Norwegian Jade - final Holy Land Cruise, April 6-17, 2013

[herbanrenewal]

April 4 travel day 1

DH works for Amtrak, and neither Danni or I could get a direct FF mile trip to Rome, so we took the train to NYC from DC.

Since I hitched a ride with DH while he went to work, I had almost two hours to kill before boarding my train and starting my long journey, but eventually I got on the train, and at New Carrrolton

Danni met me in the quiet car for the comfy trip to NYC Penn Station. from there, the LIRR to Jamaica station took us to the Airtrain to our terminal. Again we had a significant wait. Ii had planned the trip two ways - with leaving luggage in the check-in area at Penn Station and spending a hour or so looking around NYC, or going straight to the airport...we chose the later for the sheer luxury of not having to hurry to make any connections...longer travel times, but at no point a need to rush.

 

Finally ready to board AA to Barcelona

we went to Barcelona for the $5 fee plus FF miles. Danni found a $19 flight to Rome from Barcelona...again we planned a 4+ hour layover to avoid rushing. We had to clear customs in first entry point to Europe...simply walking through the door marked "nothing to declare" than found the gate for our next leg, and settle in again.

 

April 5

finally in the air to Rome! hurray!!

Arriving in Rome we followed the signs to the train, bought our tickets to Civitavecchia port. When we got to the connecting station at Trastevere we couldn’t find an elevator, so Danni with her air boot for her healing foot (post foot surgery) had a hard time maneuvering up and down flights of marble steps. We missed the first connection to Civitavecchia, and stood on the binario 2 (track 2) waiting for the next leg to Civitavecchia for 30 minutes, putting us into rush hour on a commuter train, standing room only, for over an hour until there were seats.

 

Finally at our destination for today. We walked to our B&B Villa Susanna. No one there to check us in, but we had been warned that might occur, and the note at the door gave us directions to our room. We had stayed here before and knew it to be basic but clean and comfy accommodations. Danny wanted to walk to an ATM, and despite the long day on her foot felt okay, so off to town...the first two ATMs didn't work but the third time was a charm, and we both now had Euros. We asked and got directions to a mini market for food. our typical MO when traveling is to buy meat, cheese, bread, fruit, and make out own picnic banquet. All worked as planned, though with the language barriers we ended up with a a sweet honey spice bread instead of the whole grain we expected...but the sandwiches tasted fine. and we had looked for a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner but couldn’t find a corkscrew, so bought a sparkling wine instead...necessity is the mother of invention....popped the cork in our nice little room and enjoyed the meal, then reitred early - as soon as it turned dark, probably around 730pm local time, but about 40 hours since awakening at home to begin this journey.

Would I plan it this way again ... probably not, but it was cheap, not rushed, and relatively easy ...a different kind of start to a nice long cruise.

April 6 - embarking on the cruise

i think we slept over 12 hours, woke up and had breakfast on the nice little outdoor deck at the Villa Susannah (not what I think of as a villa, but a pleasant B&B). I didn't say it yesterday, but we didn't immediately realize we had to turn on the hot water heater, and that it would take a considerable amount of time to get warm water so we each had a cold shower last night. Today the water was nice and hot, so our one complaint about our loggings was eliminated the next morning. We had a leisurely breakfast, finally met up with our host, paid the tab, and checked out, walking the short distance to the pier to board the Jade. A short shuttle ride to check in our luggage, and we were on board at last!

 

We walked around for a bit until time to access our room. left a message and tip for the room stewart, asking for plenty of ice (Danni will ice her foot every evening so this is a must!) He emptied the minibar fridge for us, and we were set on good terms with Francisco.

 

Tonight we have reservations for the steakhouse specialty dining - Cagney’s. The deal for 3 specialty restaurants for $ 52 fit in great with the on board credit we got from the booking agent.

We got a free bottle of wine from the purchase of the restaurant package and using one specialty restaurant on the first night. We had delicious crabcakes for appetizers, filet mignon for entree, and sides of mushrooms and asparagus. Dessert was a splurge, too, raspberry creme brulee. Great meal!

