Israelis are using to flying abroad, but starting this May, a Mediterranean cruise will also be an option. Royal Caribbean has announced new cruise lines to the Greek Isles and Cyprus from Haifa.
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Starting March 9, bookings will be available for three-night or seven-night cruises on the company's new quantum ultra class ship, Odyssey of the Seas. The round-trip itineraries from Haifa include destinations such as Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus.
Odyssey of the Seas amenities include a SeaPlex activity center; a variety of dining options, a two-level pool deck; and a skydiving simulator, as well as a water park for children and shaded casitas and hammocks on deck.
The ship will sail from Haifa for its inaugural summer season and then depart for Fort Lauderdale in November 2021.
"We are thrilled to debut Royal Caribbean cruises from Israel with our newest and most innovative ship, Odyssey of the Seas. Israeli travelers will be looking to get away, relax with total peace of mind, and enjoy the travel experiences they are missing dearly; and that is what we do best," said Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley.
"Sailing from Israel is an opportunity we have had our sights on for quite some time. We greatly appreciate the government of Israel for their collaboration and confidence in us to deliver memorable cruise experiences to their residents, and look forward to delivering on that promise aboard our newest ship – the first 'Green Island' at sea."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was "proud" that Israel would be the first country to launch the company's new flagship.
"Royal Caribbean's decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of confidence in our [vaccine] policy. This is an important economic, touristic moment for the State of Israel," Netanyahu said.
"Israel is a global model of success. We will continue our program – the 'green passport' – so that we can get out of the COVID-19 virus in peace. Just as we made Israel the world champion in vaccines, we will make it the world champion in economics and tourism in the post-Corona era," the prime minister added.
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Royal Caribbean will be the first to offer fully-vaccinated sailings, where both crew and guests above the age of 16 will be vaccinated against COVID-19. Details on the additional health and safety measures to be implemented by Israel and Royal Caribbean will be announced at a later date.
Greek Minister of Tourism Haris Theoharis said he supported all efforts to resume cruising in Greece and the surrounding area. "We are very happy with today's announcement as our recent travel agreement with Israel is already bringing results, and more people will have the opportunity to have unique experiences in our beautiful destinations and islands," he said.
Cyprus' Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios said, "It is an honor to be featured in Royal Caribbean's itinerary this summer, and we are delighted to welcome their newest ship to our island. Cyprus supports the cruise industry and is pleased to help the industry on its road to recovery. We are certain that guests will have a great time, both on board the ship and when visiting Cyprus, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean."
