NCL Israel Grand Overland overnight tour or day trips?

[hailiana]

We are taking the October Jade cruise which docks in Israel.  We cannot find any reviews of the grand overland overnight excursion in Israel.  It looks like it would hit all the key areas but wish we could get a review from someone who did it.  We would also welcome any reviews of the other NCL excursions visiting Ashod or Haifa, as well as Kusadasi, Limassol,Patmos, or Santorini. We like to do the ship excursions since we've always been satisfied and it is convenient.

[emckeeve]

We're not taking this cruise until May but definitely want to take the Grand Overland Tour.  It's not available to book yet, which makes me nervous.  How far in advance do they let you book?

[Travelling2Some]

You might find a lot of useful information on the Ports of Call boards.  We stayed overnight in Jerusalem but we just shared a cab with another couple and went on our own.  However you do it, I would definitely recommend staying overnight in Jerusalem rather than returning to the ship and doing it in two day trips.

[mamabear38]

Since this tour doesn't seem to be offered anymore via NCL (we aren't travelling till March 2023).  Do you know of any issues arranging an overnight tour ourselves? I assume we let NCL know and run the risk of the ship missing the port of Haifa for some reason.

[Travelling2Some]

17 hours ago, mamabear38 said:

Since this tour doesn't seem to be offered anymore via NCL (we aren't travelling till March 2023).  Do you know of any issues arranging an overnight tour ourselves? I assume we let NCL know and run the risk of the ship missing the port of Haifa for some reason.

 

Edited October 5, 2022 by Travelling2Some

[Travelling2Some]

17 hours ago, mamabear38 said:

Since this tour doesn't seem to be offered anymore via NCL (we aren't travelling till March 2023).  Do you know of any issues arranging an overnight tour ourselves? I assume we let NCL know and run the risk of the ship missing the port of Haifa for some reason.

Our experience was different since we had two days docked Ashdod before the ship moved on to Haifa.  I see the Jade is just staying in Ashdod for the single day.  There will be lots of information on the Port of Call CC board that covers Israel and this thread will probably be redirected there soon.  Here's the link:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/19-africa-amp-middle-east/

[emckeeve]

On 10/5/2022 at 2:56 AM, Travelling2Some said:

 

It might still be offered.  I called the excursion office (last month) and they may open up reservations in a couple of months.  So I keep checking.  In the meantime, I have booked day trips to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea from Ashdod and Galilee and Nazareth from Haifa with private tour company