 

We went back to the room and debated retiring early, but decided to go to the evening entertainment instead. The cruise director did the hosting in at least 6 languages (which got to be a bit much after a few of his announcements), there was a brief intro entertainment including some music from Momma Mia. Then we returned to our room, took turns showering, and finally off to sleep.

cruise day 2 - at sea day 1

We keep getting the layout of the confused and twice last night walked through the smoky casino (I miss Celebrity's no smoking policy) to get from the theater to our room...one floor apart but I need to remember to use the midship stairs - not the forward stairs which are nearer. I think my lack of special relationship ability is because of my dyslexia – I’m always lost without a GPS!

 

By the time I got ready to go to sleep I needed to sit up to breathe. At any rate, I was so tired I never really woke up all night.

 

I slept in until 830 then went to breakfast. Danni's foot is bothering her, my right shoulder is stiff - must have slept funny - its cold and windy, so no pool time this morning. At 1100 we have the meet and greet for cc. So here we are, sitting near the Martini Bar outside the Bistro.

We joined the meet and greet for cruise critic members - very nice event with 8 officers coming to talk with us. Being there early I talked to the officer in charge of groups, who was so very helpful, and organizes these events. She saw I had some papers about our Limassol port tour and she said there really was no problem with CC groups tours, since CC also was very supportive of NCL, allowing us to meet after the officers introduced themselves for our private tours. I made contact with all 32 members of our Limassol tour in /Cyprus. We will meet outside the Bistro restaurant at 815 to go for our excursion on Wednesday.

 

The show tonight is a circus type act, so both Danny and I decided to skip it. We did enjoy several of the acts in the lounges.

[herbanrenewal]

April 8 at sea day 2

enroute to Alanya Turkey

 

Its cold and rainy today so most of our efforts are just sitting around and reading. We did take in a nice film lecture on Rembrandt

 

We went to our second of three speciality resturants tonight - Papa's Italian restaurant. The insalata caprese was lacking in basil/pesto, and overwhelmed with a basalmic vinegrette. We had what i thought of as the saving grace of the meal, lobster linguini. really very well done, then Danny had a shrimp dish - skimpy on shrimp, and not much she liked; I had a pork scallopini marsala, which again was seasoned with a sauce that was too strong for the delicate pork. …I like a light brown sauce with Marsala wine, not the heavy burnt tomato taste I got. Maybe just a matter of personal taste, but I was disappointed and would not return to Papa’s

Danny liked her tiramisu dessert, and I liked the Torta Chocolatta (chocolate cake)

 

After our mixed review of the restaurant we headed down to the Atrium to catch some of the music - really nice guitarist sang Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, Beatles, etc. We stayed for all of RJ Red's first set, then went to the 930 show - called Showdown it was a staged competition among four singer performers with lots of song and dance. We had a good time listening to the music from our era.

April 9 Alanya, Turkey

Both of us love Turkey after our excellent tour last October. Alanya is about 90 miles from Antalya, one of the Mediterranean resorts we visited then. From exploring the web we knew we were going to use this port day to shop and to visit the old 12th century castle at the top of the ridge. It’s a very picturesque port, and after the cold rainy day yesterday today was perfect weather.

 

We walked through town but today was not a bazaar day, so we decided to head back to catch the local bus to the top of the hill. a group of 4 Japanese folks were also waiting, when an enterprising taxi driver offered to take us all up for 2,50 lira each. The bus was 2 lira and we would have had about a 20 minute wait. We all piled in, and off to the top to see the sites.

 

This was a lot nicer than i expected. We did some shopping, i got the pashminas i wanted for my sisters for Christmas gifts at a reasonable price – they had loved mine that I got last year, so I figured this was a great opportunity to knock off half my Christmas shopping list 8 months early! And the young couple who were selling things from the home of his grandparents gave us each a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and showed us around the old homestead which they hope to turn into a local culture history type site. We walked to the mosque, the cultural center, detoured from the castle due to some construction that looked intimidating, but all in all totally enjoyed our trip to the top of the mountain, before heading down on foot, enjoying the spectacular views all the way down.

