feel overcrowded to me, especially after the first day once people found their flow. I didn’t have any problem finding a seat in a lounge or a deck chair in the Solarium anytime I wanted to. The main pool deck was very busy though, and the hot tubs in Solarium were busy too but usually not the Solarium pool (children were not allowed to use the pool in the Solarium, but they were allowed into the hot tubs and to eat at the Park Cafe). Thankfully chair hogging didn’t seem like something that was happening.

Royal Caribbean really made a big effort to adapt to this crowd. All signage and written material was in English and Hebrew. Announcements were made in English and Hebrew, and important announcements also in Greek. Israeli music was playing in the Centrum, and movies on the outdoor screen had Hebrew subtitles. The guest services staff was bolstered by Hebrew-speaking representatives from Sun-O-Rama, including an assistant cruise director. The dining staff was assisted by representatives from the Kosher supervision company (more on that later).

Special arrangements were made ahead of the Jewish Sabbath, to allow those who observe the religious practices to do so, such as a Shabbat Elevator. One of the conference rooms was designated as a Synagogue, and a Minyan was organized on Friday evening and every morning.

A big point of the sailings out of Haifa is the availability of freshly-cooked Kosher dining included in the cruise fare. A section of the MDR offered Kosher breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and the Park Cafe offered Kosher snacks. Izumi also supposedly had Kosher bento boxes available for order, in addition to its usual menu. The Windjammer Marketplace and Cafe Latte-tudes, as well as the other specialty restaurants (Chops and Giovanni's Table) were non Kosher.

The situation with the MDR was particularly confusing for me. The original intent as far as I understood it, was for the MDR to be all-MTD, with no traditional sitting; deck 5 serving a special Kosher menu and deck 4 serving an approximation of Royal’s usual menus. Correspondingly, traditional dining was not an option at all when booking.

However, this is not what happened. At the end, deck 4 was doing traditional early/late sittings with a non-Kosher menu (early sitting at 18:15 and late sitting at 20:45). Deck 5 however was all My Time Dining, with half of it serving a Kosher menu and half serving yet-a-third non-Kosher menu which consisted of the Kosher dishes but on normal tableware and with dairy desserts. As I asked my server about it, he said it was a last minute decision by management, after demand for Kosher dining was less than expected. MTD dinner started at 18:00 every evening.

People were offered to change to traditional dining during the first day and evening. I was offered too, but chose to stick with non-Kosher MTD. I ate dinner at the MDR every evening except one where I went to Izumi. Deck 5 wasn’t busy when I usually arrived, and I got the same table and servers every time. I usually have little or no lunch and eat dinner earlier, but many Israelis (like other Mediterranean people) prefer to eat late and I was told the dining room got much busier towards 20:00.

Non-Kosher breakfast was available in the deck 4 MDR, as well as lunch on embarkation day and on the sea days. However those weren’t table service, except drinks. A buffet was arranged in the back of the MDR, and you served yourself out of it. I did not partake in lunch, but went there for breakfast several times. Selection was similar to but more limited than the Windjammer, and consisted of bread, morning pastries, fresh vegetables, spreads (Hummus, Baba-Ganush and others), cheeses, pancakes and waffles, hash browns, several types of egg dishes (including Shakshuka, but no made-to-order omelets), sausage, bacon and cereals.

The Kosher MDR section was arranged similarly for breakfast and lunch (every day), but I never tried it.

Night 1 MDR Dinner - Non Kosher MTD

Menu (it completely changes every day, except the Classic Mezze plate which is available every night):

Table setup - Bread basket and how can you go without sparkling water:

Appetizer - Gefilte Fish with Mediterranean-spiced horseradish. Was actually surprisingly good, but Gefilte needs a good dollop of horseradish, not a couple of drops on the side. 

Main - Slow braised beef brisket. Also delicious:

Dessert - Pear and Blueberry cobbler w/ Vanilla Ice Cream. Absolutely delicious. Couldn't stop myself from digging in before I remembered that I should take a picture:

A great meal to start the cruise with!

Having been to Israel numerous times (We were married in Ramat Gan), I thoroughly am enjoying your Rhapsody review.  Haifa is truly a beautiful city. Looking forward to more!

Thanks for the review. We are hoping to d the Holy Lands cruise next yar. Curious about the closed permanent terminal, do you have any idea when it will be fixed and re-opened?

Thank you for showing us this ship! I really wanted to experience Rhapsody for the vintage feel of it, but due to Covid we had to change. OMG I feel for the crew with all the special needs passengers on your sailing booked to capacity!

