ldog

Thanks Ruth

We were going to rent a car in Haifa and return it to Ashdod the next day. That makes it harder to use a smaller agency. We want to stay overnight in Jerusalem.

I was trying to fit the most into the two days. I guess I could look into a driver for the day to take us from Jerusalem to Masada and then Ashdod.

I have until October to figure this out.

The car rental idea isn't working. We have to have the car to Ashdod by 4 pm as that's when the rental office closes. Our ship doesn't depart until 8 pm.

Is there enough time to fit in both Masada and the Dead Sea and then drive to Ashdod by 4pm?

Are there any car rental companies that are open late? I've tried Eldan, Avis and Budget.

thanks Ruth

There are so many options and so much to see and do that I'm having a terrible time making decisions. I know that this won't be our only trip to Israel as we use cruises to see where we want to return to. So , we don't have to see everything in two days. But it is all so enticing.

We want the flavour of your country and some of the famous places but we also want to see the people and the society.

The down-side of cruising is the short times in each port or country.

Does it make any sense to rent a car in Haifa, drive to Jerusalem, maybe stop at Caesaria, park the car and tour in Jerusalem, stay in a hotel overnight and the next morning drive to Masada and the Dead Sea and then drive to Ashdod?

We are comfortable driving in many countries. This could let us travel at our own speed (pretty fast) but be economical. We could hire guides at various locations.

Welcome back Ruth! I hope you had a great trip.

Hi Judy

Thanks for all the information. We will be in Israel in October off the Rotterdam VI.

We are in Haifa from 8 am to 11 pm and then Ashdod from 6 am to 8 pm. Is there enough time to see both Old Jerusalem and the Dead Sea on the one day? How long a drive is it from Ashdod to Jerusalem? I'm quite confused about distances.

We had been waitlisted for Traditional Main on our upcoming cruise. I spoke with out TA and he called HAL and they, reluctantly, have confirmed us with traditional. I can understand them wanting to keep flexibility but is that worth upsetting the guests?

Our docs arrived for our Statendam cruise in Feb. We are waitlisted for traditional Main. I hope that clears. We have enjoyed all of our tablemates. It makes sense to me that before the cruise they go through the reservations and make enough room for traditionalists and leave the rest for AYW.

Yes, it's a bit of work but why can't we have what we want? sigh.

Thanks copper 10-8. There were some new ones there.

All of this is speculation until we try it. We are waitlisted late on the Statendam in Feb 08 and the Prinsendam in Nov 08. It's not a deal breaker but we have always enjoyed our dinner companions and servers. It's nice to have familiarity at some point in the day. I'm not looking forward to the "where are you from?" and "what do you do?" at every meal. I'd rather get into politics and religion.:eek:

Welcome home Bill and Mary Ann. I think all of us who have been following this thread for the past months will be suffering cruise withdrawal along with you. I hope your flight home isn't too awful.

That's too bad for you missing both Casablanca and Gibraltar. But it's a good thing for us, your loyal readers, that you have a sea day so that you can catch up and fill us in on your other Med ports.:p

I can't believe that you are in the Atlantic already!

You bring back some wonderful memories of Ephesus. I agree that Kusadasi was disappointing - the "bazaar" was just a shopping mall. But the ruins are amazing. I'd love to go back!

I know you are having a super time and can't wait for your next posts. It's been such fun sailing along with you!

thanks

You really make these places come to life for all of us who are travelling with you in spirit.

thanks so much

Dear Mary Ann & Bill

Thank you so much for taking us on this wild ride with you! What a wonderful trip you are having! I bought a lottery ticket today so one day maybe we'll be able to do the same thing.

I know how busy and tired you must be. Your efforts to post are deeply appreciated.

What? You didn't have a Singapore Sling at Raffles? :rolleyes:

I love the city it's such a bustling active place.

Keep up your fantastic reports.

thanks

Am eagerly awaiting Hong Kong report. What a trip this is!! Thank you for taking the time and effort to post.

I'm so looking forward to your report on Hong Kong.

thanks for taking the time to post every day.

Such a wonderful journey. Thank you so much for taking the time to post every day.