Emerald Azzurra sailing on April 21st, 2026

About Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's only port and of tremendous importance to the country's economy. Countless trucks ply the route between Aqaba and the capital Amman, a journey of some 220 miles. With stark mountains rising in the background, Aqaba enjoys an attractive setting. For cruise vessels, the port provides the gateway for excursions to famed Petra and the spectacular desert and mountain region of Wadi Rum. Aqaba itself offers a string of shops, hotels and restaurants. Some recent archaeological discoveries in the center of town are thought to be the remains of the oldest church in the world, dating from the late 3rd century. Aqaba is also popular with diving enthusiasts who appreciate the great variety of marine life that abounds in the waters of the Red Sea.

Aqaba Attractions

Petra, the area's major attraction, lies 70 miles from the port. The remains of this once magnificent city date to the 3rd century BC when Nabataeans carved elaborate buildings out of solid rock. Abandoned and forgotten for centuries, the rose-red City of Petra was rediscovered in the 1800s. Excavations did not get underway until a hundred years later; the central section was unearthed after 1958. Today the site is recognized as one of the most spectacular attractions in the Middle East - a must-see for any visitor to this area.

About Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's only port and of tremendous importance to the country's economy. Countless trucks ply the route between Aqaba and the capital Amman, a journey of some 220 miles. With stark mountains rising in the background, Aqaba enjoys an attractive setting. For cruise vessels, the port provides the gateway for excursions to famed Petra and the spectacular desert and mountain region of Wadi Rum. Aqaba itself offers a string of shops, hotels and restaurants. Some recent archaeological discoveries in the center of town are thought to be the remains of the oldest church in the world, dating from the late 3rd century. Aqaba is also popular with diving enthusiasts who appreciate the great variety of marine life that abounds in the waters of the Red Sea.

Aqaba Attractions

Petra, the area's major attraction, lies 70 miles from the port. The remains of this once magnificent city date to the 3rd century BC when Nabataeans carved elaborate buildings out of solid rock. Abandoned and forgotten for centuries, the rose-red City of Petra was rediscovered in the 1800s. Excavations did not get underway until a hundred years later; the central section was unearthed after 1958. Today the site is recognized as one of the most spectacular attractions in the Middle East - a must-see for any visitor to this area.

About Eilat

Over the years, the city of Eilat has become the ultimate resort city with hotels and beaches packed with thousands of Israeli vacationers and tourists from around the world, who come to relax in the country’s southernmost spot. In the winter it mainly attracts tourists from Europe who prefer vacations in a warmer and more pleasant climate while Israelis flock to the city in the summer. The secret of this little city’s charm is its special location in the northern end of the Bay of Eilat. The combination of a hot climate, a tropical sea and a breathtaking background of wild, bare granite mountains has turned it into a tourist gem all the year round.

Eilat Attractions

The bay is one of the major attractions, thanks to the beautiful beaches, the developed water sports and some of the best diving spots in the world. In the south of the city is the Coral Reserve, with splendid tropical fish among the reefs. Within the precincts of the reserve is the Underwater Observatory, with a marine museum that displays collections of fascinating sea animals. Not far from the observatory is the Dolphin Reef with its resident school of dolphins.

Eilat Activities

The city’s many and varied restaurants suit all tastes, and there are also clubs, colorful shops and a promenade along the northern shoreline which holds vibrant bazaars during the summer. There are additional attractions for youngsters and families, such as an amusement park, a new “Kings City” (a high-tech theme park for all the family based on the Bible and Bible stories). Eilat also has an IMAX movie theatre offering a 3-D experience, and many more leisure time activities.

About Sharm el Sheik

The port and town of Sharm-el-Sheikh lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic position, the Sinai posed a desirable target for various rulers over the centuries. Sharm-el-Sheikh was initially developed by the Israelis during the Sinai occupation. Na'ama Bay, a short drive from the port, has grown from virtually nothing into a sizeable resort since the early 1980s. Between the two towns a string of hotels line a once-untouched coastline. Resort hotels offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Glass bottom boat trips are available for those preferring to view the exotic marine life of the Red Sea without getting their feet wet.

About Safaga

The port city of Safaga is located on the western flank of the Red Sea, across from the shores of Saudi Arabia. The dusty streets are for the most part quiet, save for the occasional truck or bus. Diving enthusiasts come to the few resort hotels located north of Safaga to enjoy one of the world's best and relatively unspoiled locations for underwater exploration. Their number is steadily increasing. As a result, Safaga’s facilities are gradually improving. For cruise vessels, Safaga serves as the starting point for excursions to Luxor, which ranks among the most important destinations in Egypt. Otherwise, Safaga itself has very little to offer and guests not going to Luxor will find limited activities to keep them busy in this port.

Safaga Activities

A small sand island in the middle of the bay of Safaga, Tobia is an ideal spot to spend a day at sea. All hotels, diving and aqua centres in Safaga offer a half-day or full day excursion to the island. The full day excursion includes also lunch on board, in addition to full snorkelling equipment. Mons Claudianus historical site is reachable by organised excursions that include also a stop at a Bedouin camp to have a closer look at their culture and sample their food and excellent tea. The excursion is done normally on a half-day basis.

About At Sea

Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want.

About Ain Sukhna

A town in the Suez Governorate, lying on the western shore of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez. It is situated 55 kilometres south of Suez and approximately 120 kilometres east of Cairo.