 

Back on board we had a great if late lunch, then went out to the pool. We swam for quite a while - totally relaxing. After spending a bit of time soaking up the sum we settled into chairs to read and relax before dinner and show tonight (the Beetles)

 

We ate dinner at Alazar restaurant and after the spoiling we got at Cagney’s, this was disappointing at best. The service was slow and not organized. This was the only really disappointing meal of the cruise. As a Celebrity Elite and Royal Diamond member I have come to expect good meals on a cruise, and NCL exceeded my expectations except for this one meal. I think this is a darker and more depressing environment, too, so we make the decision to not eat there again.

April 10 Limassol, Cyprus

Today was the day of the tour that we arranged with cruise critic roll call. At the M&G we had arranged to meet by 8:15 so all 32 of us could be on the bus at 8:30. It worked like clockwork so all of us were on time for a great day in Cyprus.

Our guide was George, and he did a great job telling us about the history of the Cypriot peoples, and the religious and political wars that make up modern Cyprus, along with describing where we were and what we were seeing..

 

We started with Kolossi castle, the 13th century fortress of the Knights Templar. Next we went to the historical archeological site of Curium. destroyed in the 4th century. Highlights included the Roman Theater the house of Eustolios (I tested the acoustics) and the public baths. The site is extensive and we didn’t have time to explore all of it

 

Next we went to the Temple of Apollo from the 3rd century, bc before riding over the mountain to Omodos. This was a wonderful little town with wine tasting , bread and candied nuts, and plenty of souvenir shopping. Some of our group had a multi-course luncheon for 20 euros each. Others of us explored independently while waiting. Those who had the full luncheon were all very happy with the meal. We enjoyed the independent time. However, because we spent the time at the previous stops we didn’t have time for Old Town Limassol.

 

The trip home was complicated by the apparent lost ID card of one of our group, but we did not have time to go back without jeopardizing the whole group missing the ship. George was very concerned about the missing documents. After stopping at the roadside to debate best course of action, we headed back to the ship. Fortunately, before we got back the missing ID was found, so happily all ended well.

[herbanrenewal]

April 11 Haifa, Isreal

Finally - we are in Israel and our group is meeting at 8am with guided tours Israel guide.

At 8am sharp we find Mickey (Micael) our guide. She is full of energy and cheer, and heads us to the minibus to get on the road. The initial exchange between her and our driver sets the tone for the 2 days - they bicker and discuss and are obviously good friends, but the driver thought we were heading to Jerusalem the first day and Mickey set him straight.

 

...so off we go, first to the top of the hill overlooking the harbor to see the Baha'i gardens from both the top and bottom. Mickey told us a bit about the Baha’i religion and the life and death of its leader.

 

The ridge over Haifa is Mount Karmi'el - Mount Carmel from sermon on the mount frame. Although this is the Jewish heritage tour, Mickey points out interesting New Testament places as we pass.

 

Next we move on to Acre (Akko) to explore the history of the crusaders who conquered the old town. The gothic architecture of the underground city that was the base for the 12th century efforts to expel the Moslems from the Holy City of Christendom (and Judaism) and of course get all the power and treasures available.

 

Then on to Safed, which is a beautiful old city with significance as the center of Jewish mysticism, Kabala. We visited tiny old synagogues, including an old synagogue, no bigger than my dining room (not big!). Wewalked cobblestone streets, and thoroughly enjoyed the artist colonies and shops, sort of a preview of the next destination, Rosh Pina art galleries

 

We ate lunch on the Sea of Galilee at St. Peter's restaurant. The salad and fish were a bit over priced at $20 US, but heck, this Catholic girl was eating St. Peter's fish from the Sea of Galilee!! And then I went down to the beach and dipped my hands and toes in the waters...feet firmly on the rocky sand - no walking on water for me (which should be obvious to anyone who knows me)...

 

Mickey was telling us about the opposite shore, the disputed Golan Heights region...her perspective is totally consistent with current political issues in Israel.

 

HHmmm. other site we saw that I skipped mentioning - Mickey drove us to the Lebanon border to see the current no man's land zone and security checkpoints. She told us about the first Israeli submarine. After the 5 day war in the 60s it was sunk by the Russian navy, off the coast the day before it was scheduled to make its initial landing in Israel.