1 hour ago, sandebeach said: Thanks for the review. We are hoping to d the Holy Lands cruise next yar. Curious about the closed permanent terminal, do you have any idea when it will be fixed and re-opened?

Unfortunately I don't, but there should be a good chance that it will be open again for next season (the repair work was underway as I passed near it).  Anyway, if you are only docking in Haifa for a call you wouldn't need to pass through the temporary terminal anyway - when we debarked, those who remained for a B2B or were debarking in Cyprus had their Israeli immigration procedure done on the ship; and if you dock in Ashdod first - well, your'e be pre-cleared when reaching Haifa.

That night's main entertainment was the Welcome Aboard Showtime, which was held in the Broadway Melodies theater. I found the theater to be really nice, very roomy and comfortable and with proper place for drinks etc. Theaters on the bigger ships tend to be quite tight in my experience. There was no need to reserve anything, just come 5 minutes before the start.

The show was presented by the cruise director Bill and his Israeli assistant Gal. It featured Rob Alton, who is a BMX acrobat. He did various tricks with his bicycle and juggling, and also picked a kid from the audience and taught him some basic tricks which was nice. The show worked well, since it was very visual and with little talking.

In addition, and throughout the week, there were a lot of live music going on around the ship. There was a Caribbean band, a show bad, a strings duo and a Greek band that performed each evening around the ship. In the Schooner Bar, there was a piano entertainer called Anselmo which played every night except one - he was really awesome.

Day 2 - Limassol, Cyprus

We were docked there from 8:30 to 16:30. In addition to various shore excursions, there was also a free shuttle from the port to a large shopping mall (My Mall) and then to the marina. There was also a paid shuttle to a store called Jumbo in the outskirts of Limassol. For reasons I can't fathom, this Jumbo thing is a massive attraction which is raved about by many Israelis who make it a point to visit anytime they are travelling to Greece or Cyprus.

Anyway - as I was more looking to relax rather than explore on this trip and as usual it was hot - I took the complimentary ship's shuttle to the Marina area. I walked a bit around there, on the nice seaside boardwalk, a bit in the old city near the castle, and had some coffee and ice cream. After a few hours I was already tired and exhausted from the heat, so took the shuttle back to the ship.

Had some lunch in the Windjammer (mashed potatoes and lamb), and then rested and read in my cabin until dinner.

This night was supposedly a formal night, but there weren't much difference than any other evening on the ship. The population isn't really formal, and while people definitely dressed up for dinner (in the Israeli sense, that is) I didn't notice many people going out of their way in particular for the formal night - myself included. There were very few suits and gowns around, and they really stood out I think.

After dinner I went to the Harry Potter trivia, and then to the main showtime at the theater. It was a production show called "Piano Man" - a typical cruise sing & dance kind of show. I didn't like it very much. I mean - the scenography was great and the singers and dancers were definitely talented. But the show itself felt off to me, as if it is part of 90s time capsule this ship is. Maybe I've simply outgrown the revue type shows - but I think even if a ship is too small to license a Broadway musical for it, Royal could at least make an excuse for a plot in their production shows?

Night 2 MDR Dinner - Non Kosher MTD

Appetizer - Classic Mezze plate. Pretty good, although what they call Hummus here is anything but (but still tasty):

Main - the citrus-glazed chicken:

The chicken itself was good, but the sides were pretty dreadful. The braised cabbage nasty and the croquettes dry. 

Dessert - Carrot Cake. I liked it very much, and enjoyed the white chocolate carrot garnish:

dani negreanu

חן חן על הזמן שהקדשת לסקירה זו, מנקודת ראות ישראלית.

Really enjoying this trip report so far, so interesting w/ the Hebrew signage all over the ship, the Shabbat elevator, etc.  I've never been to Israel and the idea of taking a cruise from there really interests me.  Gefilte fish is not something I ever thought I'd see on a MDR menu and I agree, lots more horseradish needed.  Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the cruise, and more photos!

Thank you for doing this. It’s really interesting and nice to see something different.

Great review, looks like these cruises are doing really well. Would be nice to see RCL offering a mini season out of Haifa going forward every year. Now they just need to get rid of SUNORAMA and find a capable agent.

If I understood your comment correctly, there is a non kosher menu for the traditional dinning and for MTD they serve you the same dishes as on the kosher menu?

39 minutes ago, LXA350 said: Now they just need to get rid of SUNORAMA and find a capable agent.

I couldn't agree more !!

I am enjoying this post!  We are on the Rhapsody TA in April 2023 and doing 2 more on the Rhapsody once we arrive in Limassol.  Thank you for all of your posts!

