Odyssey of the Seas - Holy Land - what I know now

[CRUIS4ME]

We planned and prepped for our 12 day cruise from Rome to Holy Land.  Thought I would jot down a few notes before we disembark.  I want to pass along some tidbits which I now know but weren’t quite solidified in reviews and info beforehand in hopes it helps someone do their planning.

Precruise  - Civitavecchia and Covid test.  We flew into Rome and stayed two nights in Civitavecchia to be sure plane, luggage, etc were at port when ship was.  All went well.   Glad we had a nonstop from Wash DC on United.   Flight was good, bags made it, connected with prearranged Rome in Cab driver for trip to Civi.   Stayed at Museum Guest House. Location great, small family run guest house, very very clean and friendly.  Easily found a Covid test sight two blocks away, 15 E each, no wait, no fuss.   Got negative results.  
Before we left home, we filled out the Israel entry form.  This is not a VISA….but an entry form for passport and vaccination info that can be done ten days in advance of the arrival in country of Israel.   We printed the authorization email we received and another form with a QR code.  It did not matter when we left Italy per se, just when we arrived in Israel.   The ship does have info on the forms once on board, but the passenger must use a computer and upload  their info.  My suggestion is just do it before leaving home.    Israel entry folks did not request the form at all….but I would not risk not doing the form just in case passport control was linked with the forms, etc. …why risk an entire vacation because of a form not being done? So suggest just do it. 
Getting to port.    On the map, it appears the port is a short walk from where we were staying.  However, after doing a thorough recon, this is what we found out.   From train station, there is a direct bus that goes back and forth to the port.   We were not at the train station.   Therefore,  there is a bus system.   There is only one entrance busses go through to get to ship.   One lugs luggage to a bus stop, takes a city bus (green bus) to the port bus (white bus), uploads and downloads luggage on two busses, and waits for the busses.  We decided to pay for a taxi which the guest house manager arranged for us.   Very direct, no lugging, and we split fee with two other passengers.   For us, easiest and 15 E each was worth it.   Busses are on a one way loop.   
Port and terminal.    We arrived, already had our luggage tags on each piece we were checking, handed off the luggage, and went directly to a counter for easy process.   As far as I could see, there were no special lines for suites or status.   Lots of counters and no real wait.  We had a noon arrival check in but somewhere along the way…I think we answered the health information form…it had us choose another time for the health check which in reality turned out to be the show up to the terminal time which voided the noon time we had previously had….it changed it to two o’clock.   No problem,  we showed up at noon, no questions  asked, went to counter and were checked in and on board I fifteen minutes at most. 
Cabins.   Cabins were open for occupancy at one thirty.  Our bags were in hall when we went to cabin.

 

I will take a break here and continue with tidbits regarding port info.

 

 

Edited September 10, 2022 by CRUIS4ME

[CRUIS4ME]

Part two.   
Odyssey of the Seas.   Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before!  We had bid and received upgrade to a JS.  Happy for the extra room and large balcony.  Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise.   We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah.   We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise.  Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea  and just bee bopped around.  Then the port stops started which  cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching.   We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights.   Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day.   We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise.  They were fine…not awe striking…but fine.   Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans.   Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30.  What wimps!   
Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact.  No interaction between passengers.  Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet.  

Ship  had about 3300 passengers.  Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international  guests.  Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two.   

We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from….

 

First port for us….Haifa half day.   Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number.   Israel was very strict about passenger control.  The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket).  We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP.   So by  the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30!   So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down.   We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm.  That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights.  Catching a taxi back cost a little more.  50 E going and 60 E to return.   Their Sabath started at 6.   
 

[zebra]

3 hours ago, CRUIS4ME said:

Part two.   
Odyssey of the Seas.   Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before!  We had bid and received upgrade to a JS.  Happy for the extra room and large balcony.  Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise.   We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah.   We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise.  Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea  and just bee bopped around.  Then the port stops started which  cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching.   We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights.   Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day.   We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise.  They were fine…not awe striking…but fine.   Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans.   Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30.  What wimps!   
Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact.  No interaction between passengers.  Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet.  

Ship  had about 3300 passengers.  Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international  guests.  Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two.   

We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from….

 

First port for us….Haifa half day.   Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number.   Israel was very strict about passenger control.  The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket).  We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP.   So by  the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30!   So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down.   We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm.  That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights.  Catching a taxi back cost a little more.  50 E going and 60 E to return.   Their Sabath started at 6.   
 