 

April 12 Haifa day 2 - trip to Jerusalem

Simply as an overview let me say there are few places on earth that fill your heart and soul when you see them...there are few places with longer histories as centers of faith...there are few histories of more strife and turmoil caused by mankind in the name of God...

for God's sake, how can people screw up so much?

 

After our 11 hour tour yesterday, Mickey met us an hour early for our second day. Danni and I were inadvertently the last to joined our group – in the middle of the debarking process, the security officers held debarking for about 20 minutes. We had a 2 hour drive to Jerusalem.

 

Of course our independent tour guide decided we needed to see Jaffa and Tel Aviv first to see how modern Israelis live. The high-rises and beach front scenery is impressive. After the short detour we proceeded to the main attraction.

 

First as we passed the site of the Annunciation and birthplace of St John, Mickey pointed them out. I was impressed and grateful that even though the group was focused on the Jewish heritage, she consistently made efforts to let me know what we were passing, and point out important sites. From the route we were travelling she located the Russian Orthodox Church golden dome that sits over the Announciation location, and Visitation by Mary to her cousin Elizabeth church sites. I didn’t ask for this consideration since I knew what I was doing when I signed up for the Jewish heritage tour, but I surely appreciated her extended efforts.

 

We drove through but don't stop at the Yad Vashem Memorial to the holocaust with its chilling lone box car monument. We also saw the area that the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered.

 

Before entering the old city of Jerusalem we drove to a panoramic overview from Mount Zion...oh so casually pointing out domes, walls, quarters that mark the centers of 3 of the world's largest faiths origins. Then we walked to the old walled city through the Eastern gate facing the Mount of Olives. The separation of the city into Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters was explained, while the overwhelming influences of strife and past wars is evident.

We visited the Roman Cardo and saw the location of King David's tomb. while heading to the Western Wall (Mickey said that the Israelis call it the Western Wall, the sacred location nearest to the Holy of Holy’s because it is closest to this sacred location Jews come to pray, to ask for blessings, and to remember lost loved ones, and hence to cry. Because of the cries of the worshipers, the neighboring Muslims call it the Wailing Wall. I note that there are separate areas for men and women in synagogues, mosques and also at the Western Wall .. .something Muslims and Jews have in common.

 

We had 2 1/2 hour return trip along the Jordan River - the political and historic significance were topics during the return. Mickey also spent time talking about life on the kibbutz, and discussed two types - traditional is a communistic society where everyone works and shares equally in a self governed society. the second type is more of a commune relationship, more closely related to socialistic in nature and a shared governance with separate ownerships and roles.

 

After a second very long day we arrived back at the ship in time to depart Israel and to head for dinner -

...just another cruise vacation day? Or heart palpitating realization of the very blessed and privileged existence i live.

 

April 13 - at sea

relaxing, swimming, catching some sun,

 

last of specialty restaurant meals - le Bistro French restaurant...wonderful again. If you had asked me before this trip if i would ever spend money extra for meals on a cruise I would have said "no way". The OBC we got from our travel agent made this a practical way to part with some cash without out of pocket expense, and I was very happy with two of three specialty restaraunt experiences. Danny had a fantastic steak, and the Atlantic salmon I had was delicious.

 

The deal for onboard credit gave us money to use during the cruise as a benefit of transferring our reservation to a cruise travel agent...it also allowed us to move from an inside to ocean view cabin, and to get a couple bottles of wine during the cruise. Thanks CC friends!

 

April 14 Heraklion, Crete

Crete is a Great Big Greek island, and anyone familiar with Greek mythology knows it’s the home of the Minoan culture, the Minotaur, the labyrinth at Knossos.

 

A short walk, easy access public bus (1,50 Euro each way) takes you directly and easily to Knossos. There are multilingual tour guides hawking their services - 60 Euro per group no matter how big or small the group seemed to be the prevailing rate...but if ever a place was a self- directed tour this is it...tour routes clearly marked, signs describing what you are seeing...even signs describing what you are REALLY seeing ---it’s mostly a reconstruction based on an early 20th century archeologist's interpretation of what was there, with a great deal of speculation and improbable interpretation. None of the frescos are in situ - just reproductions of the imaginative interpretation of the fragments originally found.

