Israel Cruise Ship Port Guide
Cruise into Israel at one of three fantastic ports. Up north, Haifa puts you just 15 minutes from downtown and makes Galilee a breeze to visit.
Dock at Ashdod if you’re itching to explore Jerusalem, Bethlehem, or float in the Dead Sea.
Beach lovers and adventure seekers should head to Eilat on the Red Sea, where coral reefs wait underwater and Petra sits just a day trip away.
Don’t worry about connectivity – all ports come with the essentials: Wi-Fi, shops, and places to swap your dollars for shekels.
Figure out which port matches your Israel bucket list and you’re good to go!
Port of Haifa Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Port of Haifa is basically Israel’s main hub for cruise ships and passenger ferries, dropping you off in the country’s third-largest city. You’ll land right at the foot of Mount Carmel, where you can soak in gorgeous views of Haifa Bay and the Galilee hills in the distance.
Getting to downtown is a breeze – just a quick 10-15 minute stroll from the modern cruise terminal. This busy port handles a whopping 90% of Israel’s cruise visitors and has got you covered with all the essentials: currency exchange, places to grab souvenirs, and free Wi-Fi to update your socials. Once you step off the ship, you’re perfectly positioned to explore northern Israel’s coolest religious and historical spots.
Port of Ashdod Cruise Ship Port Guide
Ashdod sits right on Israel’s southern Mediterranean shoreline and works perfectly as your second major gateway to the Holy Land, especially if Jerusalem tops your must-see list. The modern terminal has everything you’ll need – duty-free shops, Wi-Fi, places to grab a bite, and spots to exchange your money.
You’re looking at about an hour’s drive (65km) to Jerusalem and just 40 minutes (42km) to Tel Aviv. Between April and October, big-name cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea make regular stops here.
Most travelers hop on excursions to explore Jerusalem’s ancient holy sites, visit Bethlehem’s Church of Nativity, float in the super-salty Dead Sea, or climb the impressive Masada fortress. Thanks to Ashdod‘s great location, all these spots are easy day trips from the port.
Port of Eilat Cruise Ship Port Guide
Eilat is Israel’s only Red Sea port – unlike the country’s other ports which face the Mediterranean. This gives you amazing access to stunning coral reefs and some pretty incredible desert landscapes.
The cruise terminal is right next to downtown Eilat, so getting around is super easy. You’ll go through face-to-face immigration checks while still on your ship before heading into the 1,200-meter terminal.
Once you’re off the ship, you’re in the perfect spot to check out the dolphins at Dolphin Reef, explore the cool rock formations at Timna Park, or even take a day trip to see Petra in Jordan. If you’re visiting during winter (October-April), you’ll hit the sweet spot with mild temperatures that are perfect for hiking through the desert or diving into the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Visa Required for Cruise Passengers Visiting Israel?
Most cruise visitors (about 70%) can enter Israel without any hassle. If you’re from the EU, you’re good to go for trips under 90 days – no visa needed! Everyone else will need to grab either an ETA-IL or get a visa when you arrive. Pretty straightforward, really.
What Is the Currency Used in Israeli Ports?
When you hit Israeli ports, you’ll need New Israeli Shekels (NIS) in your wallet. Banks and ATMs are all over if you need to swap your home currency, and most places take credit cards without any fuss. Grab some coins too – they come in handy for small stuff like drinks or tips.
Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at Israeli Cruise Ports?
Haifa port has luggage storage available at the neighboring train station where you can use lockers for about 10-20 ILS. Unfortunately, Ashdod doesn’t offer storage right at the port. Just keep in mind that storage at both locations is only accessible during the train station’s operating hours – they’re not open all night if you need a late pickup.
How Far Are Major Attractions From Each Port?
Time really zips by when you’re checking out Israel from its ports! Haifa puts you just a quick 10-minute hop from the gorgeous Baha’i Gardens. And if Jerusalem’s on your list, you’re better off docking at Ashdod – it’s only an hour away compared to the two-hour trek from Haifa.
What Is the Typical Tipping Etiquette in Israel?
When you’re in Israel, tipping goes something like this: drop 10-12% at restaurants (bump it to 15-20% if the service was amazing), leave 10-15% at bars, slip 20-50 shekels to housekeeping, and hand over 50-100 shekels to your tour guide. Stick with shekels for tips – nobody wants your foreign currency. Sure, tipping isn’t technically required, but trust me, it’s definitely expected!
