Need help deciding between itineraries - Ashod + Haifa or Ashod for 2 days?

[Travelalot2]

We are looking at two different dates for a holy land cruise. One goes to Ashod for 2 days (overnight) and the other goes to Ashod one day and Haifa the next. Any thoughts on pros and cons of each choice? From reading these boards, it appears that there is more to see from Ashod - true?

[OreetS]

Originally Posted by Travelalot2

We are looking at two different dates for a holy land cruise. One goes to Ashod for 2 days (overnight) and the other goes to Ashod one day and Haifa the next. Any thoughts on pros and cons of each choice? From reading these boards, it appears that there is more to see from Ashod - true?

Ashdod is farther south on the Israeli coast, while Haifa is on the northern coast. The differences in location of the ports makes it a bit closer to travel to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada and the Dead Sea from Ashdod. Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, etc. are closer to Haifa.

That said, Israel is a small country and the distances are not that great.

Most cruisers visit the northern sites from Haifa and the Jerusalem area from Ashdod.

In either case you have an additional option of not returning to the ship at night and then you could tour the north from Haifa, travel to Jerusalem, spend the night there and have a longer touring day available in that area. That option, as well as others would be more workable with a private guide.

I would suggest you decide what sites are most important for you to see and perhaps that will help you decide which cruise and port schedule suits you best.

[happy trailer]

Already discussed a little bit here; it may give you a bit more insight...(and maybe some more questions! ):

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1261723

[ilanas]

I agree with Oreet. Haifa has so much more to offer. The port of Haifa has many attractions too, especially the beautiful Bahai gardens. The coast towards Rosh Hanikra is very beautiful which could include a visit to the very interesting town of Akko which encompasses a lot of history and beauty - there are wonderful sea food restaurants there too - Akko historical fortress is very interesting. You can go down the cable car too and reach the furthermost border on that side.

Haifa is also very close to the Galilea region too as mentioned before which of course includes Tiberias and all the wonderful important biblical sites.

Haifa is not very far from the port of Caesaria which is a wonderful archelogical place to visit - it has been excavated and is a very interesting place to see - has very nice restaurants too.

Likewise northwards to Tiberias is the very famous town of Bet Shean that has been amazingly excavated - the light and sound show there is a MUST if you can see it at night.

Visit the Baptismal sites at Kibbutz Kinneret - really interesting.

In a nutshell Haifa is without doubt the port to visit.

Originally Posted by Travelalot2

We are looking at two different dates for a holy land cruise. One goes to Ashod for 2 days (overnight) and the other goes to Ashod one day and Haifa the next. Any thoughts on pros and cons of each choice? From reading these boards, it appears that there is more to see from Ashod - true?

[happy trailer]

So, Ilana- I'm guessing you live in Haifa or thereabouts?

Shana Tova, and welcome to Cruise Critic!

Ruth