My parents are in their 80s. They have been very fortunate because my dad was able to retire at 63, the same year that we opened Just Cruisin’ Plus. They have been fortunate because they have traveled all over the world. If you were to ask either of them where they’ve traveled to that was their favorite, you would get a definite vote for a Holy Land cruise. In fact, it was such a favorite, that they took two of them in less than five years.
There are numerous cruise lines that go to the Holy Land each year – Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and others. Holy Land cruises go to sites of three of the world’s great religions - Christian, Muslim and Jewish. These cruises usually sail in the spring or fall because temperatures can be so extreme during the summer months. Some will sail round-trip from Rome; some will begin in Rome or Venice and sail to Istanbul or Athens or even Dubai.
Cruising is a great way to see this part of the world because of the distances between ports is somewhat lengthy. Itineraries can go to Haifa (Galilee and Nazareth) where attractions of Biblical proportion await you. You can explore the old market and the Church of the Annunciation. You may go to Istanbul, truly one of the world’s great cities. This metropolis is spread across two continents and boasts famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
A cruise to the Holy Land would be incomplete without a stop in Ashdod (Jerusalem). You’ll spend time exploring the renowned Old City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the first order – and revel in the sights of a city holy to three of the world’s great religions. You may stop in Kusadasi and visit Ephesus. From the quaint shops and markets at the port of Kusadasi, you’re bound for one of the world’s greatest ancient sites – the ruins of the city of Ephesus. Some shore excursions even take you to the home of the Virgin Mary where John took Mary after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
If your ship docks in Port Said, it is worthy of a day of exploration, or you can choose instead to head for the other worldly wonders of Egyptian civilization in Cairo and Giza. You may also port in Alexandria where you would step out for Egypt’s greatest city and most fabled sight – Cairo and the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza.
You may stop in Rhodes, once watched over by the legendary Colossus of the ancient world. Modern Rhodes is an island of many treats including the Old Town and Palace of the Grand Masters. Of course, Athens played a vital role in the Holy Land’s history. Few destinations can claim the 7,000 years of history that Athens can. You’ll find it on display everywhere you walk from the renowned Acropolis to the historic Plaka. Did you know that the Parthenon in Nashville's Centennial Park is an exact replica of the Parthenon on Acropolis Hill? You can see Mars Hill where Paul preached to the Athenians from the Acropolis also.
Most Holy Land cruises make several stops in Italy including Rome, Venice, and possibly Naples. Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure of incredible landmarks. Beside visiting Vatican City, where you’ll see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel as well as the Vatican museums, you won’t want to miss the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Colesseum and Forum and incredible ruins throughout Rome. One of the out-of-the-way sites that we like to send our passengers to is St. Peter’s in Chains. This is another basilica (cathedral) in Rome near the Colesseum where Michelangelo’s statue of Moses is housed as are the Peter’s chains from when he was imprisoned there.
An interesting tidbit of information is that the tour guides in Rome and Athens must attend university for four years to become a guide to make sure that their history is exact. Cruises to the Holy Land are usually ten to fourteen days in length. If you have questions on the Holy Land, we will be happy to answer them for you.
There are numerous cruise lines that go to the Holy Land each year – Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and others. Holy Land cruises go to sites of three of the world’s great religions - Christian, Muslim and Jewish. These cruises usually sail in the spring or fall because temperatures can be so extreme during the summer months. Some will sail round-trip from Rome; some will begin in Rome or Venice and sail to Istanbul or Athens or even Dubai.
Cruising is a great way to see this part of the world because of the distances between ports is somewhat lengthy. Itineraries can go to Haifa (Galilee and Nazareth) where attractions of Biblical proportion await you. You can explore the old market and the Church of the Annunciation. You may go to Istanbul, truly one of the world’s great cities. This metropolis is spread across two continents and boasts famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
A cruise to the Holy Land would be incomplete without a stop in Ashdod (Jerusalem). You’ll spend time exploring the renowned Old City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the first order – and revel in the sights of a city holy to three of the world’s great religions. You may stop in Kusadasi and visit Ephesus. From the quaint shops and markets at the port of Kusadasi, you’re bound for one of the world’s greatest ancient sites – the ruins of the city of Ephesus. Some shore excursions even take you to the home of the Virgin Mary where John took Mary after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
If your ship docks in Port Said, it is worthy of a day of exploration, or you can choose instead to head for the other worldly wonders of Egyptian civilization in Cairo and Giza. You may also port in Alexandria where you would step out for Egypt’s greatest city and most fabled sight – Cairo and the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza.
You may stop in Rhodes, once watched over by the legendary Colossus of the ancient world. Modern Rhodes is an island of many treats including the Old Town and Palace of the Grand Masters. Of course, Athens played a vital role in the Holy Land’s history. Few destinations can claim the 7,000 years of history that Athens can. You’ll find it on display everywhere you walk from the renowned Acropolis to the historic Plaka. Did you know that the Parthenon in Nashville's Centennial Park is an exact replica of the Parthenon on Acropolis Hill? You can see Mars Hill where Paul preached to the Athenians from the Acropolis also.
Most Holy Land cruises make several stops in Italy including Rome, Venice, and possibly Naples. Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure of incredible landmarks. Beside visiting Vatican City, where you’ll see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel as well as the Vatican museums, you won’t want to miss the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Colesseum and Forum and incredible ruins throughout Rome. One of the out-of-the-way sites that we like to send our passengers to is St. Peter’s in Chains. This is another basilica (cathedral) in Rome near the Colesseum where Michelangelo’s statue of Moses is housed as are the Peter’s chains from when he was imprisoned there.
An interesting tidbit of information is that the tour guides in Rome and Athens must attend university for four years to become a guide to make sure that their history is exact. Cruises to the Holy Land are usually ten to fourteen days in length. If you have questions on the Holy Land, we will be happy to answer them for you.
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