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Royal Caribbean Cruises from Haifa, Israel- Keeping Kosher and Shabbat

• In The Mediterranean
• August 20, 2023 August 20, 2023
• by theisraelbites

Last year, Royal Caribebean began sailing from Haifa for the first time. They were a super welcome addition to the available cruises from Israel as they really raised the bar of quality and availability.

As observant Jews, my husband and I went on a 7 night cruise to Greece for our honeymoon and had the time of our lives. Let’s breakdown some questions you probably have about the experience!

Shabbat Aboard a Cruise Ship

We were a bit concerned about a few of the logistics of keeping Shabbat on a cruise, but we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. The biggest issue for us keeping shabbat on board was having to give up one of the ports as we docked in Cyprus on Saturday morning. 

The cruise left Haifa on a Friday afternoon which is a bit tricky when it comes to Halacha as many people hold that you should not board a ship within 3 days of Shabbat, meaning not to get onto a cruise ship after Wednesday. The reason for this is that the rabbis feared that due to seasickness, one would not be able to enjoy Shabbat. Boarding a ship by Wednesday should give passengers ample time to acclimate before Shabbat comes in. After speaking to our local Orthodox Rabbi, he informed us that it would be okay to board the ship but that we should bring with us motion sickness medication to be safe and try to board as early in the day as possible.

I would recommend bringing kosher wine with you on board, although there was a group kiddush led by the cruise rabbi after Shabbat davening. Also you’ll probably want some games or a book to pass time during the day. There are tons of places to sit down, hang out, and relax and there was even a shabbat elevator. 

We were hoping they would have keys for us but alas they did not so we had to find a solution. We spoke to our stewardess and she told us that a few other people had asked her to tape their door open. This meant that the door wouldn’t lock and though it wasn’t the best option, we went with that route. We put all our valuables away in a safe and knew there were video cameras everywhere so we felt safe enough and thankfully nothing happened.

Kosher Food Options on Board

The kosher set up aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas was truly fantastic in our opinion. There were lots of options and we were SHOCKED how much the entire staff knew about kosher law. While there was a kosher meat dining hall on board, it costs 25 USD a day per person to eat there. (This price is subject to change and I have heard rumors it is going up to $75.) As a vegetarian, and knowing we’d be off the boat eating in the ports much of the time, we chose to save the money and eat in the main dining hall. We spoke to the head server on our first day on board and asked for fish and vegetables wrapped in foil which they were happy to bring us and they were quite used to the request. There were “kosher assurance” people stationed at the door of each dining room to help you navigate the kashrut on board. We avoided the buffet entirely except for grabbing coffee or drinks here and there.

In the main dining hall we were served by Amit and Placidus (two of the head waiters on board) who are totally fantastic and made sure we had wrapped fish, potatoes, and veggies every night for dinner as well as freshly cut salad and kosher dessert. If you prefer, they offer paper plates and plastic cutlery as well. If you are on board, check to see if they’re around and most definitely ask to be put in Olga’s section. She was simply the best!

There is a free dairy dining hall open for the majority of the day. Located in the adult pool area, Park Cafe serves a breakfast of bagels, oatmeal, baked goods, and fruit. In the afternoon until 6:30 pm and from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am they have pizza and salad! (Ask for gluten free and they’ll make it fresh for you!) 

At each port, we generally went to vegan spots and found the most incredible places. I vlogged each day of our cruise if you’d like to see it! Check it out on Instagram and Tiktok.

theisraelbites

I'm Jazzie, a 20 something wannabe globetrotter with Celiac Disease. Living in Israel and navigating being gluten free is no easy task, so I created TheIsraelBites to provide English speakers with information about surviving Celiac Disease in the Middle East.

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Rhapsody of the Seas - June 23, 2023

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June 23, 2023

June 23 - 30, 2023

Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean

7 Night Greek Isles

from HAIFA, ISRAEL

The June 23, 2023 cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas departs from HAIFA, ISRAEL. On this 7 Night Greek Isles sailing, the ship will visit a total of 6 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Rhapsody of the Seas sets sail on a Friday (June 23, 2023) and returns on a Friday (June 30, 2023).

The Rhapsody of the Seas was built in 1997 and is amoung Royal Caribbean's 27 ships in it's fleet. The Rhapsody of the Seas is included in the cruise line's Vision Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Rhapsody of the Seas vs all other Royal Caribbean ships.