Very interested in your posts. We will be doing this next month on the Odyssey. I am very interested - did you do 3 days of tours in Israel? I'm just concerned about being "wiped out" as they sart early in the day and have a huge amoount of walking involved.  I presume the WJ opens early as there will be many needing to get off the ship by 7am.

 

[Arubamoose]

We are also doing this cruise next month.  We have three full days in Israel.  First two in Ashdod (overnight) and third in Haifa.  Both dock at 8 AM.  

 

I don't know if your experience will be the same as ours.  Will need to speak to the Diamond concierge first thing.  Hopefully not!

[arste]

On 9/10/2022 at 8:47 AM, CRUIS4ME said:

Part two.   
Odyssey of the Seas.   Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before!  We had bid and received upgrade to a JS.  Happy for the extra room and large balcony.  Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise.   We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah.   We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise.  Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea  and just bee bopped around.  Then the port stops started which  cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching.   We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights.   Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day.   We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise.  They were fine…not awe striking…but fine.   Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans.   Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30.  What wimps!   
Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact.  No interaction between passengers.  Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet.  

Ship  had about 3300 passengers.  Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international  guests.  Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two.   

We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from….

 

First port for us….Haifa half day.   Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number.   Israel was very strict about passenger control.  The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket).  We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP.   So by  the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30!   So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down.   We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm.  That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights.  Catching a taxi back cost a little more.  50 E going and 60 E to return.   Their Sabath started at 6.   
 

Just wondering, how long did it take you to get off the ship?

[Trixie21]

I've just come off this cruise as well.

Fantastic itinerary,  but we had been to Santorini and Crete before so were able to take it easy for the last few days.

Bodrum in Turkey we just had a pleasant walk about - lovely town with a nice promenade.

Israel excursions we did via the ship. Tiring days and it was very hot , but so worth it.

[karebare22]

We also just came off this cruise, had a wonderful time! Yes, the first day in Haifa was a bit of an ordeal to get your passport “ticket” (this is in place of a stamp). Everybody on the ship (crew too) must go through this, only the first day, even if you aren’t getting off the ship. Luckily I picked up our disembarkation ticket number early. For the first day, be careful booking any private tours because it can be hard to predict when you’ll be off (could take 1-2 hrs to clear customs)..The passport ticket was valid for all days in Israel. Also,  for all Israel port stops, after disembarking the ship you need to pass through security to scan all bags etc. definitely disembark the ship around 30 min before your tour time.

[karebare22]

5 hours ago, arste said:

Just wondering, how long did it take you to get off the ship?

Process was very fast. We left the ship around 8:20, found our luggage easily, no customs inspection, and just walked out. Found our driver to take us to the airport around 8:30. We had to wait for a couple more people sharing the ride, and arrived at the airport around 9:45am.

[karebare22]

On 9/10/2022 at 8:47 AM, CRUIS4ME said:

We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP

Strangely, we didn’t get a paper compass for the first couple of days, but then our room steward left one for us every night after that (we didn’t ask her to). A great improvement, which I have suggested in the post cruise questionnaire, is that the compass is now available in PDF version! You get a small card in your stateroom with a QR code. As long as you are connected to the guest wifi, you can scan the QR code and download a copy of the compass to your device. 

[bryce125]

14 hours ago, karebare22 said:

We also just came off this cruise, had a wonderful time! Yes, the first day in Haifa was a bit of an ordeal to get your passport “ticket” (this is in place of a stamp). Everybody on the ship (crew too) must go through this, only the first day, even if you aren’t getting off the ship. Luckily I picked up our disembarkation ticket number early. For the first day, be careful booking any private tours because it can be hard to predict when you’ll be off (could take 1-2 hrs to clear customs)..The passport ticket was valid for all days in Israel. Also,  for all Israel port stops, after disembarking the ship you need to pass through security to scan all bags etc. definitely disembark the ship around 30 min before your tour time.

 

[bryce125]

We will be on this cruise next month. How did they distribute the tickets for that first day? Having booked a private tour, we would also like to be off the ship as soon as we am able. Any tips for getting a the tickets early would be most appreciated.Thank you so much for sharing your experience and information. So looking forward to this cruise. 

