Holy Lands Cruise - Haifa, Israel
Published Friday, June 24th 2011Our 12-Night cruise of the Holy Lands proved to be very interesting and different from any of the other 34 cruises we had ever taken.
Haifa, Israel. Is a cosmopolitan city, and the gateway to Northern Israel.
When cruising it is recommended that you take a shore excursion from the cruise line to avoid being left behind.
Taking a tour independently can have grave and expensive complications. (If you are not back in time, and the ship leaves, you are left on your own to find your way to the next port of call to catch up with the ship). This is because their is so much to see and do in this region. It is very easy for time to escape you.
Our first day in Israel took us on a tour of the northern most part of Israel. This area is lush and full of agiculture for mild climates such as that to be at lower altitudes around the Mediterranean Sea. You'll see groves of orange, lemon, mango and date trees. Pineapples and more.
This region is where one would find the Sea of Galilee – Capernaum, Nazareth, and the River Jordan. You will the opportunity to the visit the areas in which Jesus and his disciples walked and resided for most of Jesus’ life, and where he conducted is ministry. It included the Mt. of Beatitudes, the site where Jesus multiplied the five loaves of bread and two fish to feed the 5,000 followers during one of his sermons, the place and Church of the Annunciation, the home of St. Peter, and the place that is where John the Baptist baptized Jesus and the faithful.
This area is simply beautiful and peaceful. It is no wonder why Jesus spent most of his time ministering here.
Currently Israel is suffering from a water shortage crisis. The waters of the Sea of Galilee (major source of fresh water) is receding at alarming rates. The Sea of Galilee, once known for the large number of fish, is now suffering. Fish are quickly dying, and fishing is banned or strictly limited in hopes that the numbers will increase in time. The other problem is that with the water levels dropping. the habitats of the fish and where they find their food are also dying.
For agriculture and trying to minimize the usage of water, the Israelies are constanting looking at and creating means to do so. Extensive research and development is currently being undertaken that include tents or vegetation blankets what help contain moisture and still allow the needed amount of sunlight that plants need to grow and flourish. Desalination processes are currently being utilized and are constantly being looked at for faster and more efficient means.
We boarded our ship for the night, and were welcomed with cold wash cloths, cold water and juice, and big bright smiles from the officers welcoming us home.
An overnight stay in Jerusalem is an optional excursion offered by this cruise line to extend and enhance your total time and experience while in Israel. The participants would spend the night at a 5-star hotel in the city of Jerusalem. This option would allow for a more leisurely pace and perhaps the opportunity to visit some of the other venues of history and faith.
For more information, on cruises, especially to the Holy Lands, please contact Linda, at Cruise Planners - Cruise Pros Plus. Linda is a professional travel agent with extensive travel experience and knowledge you can help not only find you the best rates, but also guide you in helping you get the most out of cruise vacation and save you money.
Check out our photo albums on Facebook. Click here for a link to our page.
Leave a Reply
indicates a required field