All Itineraries

Limassol is the major port of the island republic of Cyprus. Atlthough it began as a small market town, Limassol today is a bustling commercial center for fruits, vegetables, wine, and manufactured goods. It is also home to many restaurants and taverns. Visitors should explore the Archaelogical and Folk museums. The annual Wine Festival and Carnival Celebration are also very popular.

Limassol is the major port of the island republic of Cyprus. Atlthough it began as a small market town, Limassol today is a bustling commercial center for fruits, vegetables, wine, and manufactured...

Legend has it that Apollo blessed this isle with sunshine and beauty. True to the myths, the "Island of Roses" is rich in magnificent scenery and umbrella-lined beaches. Take an excursion to Lindos, where high on a hill rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. You will also want to see the medieval Old Town, once home to the Crusading Knights of St. John, and tour the Grand Master's Palace, an Italian restoration famed for its superb mosaic floors.

Legend has it that Apollo blessed this isle with sunshine and beauty. True to the myths, the "Island of Roses" is rich in magnificent scenery and umbrella-lined beaches. Take an excursion to Lindos...

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the...

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just...

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the Greek Isles. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Rhapsody of the Seas Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA

• Destinations
• Brochure 23-24

ADVENTURE ON THE AEGEAN

Greece & greek isles cruises, cruise to greece and greek isles where temples, amphitheatres and villages preserved in volcanic ash still reveal the mysteries of the past. enjoy dramatic sunsets across translucent waters while exploring the white cliffs of milos, or transport yourself to the ancient past at ruins found on nearly every greek island. the temple of aphaia looms over aegina, while delos island hosts the incredible terrace of the lions. you'll find the world-famous acropolis on rhodes island and the akrotiri on santorini. but don't forget to watch the sun rise over the aegean while visiting the renowned windmills of mykonos. discover the magic with a greece and greek isles cruise..

ISLAND EXPLORER

Get in touch with traditional customs and soak in the mediterranean waves on the sun-soaked greek isles onboard the best greece and greek isles cruises..

VIVA LA VILLAGE LIFE

Santorini only has villages, not towns, and these diverse areas provide a first-hand glimpse into Greek life. Because the whole island is less than 28 square miles, it's not difficult to take in most of the sights from the looming cliffs and still have time for shopping, eating and some down time on the Aegean Sea.

DIVE TO THE DEPTHS

Greece's underwater worlds complete with seahorses, eels and plenty of fish are almost too perfect not to grab your scuba gear and take the plunge. Santorini has an excellent dive center that will get you into the water fast with instructors who will guide you through the warm Mediterranean waters.

THE THRILL OF THE CLIMB

Another great thing to do while in Greece are the daily tours of the volcano Nea Kameni, which is located on an uninhabited island close to Santorini: begin with a short boat ride, followed by a climb up to the volcanic craters that takes just over an hour. The tour then takes in hot springs and mud baths, where you can recharge your batteries.

UNEARTH THE PAST

Go on an archaeological exploration of the ancient world's most renowned sites, from bronze age excavations to temples dedicated to the greek gods with your cruise to greece and greek isles..

ANCIENT ADVENTURES

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is both a beach paradise and home to some of the country's premier archaeological finds and attractions. Visit Greece and tour the Palace at Knossos, built by the Minoans more than 4,000 years ago, before exploring the Archaeological Museum, where the treasures of Knossos – including sculptures, jewellery and mosaics – are exhibited.

Excavations of Akrotiri on Santorini Island date back to the Manoan Bronze Age, where the settlement was preserved in ash following a volcanic eruption in 1627 B.C. The site is still being excavated today, and you can witness history first-hand by exploring the vast settlement and the enormous ongoing archaeological dig.

GUIDED BY GODS

Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and it's also the mythological birthplace of the sun god, Apollo, and his twin, Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt. You can spend hours exploring the ruins and learning about Greek history on the most-sacred place of worship in Ancient Greece. Even the nearby old port has its own charm, with an amphitheatre, sanctuary and various dwellings waiting to be explored. Beach Cave in Greece Beach Cave in Greece AN EAST-TO-WEST AEGEAN ADVENTURE

FROM HELLAS TO HAIFA

This is not your average summer holiday in europe – it’s an all-out culture trip you’ll never forget. offering longer stays in port, odyssey of the seas℠ takes you deeper into the culture, history and natural beauty of some of europe’s most incredible destinations. cruise to greece and explore the most beautiful isles in the aegean or take your adventure further on a longer wander with extended stays in turkey and israel..

GO FOR GREEK

There’s nothing like spending a summer in Greece, and an adventure on Odyssey of the Seas℠ is the perfect way to experience it. Scope picture-perfect sunsets in Santorini. Tour a local vineyard in Crete. And spend a day soaking up the sun on a golden-sand beach in Mykonos. You’re in for adventure no matter how you choose to isle away the time.

