Israelis Book Early: Cruise Popularity Soars with Record Low Prices

We may be a few months away from summer, but many have already started thinking about a vacation for the warm season and are booking tickets. One of the ways to vacation that has been gaining momentum among Israelis are cruises. This year, due to the war, most cruise companies will not be operating in Haifa Port, but they will be operating throughout the Mediterranean Sea, in Europe, North America, and at a variety of spectacular all-inclusive destinations. For this purpose, we have gathered here prices for several sample sailings during the coming summer.

The Mediterranean Basin

Cruise to the Greek Islands and Southern Italy

A sailing of MSC that departs from Piraeus and docks at destinations in Greece such as Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, and Bari in Italy. A total of 7 nights from August 9th starting at $863 per person for an inside cabin, a price of $421 for a child up to 18 years old in the parents' inside cabin. The cruise is on the MSC Opera, which boasts 13 decks and includes 1,071 cabins, 6 bars and lounges, a casino, theatre, 5 dining and restaurant spaces, 5 swimming pools, kids clubs, and shopping centers.

Cruise to the Greek Islands and Central Italy

A cruise by Norwegian Cruise Line departing from Rome, stopping among others in Santorini, Athens, Naples, Florence, and returning to Rome. A total of 10 days starting from August 7th, from $1,499 per person in an inside cabin. The cruise is aboard the Norwegian Epic, which includes 16 restaurants, a spa, a climbing wall, slides, a shopping center, and entertainment.

Cruise from Spain to Italy

A cruise by Norwegian Cruise Line departing from Barcelona and passing through Cannes, Florence, and Rome. A total of 4 days starting from July 14th, from $949 per person in an inside cabin. The cruise is aboard the Norwegian Escape, which includes 19 restaurants, water slides, a spa, and a shopping center.

Cruise to Cyprus, Greek Islands, Italy, and France

Mano Maritime offers a variety of options for cruises from Haifa to the Mediterranean islands, depending on the duration of the cruise. 2 nights starting from 218 euros per person, 3 nights from 371 euros, 4 nights from 491 euros, 5 nights from 709 euros. For example, a 7-night cruise from July 7th to Mykonos, Volos Meteora, Piraeus, Athens, and Santorini, starting from 907 euros per person. All prices are per person in an inside cabin for cruises in the sailing season starting on May 30th.

The cruises depart on the Crown Iris ship, which includes 750 rooms, 11 floors, 5 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, 2 Jacuzzi pools, a water slide, a cinema, a gym, a spa, duty-free, a casino, and bars. Among others, there is an entertainment team including circus clowns, acrobats, Latin and Spanish shows. During the stops, it is possible to go on organized tours with an Israeli guide on buses. The food on the ship is kosher.

North Europe

Cruise to Scandinavia

A cruise by MSC departing from the city of Rostock in northern Germany, docking among others in Eidfjord (Norway) and Copenhagen. A total of 7 nights starting from 25.8, from $963 per person in an interior cabin, with a child up to age 18 in the parents’ interior cabin from $411. The cruise is on the MSC Poesia, which includes 1,275 rooms, 5 restaurants and dining areas, public spaces with sea views, 11 swimming pools, 9 bars and lounges, a fully equipped gym and spa, a theater with live performances, and a casino.

Cruise to Greenland

A Norwegian Cruise Line voyage departing from Reykjavik in Iceland, docking at several destinations in Greenland. A total of 10 nights starting from 22.7, from $1,349 per person in an interior cabin. The cruise is on the Norwegian Star, which includes 15 restaurants, bars, pools, a spa, and a shopping center.

North America

Cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico

A cruise by MSC departing from Port Canaveral in Orlando, docking in the Bahamas, Costa Maya, and Cozumel in Mexico. A total of 7 nights starting from 1.9, from $721 per person in an interior cabin, with prices for a child up to age 18 in the parents’ interior cabin from $236. The cruise is on the MSC Seashore, which includes 2,270 rooms, 5 pools and sports courts, a water park, 11 restaurants, a variety of bars and lounges, a spa, a shopping area, a gym, a casino, and kids' clubs.

Cruise to Orlando and the Bahamas 

A cruise by MSC that departs from New York and will dock among other places in Orlando and the Bahamas. A total of 7 nights from 11.8 or during the Sukkot holiday from 13.10 starting from $831 per person in an interior room, price for a child up to 18 years old in an interior room starting from $335. The cruise is on the MSC Meraviglia, which includes restaurants, a large water park with three slides, a Broadway theatre, a casino, a shopping promenade with international brands, ice cream and chocolate stalls, chef restaurants, clubs, bars, sports courts, a bowling alley, a flight simulator, and a Formula 1.

Eyal Attias, CEO of MSC Cruises Israel: "Looking forward to the summer vacation, Israelis have already started booking family holidays. We allow children up to the age of 18 in the parents' room to enjoy up to a 60% discount on the adult price and significant additional discounts for families. The most sought-after time is the second half of August. In July, one can still find comfortable prices, but as we approach summer, prices will rise and availability will decrease. An additional advantage is that with us, the price is final and includes port taxes and service fees, and also that Israeli customers alone are entitled to a flexible cancellation policy for those who book by the end of March."

Eyal Solomon, Business Development Manager of NCL in Israel: "We at NCL are happy to see that Israelis are booking and that there is significant demand, which illustrates the popularity of the company among Israelis. Our American ships offer quality vacations to Israelis looking for an indulgent holiday with diverse cruise routes around the world."

Moran Mano, CEO of Mano Maritime: "Since we published the sailing schedule, there has been significant interest from many people who feel the need for a relaxing vacation. Cruise sailings are the ideal solution, especially now, and they offer an attractive price for an overseas vacation that includes full board and kosher, diverse attractions and destinations. In addition, in order to secure a spot as soon as possible, we are offering a flexible ticket with a free cancellation option during the month of March. Cruising abroad allows you to enjoy an experience that includes rich and kosher dining, international and Israeli entertainment, diverse destinations, and the special service that exists on an Israeli cruise ship, as an experience of fun, leisure, and enjoyment."