Israel Cruises: Sailings, Embarkations & Ports of Call
10 ships from 5 cruise lines
Israel cruises at a glance
Waterways Cruise lists 31 upcoming sailings on 10 ships from 5 cruise lines visiting Israel, calling at 3 places. Cruises visit Israel as a port of call and do not start or end here.
Reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard · About this page · About us
Compare Israel cruise lines
See every Israel cruise line by ocean and river and by ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and contemporary style, with fares, cruise lengths, ships and ports.
About Israel
Israel offers a profound journey through millennia of history, spirituality, and culture—from the ancient stones of Jerusalem's Old City to the vibrant beaches of Tel Aviv and the dramatic desert landscapes of the Negev. For the American traveler aged, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but one that requires thoughtful planning and awareness of the region's complexities. Cruise calls at Haifa, Ashdod, and Eilat provide safe and comfortable gateways, with excellent excursions that balance iconic sites with local authenticity. Expect emotional depth, exceptional food, and a land that touches the soul, but be prepared for security measures and a fast-paced, often intense environment.
Typical routes
- Eastern Mediterranean: Venice to Istanbul via Greece, Cyprus, and Israel (Haifa or Ashdod).
- Red Sea: Suez Canal transits, or round-trip from Dubai with stops in Eilat and Jordan (Aqaba).
Ports overview
Israel has three main cruise ports: Haifa and Ashdod on the Mediterranean, and Eilat on the Red Sea. Most Mediterranean itineraries include one or both of the western ports, while Eilat is a stop for ships transiting the Suez Canal or Red Sea. Each port offers access to different regions: Haifa is closest to the Galilee and Akko, Ashdod is a gateway to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and Eilat is a resort hub for the Negev.
Cruise season
Best time to visit Israel for cruises is March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn) when temperatures are moderate. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid on the coast, but ideal for Red Sea diving. Winter (December-February) can be rainy, but Jerusalem may see snow.
Find your Israel sailing
Upcoming sailings calling at Israel, earliest departure first.
13 Days One-Way from Piraeus-Athens to Aqaba
Visits Israel. Also visits Greece, Turkey, Cyprus
Emerald Raiya
22 Days Piraeus-Athens, Greece Round Trip
Visits Israel. Also visits Greece, Turkey, Egypt
ms Rotterdam
10 Days Aqaba, Jordan Round Trip
Visits Israel. Also visits Jordan, Egypt
Emerald Raiya
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22 Days One-Way from Piraeus-Athens to Barcelona
Visits Israel. Also visits Greece, Egypt, Cyprus
ms Rotterdam
12 Days Piraeus-Athens, Greece Round Trip
Visits Israel. Also visits Greece, Egypt, Cyprus
ms Rotterdam
12 Days One-Way from Aqaba to Jeddah
Visits Israel. Also visits Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Emerald Raiya
12 Days One-Way from Jeddah to Aqaba
Visits Israel. Also visits Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan
Emerald Raiya
13 Days One-Way from Aqaba to Piraeus-Athens
Visits Israel. Also visits Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus
Emerald Raiya
20 Days One-Way from Doha Qatar to Piraeus-Athens
Visits Israel. Also visits Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman
Seven Seas Explorer
22 Days One-Way from Piraeus-Athens to Doha Qatar
Visits Israel. Also visits Greece, Cyprus, Egypt
Seven Seas Explorer
13 Days Piraeus-Athens, Greece Round Trip
Visits Israel. Also visits Greece, Crete Greece, Turkey
Crystal Serenity
23 Days One-Way from Piraeus-Athens to Sokhna
Visits Israel. Also visits Greece, Turkey, Cyprus
Emerald Raiya
Where Israel cruises start and end
Embarkation ports (0)
No cruises start here.
Disembarkation ports (0)
No cruises end here.
Ships by type: 10 ocean · a ship that visits several places here is counted once; an expedition ship that also sails as an ocean ship appears under both types.
Israel is also in: Mediterranean, Middle East
Plan your Israel cruise
Israel cruise port guide
Cruise ports, what to see, history and practical advice.
Israel cruise port guide →Frequently asked questions about Israel cruises
How many places do cruises visit in Israel?
3 Israel places are visited by 10 ships from 5 cruise lines.
When is the best time to take a Israel cruise?
Best time to visit Israel for cruises is March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn) when temperatures are moderate. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid on the coast, but ideal for Red Sea diving. Winter (December-February) can be rainy, but Jerusalem may see snow.
Sources and further reading
Background on Israel draws on these references. Sailing, fare and port data come from cruise line itineraries and are refreshed regularly.
- Wikipedia: Israel
- Israel Ministry of Tourism: Visit Israel
- CIA World Factbook: Israel
- Cruise Critic: Cruises to Israel
Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard, Sr. Cruise Travel Agent and Founder of Waterways Cruise.
Published September 9, 2026 · Last updated October 26, 2026
Fares, availability and itineraries change often. Confirm current details with your cruise line or a Waterways Cruise agent before you book.
Cruise Disclosure
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!