 

After about 1 1/2 hours we caught a bus back to town to see the museum that holds the real fragments. After years there is still only a small temporary exhibit (Rick Steves described this temporary exhibit several years ago - the permanent museum is still not open) BTW, you can buy a combined Knossos and Archeology Museum ticket for 10 Euro, or just pay for the Knossos entrance ticket -6 Euro. No one ever asks you for the museum ticket. It seems to be treated more as a donation to the museum.

 

We walked back, to the center of town, had break in a WIFI zone while Danny emailed her daughter l to let her know she is fine. Then we walked back to the ship for a relaxing swim and sunning before dinner.

[herbanrenewal]

April 16 – last port – Naples

We debated doing the train to Pompei, but after the Curium and Knossos, felt a bit Ruined. So went went with the original plan to do a self-guided walking tour of Naples. Back in the early planning we were disappointed to find the archeological Museum would be closed because we were in port on a Tuesday…bummer…that was the highlight we really wanted to see. But with the help of Rick Steves and some online resources, we planned our sites.

irst and most obvious when docked is Piazza del Municipio -The port of Naples has been protected by this odd, beautiful castle, looming over the harbor behind the Palazzo Reala and San Carlo, for some 700 years now. Charles of Anjou built it in 1279: The symbolism, as in the Roamn Arches is a little confusing. The figure at the top is Saint Michael; below him are a matched pair of sea gods, and further down, allegorical virtues and relief panels portraying victories and wise governance.

Next Spaccanapoli, or Via San Biagio, is the main street that divides Naples and is the heart of the historic center. Teeming with people, the street holds many interesting churches, shops, and other buildings. Originally the heart of the Greek and Roman city, the Spaccanapoli district is a string of narrow, winding streets and is mainly a pedestrian zone so its a fun place to wander around.

Next, Via San Gregorio Armeno is known as the street of Nativity workshops because it's lined with artisan workshops that make statuettes and scenery for the famous Neopalitan nativity scenes or presepi. Small storefronts selling nativity pieces and tourist items spill out onto the street while the best pieces are kept inside the tiny shops. It's a fascinating street even if you don't want to buy anything or aren't really interested in nativities…or political figures.. or musucians… or any other personality you can imagine. About halfway up the street is the Church of San Gregorio Armeno (not to be confused with Giorgio Armani).

At the end of Via San Gregorio Armeno, near the corner of Via Tribunali is the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore. Excavations under the church reveal parts of the Roman city, including what was the Roman Forum. Several scenes, such as an oven have been set up to represent the way it probably looked in Roman times. Your ticket to the excavations (scavi) also includes the Museum of San Lorenzo Maggiore with works from the Greek and Roman period through the 19th century and the Capitolare and Sisto V rooms with beautifully frescoed ceilings. While I just skipped the ruins of Pompei I was curious to see these. After all, most ruins are just that, unless they are restored, in which case they are someone’s best guess of what the ruins MAY have looked like… but underground ruins are restored by removing debris and are closer to actual sites from millennia ago. And these aren’t missing the in situ artwork like Pompei

Next, Santa Chiara Monastery a peaceful cloister with stunning majolica tiled columns and benches (added in 1742), a garden, and beautiful 17th century frescoes under the arches of the walkways. It makes a nice contrast to the hectic center of Naples.After you stroll around the courtyard, go into the museum where you'll find not only religous relics but archeological finds from the 1st through 4th centuries AD and an excavation of a Roman thermal spa. Pieces remaining from the original church are on display Don't miss the 18th century presepe, or nativity, in a side room near the entrance.

Santa Chiara Church and Monastery were built in the 14th century. The original church, built in Provencal Gothic style, was the largest Clarissan church ever built. In the 17th to 18th centuries it was remodeled in Baroque style but after being almost destroyed during World War II, it was restored in what is believed to be its original form. The church holds the tombs of several kings and queens as well as relics of Saint Louis of Toulouse, including his brain. Next to the church is the nun's choir with fragments of frescoes attributed to Giotto.

