Holy Land Cruise - Ashdod (Jerusalem) and Bethlehem, Israel

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We took an opportunity to take a 12-day cruises that began in Athens, Greece.  It included two islands in Greece (Patmos and Santorini), Kusadasi, Turkey, two days in Israel, two days in Egypt, Sorrento, Italy, and ended in the port for Rome, Italy (Civitavecchia).

Our second day in Israel began as we docked at Ashdod.  Ashdod is a manmade port built to help expedite cargo and commerce for the southern portion of Israel.   From this port we took at tour that would take us to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.  It is recommended that you take a tour through the cruise line, if you are on a cruise,  to insure your safety and insure the passage into Bethlehem because of occupied territory restrictions.   Also to stay within the time constraints.  If you are not on a tour with the cruise line and you miss the ship, you are on your own.

The land here in southern Israel is higher in elevation, and is home to vegetation and agriculture that can tolerate cooler temperatures, such as grain and more. 

The ride to Jerusalem took a while (approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours).  We rode by the walled and barricaded Palestinian occupied territories and through a variety of security check points.  Old Jerusalem and its immediate area seemed overwhelming.   It felt like the entire experience and its many facets just run into each other.  Making it difficult to recollect all the details and the vivid impressions and pictures in your mind.  It is a good thing to take pictures and take notes.

We visited Mt. Carmel and could see both the new and old cities of Jerusalem.  The domes of the most important churches in the world - The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock.  Mt. Carmel is said to be the mountain that Jesus ascended from and is to return.  The hillside is lined with graves of people who hope to greet Jesus upon his return.  In the near distance are the Golden Gates of the fortressed old city that Jesus is said to one day enter upon his return.

The old city of Jerusalem is crowded with vendors lining the streets, shoppers, and tourists.  It was difficult to experience fully the Via Dolarosa and its meaning - the road to Calvary or the Way of the Cross because of the crowds and the speed one had to take to keep up with the guide and your group.  At the end of this road is the ultimate treasure.  The Wailing Wall and the church on which the final Stations of the Cross can be found are at the top of the hill and the end of the path.  The places where the nails were driven into Jesus, the place where the cross stood, the place where they prepared Jesus’ body for burial, and the tomb of Jesus and his place of resurrection are all there. 

The Dome of the Rock is very nearby.   It is interesting to see how the three different religions – Christianity, Jews and Muslim live and interact with each other in this very small area.  Their variety of shops and markets with clothing, food, and items that are specific to their culture and/or religion.  The variety in the attire which distinguish some people to what faith, sect, or culture they belong.

The tour then took us into the walled area and well secured Palestinian occupied territory, and the West Bank, to Bethlehem.   The tour guide that took us through Jerusalem had to surrender her service temporarily to another tour guide that resided within this territory.  It has been that Israelies were not permitted into this area. 

We visited a building of three Christian faiths (Greek Orthodox/Byzantine, Armenian, and Roman Catholic churches) which stands over where Jesus was born and where the manger stood.   Interesting, in addition to this massive building was in close proximity a mosque and a synagogue.  All within a couple city blocks of each other.

Due to recent uprising and possible danger, Bethlehem may not be accessible.  While we were there, however, you would not know that there was any hostility or any feeling that we were in danger.  You just felt priviledged to have the opportunity to visit, feel and see all that you did in one spectacular and memorable day.

Of the 35 cruises I have been on, I can honestly say that this cruise has been one of the most memorable and different from anything or anywhere else I have been.

Linda Kolanko

Cruise Planners - Cruise Pros Plus

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