GO BOLD INTO THE HOLY LAND

If you’re looking for a bucket-list trip, this is it. Wander along the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City. Take a dip in the Dead Sea. And soak up the sights, sounds and scents of a traditional Turkish market in Ephesus. Sailing into the Holy Land, every day is filled with new discoveries.

CUISINE EVERYTHING'S BETTA WITH A LITTLE FETA

The greek islands are known for famous foods like feta cheese, but the location is also home to a slew of other delicacies. olive oil plays a big part in the local cuisine, as does local produce, such as tomatoes and other mediterranean vegetables. feast on feta me meli, baked feta wrapped in filo or choriatiki: greek salad with tons of vegetables. while meat such as lamb, pork and veal are found everywhere, especially in gyros or keftethes (meatballs), fish and seafood are the undisputed stars, due to proximity to the sea..

SAY CHEESE!

Kefalonia is home to the legendary tiropita cheese puff, which is basically cheese baked in cheese, although you'll also find puffs filled with vegetables, particularly spinach, and even sometimes meat. You can also find local cheeses like feta, manuri or kefalotiri everywhere.

EYES ON THE PIES

Meat pies filled with lamb, veal or sometimes pork are called kreatopita, and they are cooked with wine and tomatoes, garlic, cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a medley of flavours. There's also a variety called pastitsio that combines pasta and meat.

FLEX YOUR MUSSELS

Your choices are endless when it comes to fresh seafood prepared according to local tradition. Try a simple shrimp and pasta dish, or go wild with octapodi kokkinisto, octopus in tomato sauce, during your Greece cruise.

RELATED DESTINATIONS

Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. these may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice..

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29 Ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet

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Rhapsody Of The Seas Overview

From morning through night, Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas is pumping with passengers as they go from their staterooms to the pool or from the main dining room to the theater. Rhapsody of the Seas has a wide array of features, including a casino and a state of the art fitness center where you can kick into high gear with an aerobics, yoga or kickboxing class. This ship has plenty of fun features for kids too, including a brand new Royal Babies & Tots Nursery where the littlest passengers can play games and explore their world with Fisher-Price toys and programs. Older kids and teens can explore Rhapsody of the Seas’ rock climbing wall and arcade in the Adventure Ocean Youth Program. 

• Passenger Capacity:  1,998 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1997
• Last Refurbished: 2022

Rhapsody Of The Seas Cruise Destinations

With cruises to 72 countries on six continents, you can sail just about anywhere in the world with Royal Caribbean. This contemporary, innovative line offers unique and exciting itineraries that are designed to wow. They offer sailings that range from a tropical paradise to a thrilling tundra. Destinations include, but are not limited to: Alaska, Australia, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal and South America. 

Southern Caribbean

Tropical cuisine, European influence through the islands, and incredible people are highlights of a cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

Western Caribbean

Jamaican waterfalls, intriguing cultures, and cave tubing—cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Rhapsody Of The Seas Departure Ports

Royal Caribbean not only builds their ships to have a wow factor, but they also make their itineraries just as appealing.  Royal has ships stationed across the U.S. and in several international ports to give their passengers lots of opportunity to get to a cruise quickly and easily. You can cruise from Miami to Seattle or Perth to Rotterdam, there’s a departure port for you. Find out more about Royal Caribbean’s itineraries and ships when you contact a qualified consultant at The Cruise Web. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a gateway to the Caribbean with activities for everyone. Enjoy an old-world feel as you wander around Old San Juan, relax on the many beaches or explore the rainforests.

Tampa, Florida

Whether it’s a trip to the historical streets of Ybor, a day in the Florida Aquarium or a nice Cuban-infused meal, your time in Tampa will make you consider a longer stay.

Rhapsody Of The Seas Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, rhapsody of the seas staterooms.

Balcony (1B)

Balcony (2b), balcony (3b), balcony (4b), balcony (nq), balcony (sg), balcony (xi), balcony (xn), balcony (xq), balcony (xb).

Balcony (D1)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, and refrigerator.

Balcony (D2)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, and refrigerator. Accessible rooms include Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed with open bed frames, wider entry door, turning spaces, sitting area with lowered vanity, closet rods, and safe, and a private bathroom with a wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, fold-down shower bench, hand-held shower head, raised toilet, and a lowered sink.

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom.

Balcony (X)

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive a balcony stateroom, which could be in any balcony category (excluding suites), anywhere on the ship. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Inside (1V)

Inside (2v), inside (3v), inside (4v), inside (zq), inside (zi).