Galleria Umberto I is a public shopping gallery in Naples, southern Italy. It is located directly across from the San Carlo opera house. It was built between 1887–1891, and was the cornerstone in the decades-long rebuilding of Naples — called the risanamento (lit. "making healthy again") — that lasted until World War I. It was designed by Emanuele Rocco, who employed modern architectural elements reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. The Galleria was named for Umberto I, King of Italy at the time of construction. It was meant to combine businesses, shops, cafes and social life — public space — with private space in the apartments on the third floor.

The Galleria is a high and spacious cross-shaped affair surmounted by a glass dome braced by 16 metal ribs. Of the four glass-vaulted wings, one fronts on via Toledo (via Roma), still the main downtown thoroughfare, and another opens onto the San Carlo Theater. It has returned to being an active center of Neapolitan civic life after years of decay.

And finally, Palazzo Reale Napoli (or the Royal Palace of Naples) is one of the most impressive palaces in southern Italy and ranks among the top tourist attractions in the city. This palace was the primary royal residence of the Bourbon rulers in the first half of the eighteenth. The Spanish viceroys in power at the time saw to the completion of the construction of this amazing palace in 1600.

The Royal Palace of Naples now absolutely dominates the Piazza del Plebiscito with its formidable, red façade that features statues of the eight kings of Naples. The Palazzo Reale Napoli is filled with grand halls, massive tapestries, beautiful works of art, and fine furnishings. The Throne Room, Court Theatre, Royal Apartments, and Oratory (the queen’s personal chapel) are all highlights of visiting the palace.The expansive royal halls and apartments, the priceless artworks and decorations, and the sheer size and scope of the grounds will inspire anyone who visits this top destination in Naples.

Really for a practically free excursion except for a couple admissions, this was a pretty good day.

April 17 – the end

We self-disembarked early to catch the early train to Rome…unfortunately the train we wanted to take had engine problems and we left on a slightly later regional train – another Cattle Car type of ride, this time with seats, and since we were there early, room for our luggage. We parted at Trastevere since Danni was going on to her niece’s place in The Hague to visit family, and I was going to a B&B in Rome overnight (another FF miles flight deal let me fly from FCO to JFK in NYC for $5, but I needed to stay 1 night in Rome to get the deal.)

After dropping off my bag at RomeBed B&B near Termini I took a stroll down to San Clemente Basilica near the Coliseum – one of the few we hadn’t seen yet. is a three-tiered complex of buildings: the present basilica built just before the year 1100 during the height of the Middle Ages; beneath the present basilica is a 4th century basilica that had been converted out of the home of a Roman nobleman, part of which had in the 1st century briefly served as an early church, and the basement of which had in the 2nd century briefly served as a mithraeum; finally the lowest layer was the home of a Roman nobleman built on the foundations of a building that had been destroyed in the Great Fire of 64AD of Nero’s fiddling fame.

A short metro ride brought me to the stairs were, reputedly, brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century. According to the Christian tradition, the steps that led up to the preatorium of Pontius Pilate in JerusalemJesus Christ stood on during his Passion on his way to trial It consists of twenty-eight white marble steps, now encased by wood. The pilgramage includes that the only way up the staircase is on your knees, I found the worn wooden steps contoured by the many knees that traversed them before me.

Another metro ride to Mammolo station let me catch the Cotral bus to Tivoli to see the Villa D’Este palace and gardens. The Italian garden of Villa D’Este is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. There are more than 500 fountains, incredible statuary and beautiful flowers.

The gardens were created by Cardinal Ippolito II D’Este after the disappointment of his failed bid for the papacy. His vision was to bring back the grandeur of Rome, Fontainebleau, and Villa Adriana.

When he became governor of Tivoli in 1550 he took over the Governor’s palace. In the middle of the 19th century Gustav von Hohelohe obtained the villa from the Dukes of Modena and started to rebuild the complex. After renovations, the Villa again became a cultural center. Franz Liszt, composed Giochi d’acqua a Villa D’Este while a guest here, and gave one of his final concerts here in 1879.

After WWI started, the villa became the property of the Italian State, and during the 1920s it was restored and opened to the public. After WWII, another major restoration occurred, in part to repair the damage caused by bombings in 1944. For the last twenty years there has been constant restoration at the Villa. Beautiful, and worth the bus ride to see it!