About Suez

About Ashdod

The best place to begin your visit to the vibrant port city of Ashdod is at Givat Yonah, the towering hill the traditional site of the tomb of the sea-faring Jonah the prophet, who was swallowed by a whale. A wonderful overview of Ashdod awaits you here: You’ll see Israel’s busiest cargo port, where over 100,000 tourists also enter and leave the country. Givat Yonah is also an archaeological mound, which makes it the best place to appreciate how this city, which started out in the Bible as a Philistine town, has expanded––thanks to its port, industries and its energetic new immigrant community––to a showcase city of over 200,000.

Ashdod Attractions

As you tour the city, look for the Blue Route tourist signs, which explain various points of interest. In northwestern Ashdod you can take a relaxing walk along the Lachish Stream promenade where a free zoo features zebras, rare Berber sheep, deer, ostriches and other animals. Try to time your stroll to end with a romantic sunset where the stream meets the sea. In the southeastern part of town is "Ad Halom" Park: The "Ad Halom" (“thus far”) Bridge, dating back to Turkish times, is the furthest point north the Egyptian army reached during the War of Independence. A war memorial and lookout tell the story, and following the 1977 Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty, Israel invited Egypt to build the obelisk-shaped memorial you’ll see here. Ashdod has many bathing beaches, including one, the Marina Beach with gender-separate facilities for Orthodox bathers. At the Keshatot (arches) Beach, you’ll find a number of eateries popular with the locals. This is one place where you can get a feel for the varied local population––at each table you pass diners seem to be speaking a different language! For art lovers, there’s the new glass-roofed “winged” Ashdod Art Museum. And don’t miss the Corinne Maman Museum, with its unique interior design echoing the city’s ancient history (the focus of the museum), along with changing exhibits of Israeli artists. Spend part of a morning or afternoon at Ashdod while touring the region, whose attractions include Beit Govrin National Park, British Park, Tel Lachish, Tel Tzfit and Ashkelon National Park.

About Haifa

Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa has a lot to offer visitors. It has the country’s largest port, a particularly active beach and is the home of the World Center of the Bahai Faith. Surrounded by abundant nature sites, the city contains an interesting mix of modern neighborhoods and older districts; churches and mosques; mountain and sea.

Haifa Attractions

Central Region Northern Region Discover the North Sea of Galilee (Lake Kineret) The Golan Heights Ein-hod Haifa Acre (Akko) Rosh-Pina Nazareth Safed (Tsefat) Zikhron Ya’akov Cana Galilee , Israel Megiddo, Israel Southern Region Haifa Haifa Haifa ​Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa is a multi-faceted city with several unique characteristics making it an attractive place to visit.​​​​​​​​​​ On this Page: Sites & Attractions »Accommodations » Haifa260-2.jpg Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa has a lot to offer visitors. It has the country’s largest port, a particularly active beach and is the home of the World Center of the Bahai Faith. Surrounded by abundant nature sites, the city contains an interesting mix of modern neighborhoods and older districts; churches and mosques; mountain and sea. Haifa is a multi-faceted city with several unique characteristics making it an attractive place to visit. Its proximity to the sea and its active port contribute to its prominence. The bustling port area draws merchants, shoppers and tourists. The beautiful beaches are popular for sports and recreation, and are filled with people during summer weekends. In addition, because of their excellent surfing conditions, the beaches serve many of Israel’s top sailing enthusiasts and host sailing competitions and other sporting events.

Haifa Activities

Haifa also boasts many institutions devoted to culture, art and science which offer an array of festivals and activities. Several types of museums are located in Haifa, including: the Dagon Grain Silo; the National Maritime Museum; the National Museum of Science and Technology; the Haifa Museum of Art; the Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum; the Railway Museum; the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art; the Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum; and the Israel Oil Industry Museum. The annual Haifa Film Festival features high quality local and international films, drawing those in the profession (directors, screenwriters, actors, etc.) as well as thousands of visitors who fill the streets and the auditoriums. Haifa is also home to the Technion, Israel’s first institution of higher education, and to the University of Haifa, attended by students from Israel and overseas. The university is situated near the Carmel Nature Reserve, known for its year-round views of greenery and its intoxicating beauty. The Khai-​Bar Wildlife Preserve​ was established within the Carmel Nature Reserve to reintroduce nearly extinct animals to nature. Throughout the Carmel are hundreds of hiking, automobile and bicycle paths, and amazing charming spots waiting to be discovered

About Larnaca

Larnaca, a town with an easy-going pace, has strong links to the past. In the heart of modern Larnaca one finds remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, reminiscent of its glorious days. The Mycenaean Greeks fortified the town with cyclopean walls in the 12th century while the Phoenicians founded a powerful kingdom here in the 9th century.

Larnaca Attractions

Larnaca District Archaeological MuseumThe Pierides Foundation Museum (Archaeological)Larnaca Fort - District Mediaeval MuseumKition Archaeological SiteMunicipal Museum of Natural HistoryHala Sultan Tekesi - Salt Lake

About Larnaca

Larnaca, a town with an easy-going pace, has strong links to the past. In the heart of modern Larnaca one finds remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, reminiscent of its glorious days. The Mycenaean Greeks fortified the town with cyclopean walls in the 12th century while the Phoenicians founded a powerful kingdom here in the 9th century.

Larnaca Attractions

Larnaca District Archaeological MuseumThe Pierides Foundation Museum (Archaeological)Larnaca Fort - District Mediaeval MuseumKition Archaeological SiteMunicipal Museum of Natural HistoryHala Sultan Tekesi - Salt Lake