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed. Accessible rooms include Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed with open bed frames, wider entry door, turning spaces, sitting area with lowered vanity, closet rods, and safe, and a private bathroom with a wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, fold-down shower bench, hand-held shower head, raised toilet, and a lowered sink.

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King and private bathroom.

Inside (6V)

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive an interior stateroom, which could be in any interior category, anywhere on the ship. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Oceanview (1M)

Oceanview (1N)

Oceanview (2n), oceanview (3n), oceanview (4n), oceanview (co), oceanview (yq).

Oceanview (VO)

Oceanview (yo).

Oceanview (PV)

Floor to ceiling window. Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, sitting area with sofa, vanity area and a private bathroom.

Oceanview (FF)

One bedroom with lower twin beds, one bathroom with shower, living area with double sofa bed and lower twin beds that convert to Royal King, measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Capacity up to 6 guests.

Oceanview (1K)

Two sets of two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa bed, separate area with bunk beds and a private bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (G)

Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), sitting area with sofa, vanity area and a private bathroom.

Oceanview (F)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed with open bed frames, wider entry door, turning spaces, sitting area with lowered vanity, closet rods, and safe, and a private bathroom with a wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, fold-down shower bench, hand-held shower head, raised toilet, and a lowered sink.

Oceanview (H)

Oceanview (fo).

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, an additional twin bed, sitting area with sofa bed, and Pullman bed.

Oceanview (I)

Oceanview (6n).

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, vanity area and a private bathroom. Oversized window provides extended view.

Oceanview (Y)

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive an ocean view stateroom, which could be in any ocean view category, anywhere on the ship. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Grand entrance with doorbell. Bedroom with king-size bed, and private bathroom with whirlpool tub, private balcony, living room with queen-size sofa bed and baby grand piano.

Marble entry with door bell. Queen-size bed, bathroom with tub. Separate living area with a queen-size sofa bed.

Marble entry. Room has two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area and private bathroom with tub.

Queen-size bed, private balcony, separate living area with queen-size sofa bed, refrigerator, bar, and bathtub.

Separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony, whirlpool bathtub, living room with queen-size sofa bed and baby grand piano.

Two bedrooms with twin beds that convert to Royal King size beds, two bathrooms (one with bathtub), living area with double sofa bed and Pullman bed, refrigerator, and private balcony. (Suite can accommodate eight persons.)

Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King, two bathrooms (one with shower, one with bathtub), living area with double sofa bed and two Pullman beds, and a private balcony.

Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Two bathrooms, one with tub, living area with double sofa and second bedroom with 2 Pullman beds.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, refrigerator, and bathtub.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, refrigerator, and bathtub. Accessible rooms include Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed with open bed frames, wider entry door, turning spaces, sitting area with lowered vanity, closet rods, and safe, and a private bathroom with a wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, fold-down shower bench, hand-held shower head, raised toilet, and a lowered sink.

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed and private bathroom with tub.

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive a superior ocean view stateroom. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Photo Gallery for Rhapsody Of The Seas Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s ships are known for eliciting wows from passengers. Get a look at their innovative approach to cruising in this photo gallery that features the FlowRider, AquaTheater and Central Park.

Accessible Suite

Diamond Club

Rhapsody of the Seas

Giovanni's Table

Top 10 Rhapsody Of The Seas Cruises

Learn more about royal caribbean international.

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility-friendly accommodations made by Royal Caribbean for guests with special needs, dietary restrictions and more.

Savor dining aboard Royal Caribbean, including the Windjammer Café, main dining room and room service. Royal Caribbean also has many specialty restaurants and dining or beverage packages.

Entertainment

Enjoy Royal Caribbean's onboard entertainment, including Broadway at Sea, hi-tech Two70 shows, ice skating shows, AquaTheater Diving Shows, DJs, live music, dancing, parades, pool parties, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Have fun participating in Royal Caribbean's onboard activities, including sky diving and surfing simulators, sports courts, zip lines, rock walls, ice rinks, mini golf, pools, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, duty-free shopping and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Royal Caribbean takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Royal Caribbean's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Royal Caribbean's spa, onboard gym, fitness courses, boxing ring and jogging track. Royal Caribbean's spa has plenty of relaxing treatments like massages, facials and more.

Special Events

Learn about celebrating a special occasion or milestone with Royal Caribbean's special events at sea.