Returning to Rome I decided my last stop would be to see Rome from the Dome of St Peter’s.

I took the elevator for the first 200+ steps, but then the only option is walking up more than 300 more steps, but it is well worth the effort.

April 18 – return to reality.

I’m home again.

Looking to sort through my photos, maybe to add some to this journal, which consists of the notes I wrote each evening of the trip.

[jdvmd]

Wow! Wow! What a thorough review! Thanks for sharing!

[lettienets]

Wow is right, great review. I did this cruise in Feb. Loved having GTI tour guide Mical, Mickey in Israel too! Fun to relive the cruise through someone's else's eyes, thanks.

[canehdn]

Thanks for your wonderful review and sharing your trip with fellow CC'ers. We did this same itinerary February 23 to March 6 and your review just brought back fabulous memories. It really is a great itinerary. Thanks again for sharing ...

 

Cdn in KS

[Steamboat Holly]

That was such an interesting review! Thanks for posting, and I would love to see pictures if you decide to post some.

[4774Papa]

I enjoyed your review. I was surprised that while in Jerusalem you did not go to the Dome of the Rock or Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Also, you didn't go to Bethlehem? It seemed your tour wasted time in Tel Aviv.

.

[herbanrenewal]

I enjoyed your review. I was surprised that while in Jerusalem you did not go to the Dome of the Rock or Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Also, you didn't go to Bethlehem? It seemed your tour wasted time in Tel Aviv.

.

 

We took the Jewish heritage tour so the itinerary and content were somewhat different than the Christian oriented groups. I was the only Christian in the group. The guide did point out in passing sights of interest, and she graciously let me have a short visit at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher while she talked to the rest of the group. I may have left that paragraph out but definitely have it in my journal - it was truly awe-inspiring, uplifting, emotional, and overwhelming experience!

Even some of the Christian groups did not go to Bethlehem in the Palestine side. It involved changing guides and drivers to cross the checkpoint, and took a lot of time. I think only the groups that stayed in Jerusalem overnight went to Bethlehem. We were docked at Haifa for 2 days and just travel time to Jerusalem was 2 hours.

 

I was told that we would be the last planned NCL cruise that includes Israel since there are concerns. There are always concerns in that region, and it seems like such a shame.

 

It was truly an unforgettable experience. We are talking of a land-based tour of Israel and Jordan. There is so much more I want to see there.

[chisoxfan]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a comprehensive review. I will go back and re read your post for guidance in Naples.

I am assuming that they took Alexndria off the itinerary but what a great one none the less.

I am happy for you but a little jealous.

We booked the Jade in October to do the Holy Land and the itinerary was changed to Eastern Med. Since we already had hotel and air booked with FF points and the highlight for us was five nights in Rome we decided to stay the course and enjoy an Eastern Med cruise.

[sunshine nana]

Thanks for the great review. I have only one question: were the beds too soft? You mentioned a stiff shoulder. My back really hurt after our last NCL cruise which I think was because of too soft mattress on the Jade. Could you comment? Thanks.

[herbanrenewal]

Thanks for the great review. I have only one question: were the beds too soft? You mentioned a stiff shoulder. My back really hurt after our last NCL cruise which I think was because of too soft mattress on the Jade. Could you comment? Thanks.

 

The beds were comfortable to me, though I found the pillow to be too flat for optimal comfort. I think my stiff shoulder had more to do with my trouble breathing (I'm asthmatic) the night before - I fell asleep propped up semi-sitting.

[makinplans2go]

 

I was told that we would be the last planned NCL cruise that includes Israel since there are concerns. There are always concerns in that region, and it seems like such a shame.

 

It was truly an unforgettable experience. We are talking of a land-based tour of Israel and Jordan. There is so much more I want to see there.

 

I am looking for a cruise that includes Israel. Do u know if NCL will be adding a Holy Lands Cruise back into the itinerary? or anyone have recommendations for another cruiseline that goes to the Holy Lands?

 

I'm not sure how to post new questions but I really am interested in cruising to Israel.