[bryce125]

4 minutes ago, bryce125 said:

 

 

[karebare22]

13 hours ago, bryce125 said:

We will be on this cruise next month. How did they distribute the tickets for that first day? Having booked a private tour, we would also like to be off the ship as soon as we am able. Any tips for getting a the tickets early would be most appreciated.Thank you so much for sharing your experience and information. So looking forward to this cruise. 

Our arrival time in Haifa was noon, day 4. 

On day 2, we received a booklet “Tips for Mandatory Israeli Immigration”. It stated that on Day 3, tickets would be distributed next to Boleros from 10:00am  to 1:00 pm. I showed up around 10:30-10:45, and received number 21. There was no line, no crowd and  no obvious table/sign, just a couple of crew standing in the main promenade area handing out the tickets (just ask for how many tickets you need for the family, only one person needs to pick them up). So just show up around the start time of ticket distribution to get a low number.

 
Tickets were called in sets of 3 (eg tickets 1-3, then up to 6, then to 9, etc. It seemed to go quickly and I estimate our number 21 was called after about 30-45 min.

 

Photos of the booklet….

 

 

[bryce125]

23 hours ago, bryce125 said:

Thank you for the information. It's very helpful.

 

[uksaint]

@karebare22 Thank you so much for taking the time to post this valuable information. Will definitely help me be more prepared for this cruise in a few weeks.

 

 

[SingBill]

Thank you so much. I will be doing a similar itinerary next month.  This is the most helpful and informative post I’ve read in a long time.  Much appreciated 

[HDBUM]

Great information.  Thank you for posting.

[Espire]

This post is great, many thanks. We will have to get our cruisecritic forum together so we can organise collection of tickets in the same group for our Haifa excursion. You say the same groups apply in Ashdod? So they will be needed as well.

We are at the Museum Guest House and good to know we can get a taxi direct to ship. Thanks again.

[CRUIS4ME]

Just got home after staying in Rome for three days.   I’ll continue with my observations in hopes it helps others.

getting off ship…disembarking.   This was no problem, no wait, quick, easy.   We asked our driver to be there at 0900 and it only took 10 mins from time we departed the cabin until we were in front of terminal with bags.

Israel, continued.    We did not get the “paper” in our room about the tickets.  We also were not use to reading the Compass on the app.   The last thing I wanted to do….but had to learn to do to survive the ships new way….is to carry my iPhone!

Personally thought it was sad to see everyone carrying their phones and noses stuck to a screen while on vacation…but  that’s what it is now a days.  So we just missed the ticket distribution and ended up with Number 36.   By the time we were called, stood in line, and processed it was 4 o’clock.   I agree with the comment to be careful about booking a private tour too early on DAY 1 in Israel because of the time it took to clear.   Our sailing was only in Israel for 2 1/2 days where’s I know others are scheduled for the full three days which gives more time.   Regarding the pace, absolutely we were if “full go mode” from the time we got to Israel for the full days.   We were up at 6 or 6:30 am.  Windjammer was open for breakfast.   We were on tour for 10 hrs per day, walking almost the entire time, in 104 degree heat.   Talk about hot, sweaty, wet, and tired.   But we did it!   So much to absorb. I am also glad I had several pairs of walking shoes to switch into and out of from day to day.

 

Acre/Akko.   We caught a taxi after we got through immigration and went to Akko.  Went directly to the tourist office and bought a ticket to see crusader archaeological sites.   We were able to complete in two hours and return to ship via taxi.  (Albeit not inexpensive taxi cost).  

 

Cypress.   We booked a private tour.  Once again, up early to do breakfast and catch the tour.  Pace was a bit better with several stops to include a winery and small village in mountains.   However, the turmoil getting back through immigration/passport control back to the ship was like a herd of soccer hooligans let out after a game.  The ship could not control the mass confusion…Cypress process could not handle the hoards of people pushing and shoving, shouting, and fussing.   No lines….totally crowded butt to nose people all wanting to go through security.  It was a mess.   

 

Ephesus.   Yep…up early for a full day.   Took private tour which we were grateful for the small group.   Even though we have been there before, it’s been about ten years.  Tour guide had a most interesting day planned…in one entrance of Ephesus and departed through a different entrance so we saw things we had never seen before to include the terrace houses. 