Explore Royal Caribbean's contemporary staterooms, including several classes of suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Royal Caribbean's family-friendly experience with youth programs for children, including H2O zone, teen-only hangouts and themed experiences

Cruise Type

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17 Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips for First-time Passengers, According to Experts

Here's how to maximize your Royal Caribbean cruise, whether it's your first or fifth time on board.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you’re shopping for a traditional cruise, chances are you’ll consider Royal Caribbean. The household name among big-ship cruise lines is the second-largest carrier on the seas (after Carnival). It has 27 ships in its fleet, including the new Icon of the Seas , the world’s largest cruise ship, with room for 7,600 passengers. Another four mega-ships are under construction. Even Royal Caribbean’s smallest vessels hold more than 2,400 passengers, so by any definition, they’re big.

If you’ve never sailed with Royal Caribbean, it can take a while to learn the ropes — nautical reference intended. And since your vacation time is precious, we asked some cruise line experts how to make the most of your first voyage. Here are their tips and tricks for first-time Royal Caribbean guests.

Don't wait to book.

It’s a piece of advice that goes for most cruise lines. Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean Blog , a fan and information site that's not affiliated with the company, says to book your Royal Caribbean cruise “as early as possible — as in now. It’s not like airfare where you can wait on the chance that prices will go down. Cruise prices stay where they are and only go up, and right now, demand is as high as it’s ever been. Your best bet is to book as early as you can, like 12 to 24 months out, to lock in the lowest price.”

Make show reservations in advance, too.

“Would you show up in New York for a theater weekend and simply cross your fingers and hope you get tickets to the shows you want?” asks Rob Clabbers, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel . The answer is probably not, so use the "Manage My Cruise" feature on the Royal Caribbean website and book the shows you don’t want to miss. “You’re more likely to get the reservations you want and you’ll avoid having to scramble for seats or stand in line on your first day on board,” he adds.

Study the ship layout before your cruise.

If you’re like me, the anticipation of a cruise is half the fun. Use the weeks and months before your sailing to study deck plans and hone in on your favorite amenities. The largest Royal Caribbean ships are like small cities — the Icon and Oasis class ships even have their own neighborhoods. If you already have your bearings before embarking, you’ll waste less time riding the wrong elevator or wandering the wrong deck when trying to get to your destination — or back to your stateroom.

Get a jump on online check-in.

As soon as you book, access the "Manage My Cruise" portal on the Royal Caribbean website (the Royal Caribbean app has some of the same features). Then, as soon as online check-in opens, get right on it so you can secure the earliest possible window. “It makes the cruise terminal experience way faster,” says Hochberg. “About 30 days in advance, they’ll give you a check-in window. Arrive right around that time and you’ll breeze through — you don’t even stop moving.”

Opt for a drinks package.

You won’t go thirsty on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but free drinks are limited to standard coffee and tea, tap water, hot chocolate, milk, and a few other basics. Everything else costs extra — often a lot extra. “Even if you don’t drink alcohol, it may be worth checking out the options in advance, if you’re into premium coffees, sodas, juices, or bottled waters," says Clabbers. “Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions on the ‘Manage My Cruise’ [portal] that may save you money on certain beverage packages.”

Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on.

“Royal Caribbean ships have so many great pools and water features,” says Hochberg. And they get really crowded. Get ahead of the other passengers by packing a swimsuit in your daypack or carry-on. You can enjoy the pools, water parks, or the popular FlowRider surf simulator while you wait — often several hours — to access your cabin. “Embarkation day is one of the best times to go to the pools,” Hochberg adds. If you’re traveling with kids, you'll be glad you stashed those suits in your bag.

Splurge on a suite.

“Royal Caribbean ships can feel large and busy, so maybe you want to upgrade to a suite,” says Clabbers. Most suites start at around 300 square feet and go up from there — both in dimensions and price. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a suite, but the additional space may offer a welcome break from all the hubbub on board. Clabbers adds, “Depending on the category and ship you choose, you may enjoy suite-only restaurants and lounges, VIP treatment and embarkation, and even Royal Genie butler service.”

Asses how much drinking you’ll really do.

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package — the only one that includes alcohol — follows a dynamic pricing model between $56 and $105 per day, per person, with prices varying depending on the ship, itinerary, and other factors. Alcoholic and soft drinks are expensive on board, but you still have to indulge a lot to make the package worth the investment. If you’re not sure how much you'll drink (and don’t want to feel obligated to do so simply because you’ve paid for a package), consider going a la carte for the first few days of your cruise. You can always add a drinks package later, as long as you still have at least four days left on your sailing.

Find your place in the sun.

