In a first for Royal Caribbean International as the Rhapsody of the Seas recently started homeport operations in Israel.<\/p>\n
As part of its summer program in the Mediterranean, the Vision-Class vessel is now offering a series of cruises from the Port of Haifa.<\/p>\n
Extending through late October, the schedule includes three- to eight-night itineraries visiting the Greek Islands, Israel and Cyprus.<\/p>\n
The cruises are highlighted by late departures from Piraeus and Santorini.<\/p>\n
Other ports of call being visited by the 2,000-guest ship during the season include Mykonos, Rhodes, Limassol and Ashdod.<\/p>\n
Before returning to the Caribbean in November, the Rhapsody also offers an eight-night repositioning cruise departing from Haifa. Sailing to Barcelona, the voyage includes visits to five ports of call in Greece, Italy, France and Spain.<\/p>\n
The 1997-built vessel is set to return for a second season in the region in 2023.<\/p>\n
With two- to eight-night cruises, the program will extend from late August to early November and also includes itineraries to Greece, Cyprus and Israel.<\/p>\n
Before arriving in Haifa for its homeporting season, the Rhapsody is visiting Israel on transit calls as well.<\/p>\n
Based in Limassol from May to July, the vessel will visit both Haifa and Ashdod on a regular basis. The arrivals are part of itineraries that also include stops in Egypt, Turkey and Greece.<\/p>\n
Royal Caribbean originally planned to launch homeport operations in Israel in 2021. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the company announced plans to base the new Odyssey of the Seas in Haifa for the summer season.<\/p>\n
A few weeks before the start of the operation, however, the entire season ended up cancelled.<\/p>\n
Citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Royal Caribbean redeployed the ship to Florida where it launched service in July 2021.<\/p>\n
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More here: <\/p>\n
Royal Caribbean Starts Homeport Operations in Israel - Cruise Industry News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a first for Royal Caribbean International as the Rhapsody of the Seas recently started homeport operations in Israel. Continue reading