 

Bodrum.   This resort type town we did on our own….walking from ship to castle,    Beach front followed where the ship was docked and encompassed the edge of the bay.  Beach front was only 10-15 feet deep, rocky, beach chairs were available but areas were full.   Restaurants and shops were on other side of the beach path/road.  I really have no idea why we were there…original port was Rhodes.

 

Santorini.    Of all the ports, this was the one I was looking forward to revisiting.  And it was the most disappointment of the cruise.   Six ships in port.  That’s a huge amount of people to wander through streets only capable to have two people side by side stroll.  Line for cable car to go back down took us 1 1/2 hrs.   We booked the Oia Tour on Your Own which got us off the ship without a tender ticket, transport to a bus, ride to Oia, bus back to Fira and cable car ticket back down to ship.    Was worth it to us.  

Crete.    We passed on to recuperate for two days to be able to do four days I. Rome after the cruise.   We enjoyed the balcony, being out of the sun, taking advantage of a nap, and actually staying up for one of the shows.    
 

If we had to do over again…..we would go later in the fall (good for y’all who are going in

October) and we would consider delving into an overnight in Jerusalem city to perhaps ease the one day hiking.    However, it was an absolute adventurous itinerary.  We worked hard to plan and get it all in.     I will go to the ports section of CC to leave port and tour info on private tours we used.   

[CRUIS4ME]

13 hours ago, Espire said:

This post is great, many thanks. We will have to get our cruisecritic forum together so we can organise collection of tickets in the same group for our Haifa excursion. You say the same groups apply in Ashdod? So they will be needed as well.

We are at the Museum Guest House and good to know we can get a taxi direct to ship. Thanks again.

Tickets are not needed for Israel ports once the passport has been processed.  Instead of a passport stamp, a paper validation ticket from the Israeli customs folks is given with your passport.   That paper stamp ticket is how one enters into the other ports. One can scan the ticket and come and go.   No paper ticket from passports….no getting in.   

[CRUIS4ME]

Just now, CRUIS4ME said:

Tickets are not needed for Israel ports once the passport has been processed.  Instead of a passport stamp, a paper validation ticket from the Israeli customs folks is given with your passport.   That paper stamp ticket is how one enters into the other ports. One can scan the ticket and come and go.   No paper ticket from passport control…..no getting in. So that is why everyone needs to comply with getting the passport control process is important.  One needs that paper ticket to come and go in Ashdod and Haifa.   

 

[dolphingirl47]

Thanks for sharing. We are doing a Holy Land cruise on Odyssey in 2.5 weeks time. How many formal nights did you have?

 

Corinna

[hotdog647]

On 9/16/2022 at 8:57 PM, CRUIS4ME said:

Tickets are not needed for Israel ports once the passport has been processed.  Instead of a passport stamp, a paper validation ticket from the Israeli customs folks is given with your passport.   That paper stamp ticket is how one enters into the other ports. One can scan the ticket and come and go.   No paper ticket from passport control…..no getting in. So that is why everyone needs to comply with getting the passport control process is important.  One needs that paper ticket to come and go in Ashdod and Haifa.   

What a great write-up.  Our cruise is Oct 19 and Israel and Jerusalem will be the highlight or our trip.  Thank you for sharing all that info.  I have booked 3 ten passenger minibuses and guides for our group excursions to Jerusalem and will pass some of your tips on to our group.   Knowing about the Israel entry process  and doing paperwork ahead of time will be a great help to everyone cruising to Israel.  Doug.

Edited September 18, 2022 by hotdog647

[karebare22]

On 9/18/2022 at 9:19 AM, dolphingirl47 said:

Thanks for sharing. We are doing a Holy Land cruise on Odyssey in 2.5 weeks time. How many formal nights did you have?

 

Corinna

We had 2 “dress your best” nights.

[erby2283]

On 9/16/2022 at 8:51 PM, CRUIS4ME said:

 

If we had to do over again…..we would go later in the fall (good for y’all who are going in

October) and we would consider delving into an overnight in Jerusalem city to perhaps ease the one day hiking.    However, it was an absolute adventurous itinerary.  We worked hard to plan and get it all in.     I will go to the ports section of CC to leave port and tour info on private tours we used.   

 

So if I enjoy hot weather, you don't think September would be too cool for me to do a Turkey/Greece trip? I keep checking the temps now and it's like high 70's low 80's during the days depending on the county (Haifa, Santorini, Crete). 

Edited September 20, 2022 by erby2283