If you want a poolside lounge chair, you'll have to arrive by 10 a.m. at the latest on most Royal Caribbean ships, according to Hochberg. “People who sleep in and roll up at noon are not getting a chair by the pool,” he says. That said, the ships do have plenty of outdoor space, even if it’s not right by a pool. “If you just want to be outside, there are other chairs. Walk to the front or back of the ship. The further away you are from the pool, the more chairs you’ll find,” he adds, noting the promenade deck on any Royal Caribbean ship is always a great spot to read.

Consider a balcony cabin.

Like most cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is adding more balcony cabins and suites on its ships, and that’s, of course, due to customer demand. “Balconies are the most popular option,” says Hochberg. Though they cost more than an interior or non-balcony room, they’re still reasonably priced compared to suites. Hochberg adds, “They offer more space and fresh air, and if you do get seasick, the view and fresh air help.”

Choose an older ship.

If your vacation is more about the destination than the journey, you should consider an older, smaller Royal Caribbean ship, especially given the demand for their newer Oasis and Icon vessels. Radiance and Vision classes are among the oldest and smallest in the fleet, but still offer plenty of big-ship amenities without the “city at sea” feel. Hochberg calls these ships “much more manageable,” to the point that you probably don’t even need to make show or specialty dining reservations in advance — though you might still want to book once you’re on board.

Look for no-kid zones.

Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line — there are a slew of facilities and programs made just for kids. But if you prefer a more adult experience, Royal Caribbean offers options. “Certain areas are adults-only, such as the casino and nightclubs,” says Hochberg. While bars and lounges technically allow children to enter, he says it’s rare to see kids in these areas in the evening. Later dinner seatings also mean fewer young kids. Almost every ship in the fleet offers the Solarium, an adults-only section with a pool and whirlpool, a sundeck, and a bar. On the brand’s private Caribbean island playground, Perfect Day at CocoCay , Hideaway Beach is the adults-only pool and beach, though entrance is for a fee. Hochberg also says that “on longer sailings — those past seven nights — the amount of kids drops precipitously.”

If you can’t snag a show reservation, try walking in.

Because booked passengers scoop up show reservations as soon as they’re offered online, you may not get your first choice when it comes to the many show offerings, which include ice-skating performances, aqua theater, and Broadway-quality productions. But don’t give up, says Hochberg. “Show up at least 30 minutes before the show, even if it's sold out,” he says. “You’ll almost certainly be able to get in, as people blow off their [advance] reservations.”

Cost out The Key program.

Clabbers says Royal Caribbean cruisers should look into The Key program , the paid upgrade that’s akin to the Genie+ service at Disney theme parks. “It provides priority boarding access, a welcome lunch, high-speed internet access, fast lane access to onboard activities, private time at the FlowRider surf simulator, dedicated theater seats at shows, and other niceties.” Prices fluctuate, though, so before you purchase, compare the cost of The Key versus that of Royal Caribbean’s Voom Surf & Stream internet package. If there’s not much difference in cost (remember, it’s per user, per day), The Key benefits are worth springing on. However, if there’s a big price difference — or you want to disconnect during your cruise — you can skip The Key.

Look into third-party excursions.

Shore excursions must also be reserved in advance, and depending on when you book, you might not get your first choice of activity or time slot. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay on board or near the port all day. “Of course, Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions wherever they go,” says Clabbers. “But if you like more options and potentially smaller groups or lower fares, take a look at excursions offered by third-party providers.” Clabbers likes Shore Excursions Group and Project Expedition . “If you prefer private [excursions], Context Travel offers cultural and historical tours and activities in cities around the world.”

BYOB — to a point.

Perhaps you don’t want to buy a beverage package, but you’d like to have a glass of wine or two during your cruise. Royal Caribbean lets you bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine per cabin guest, per cruise, and for many light drinkers, that’s plenty. Don’t try and bring more than this, and don’t put it in your checked luggage — it will be confiscated and returned at the end of your journey, as will any alcohol you buy in ports of call. You can also bring up to 12 containers (bottles, cans, or cartons) with up to 17 ounces each of soft drinks per stateroom. If you bring your bottle of wine to a restaurant or other public area, you’ll be charged a corkage fee.

Skip the transatlantic cruise if you're a first-timer.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises are not ideal for first-time Royal Caribbean passengers, according to Hochberg. “Transatlantic cruises are like a fine wine. Once you’re more acclimated and know you like the shipboard experience, they offer great value priced per night,” he says. But you don’t want to get on board and find that you don’t like the brand, or worse, don’t like cruising. “They are long cruises with lots of sea days, and are very susceptible to the weather.”

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.