mediterranean cruises including israel

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Visit the land of miracles - Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha. Venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. Or visit the Nahalal Moshav, a commune established in 1921 by Jewish immigrants.

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Mediterranean Cruises

From ancient Rome to Moorish Spain, classical Greece to the Holy Land, the empires of the Mediterranean left a remarkable historic legacy—set amid unmatched beauty. Admire the turquoise splendor of the Greek Isles, the vineyards of Provence, the élan of Barcelona and more.

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Highlights of mediterranean cruises.

Join Viking and discover a region awash in culture and history. Civilization is said to have begun and evolved on these shores, whether as the birthplace of democracy or science or with the refinement of wine or art. From the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Sicily to the ancient past of Greece and Israel, Viking reveals millennia of history to you during our many journeys along these fabled waters. Here is a sample of what you can look forward to on a Mediterranean voyage:

• Rome’s monumental Colosseum and Pantheon
• Vatican City’s glorious St. Peter’s Basilica
• Tuscany’s hilltop medieval towns
• Classical Athens, birthplace of democracy
• The architectural brilliance of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona
• The fine flavors of Italy’s Chianti and Portugal’s port
• Venice’s romantic, car-free lanes and alleys
• The magnificently preserved walled city of Dubrovnik
• Breathtaking beauty of the Greek Islands
• The holy city of Jerusalem

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Mediterranean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

No two Mediterranean cruises are the same. Some bring travelers to the French and Italian rivieras for food, wine and cultural pursuits. Others head east to the Greek Islands, where passengers alternate days sipping ouzo at a beachfront taverna with trips to ancient sites. Each itinerary is a mix of urban tourist capitals — Barcelona! Rome! Istanbul! Jerusalem! — and sleeper gems, such as Portofino, Italy, or Kotor, Montenegro.

If you've never been to Europe, you may feel overwhelmed by destination choices. If you know which ports are on your must-see list, you might be more stumped by which cruise line to choose or which specific itinerary will be the best for you.

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Know that you can't see everything in one Mediterranean cruise — even on sailings that run multiple weeks. Once you let go of your need to see and do it all and accept that you're on a sampler tour, you'll be better able to make your cruise selections and enjoy the ports your ship does visit.

Get started with this Mediterranean cruise guide. You'll learn the basics of itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, when to go and when to book your European adventure at sea.

Why cruise to the Mediterranean?

Many of the European countries on your travel bucket list lie along the Mediterranean Sea: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt. A cruise lets you hit many of the hot spots (the French Riviera, Barcelona and Venice, Italy) on one trip without having to navigate multiple hotels, transportation between cities and making dinner reservations in foreign languages.

For some people those experiences are a key part of travel. However, for vacationers who want all the attractions without the hassle, a cruise is an ideal way to explore the Mediterranean. This type of European cruise can be especially alluring to honeymooners, families and older couples.

Mediterranean cruises beckon travelers with a love of culture and history. Visit the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, or the Colosseum in Rome; see Michelangelo's David in Florence, Italy; or make a pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Take a tour to a medieval town or marvel at the construction of a soaring cathedral. If you've always wanted to see the pyramids in Giza, Egypt; the ruins in Ephesus, Turkey, and Pompeii, Italy; Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona; and the famous casino in Monaco, you can do it easily on a Mediterranean sailing.

You can also eat your way through the markets, cafes, trattorias, gelato shops and crepe stands in the ports you visit. Sample local wines at vineyards in France and Italy, or sip ouzo or limoncello made on the premises.

When do cruises go to the Mediterranean?

You might be surprised to learn that cruise ships sail the Mediterranean year-round.

The majority of ships, however, arrive in the spring and depart in the fall, choosing warmer climes like the Caribbean for holiday sailings. Only a few hardy stalwarts remain through the winter months. Most of those are European-based lines, such as Costa Cruises , MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises , but Viking also braves chilly weather for its destination-focused itineraries in Europe.

Best Mediterranean itineraries

You can find a variety of weeklong Mediterranean cruises, but if you've got the time, nine- to 14-night sailings are not uncommon. Seven-night cruises are best if you're short on time or want to tack on a few days in Barcelona, Rome or Athens before or after your cruise. Longer itineraries are ideal for experiencing a greater variety of destinations and traversing more of the Med.

Here are some the best Mediterranean cruise itineraries you should consider for your European vacation.

Western Mediterranean

The classic Western Mediterranean cruise sails between Barcelona and Rome, and calls in ports in Spain, France, Monaco and Italy. This is your chance to explore Tuscany and the French Riviera, as well as hit up Florence, Monte Carlo, Naples and islands such as Corsica, Mallorca, Sicily and Sardinia. Just watch out: Marquee destinations like Rome and Florence are both located an hour or more from the cruise port, so get ready for long bus rides and long days off the ship.

Greece and Turkey

The classic Eastern Mediterranean cruise sails out of Athens or Istanbul and visits a mix of historic places (Delphi, Ephesus via Kusadasi, Rhodes) and sun-drenched islands (Mykonos and Santorini).

Adriatic Sea

Some so-called Mediterranean cruises actually spend most of their time on the Adriatic Sea, sailing from Venice and visiting ports in Croatia and Greece, and sometimes Montenegro and Albania. You may also find an Adriatic sailing wrapped into longer Western or Eastern Mediterranean cruises.

The most easterly of the Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, Holy Land cruises spend time in Israel and sometimes Egypt, often with overnight stops or multiple days spent in each country to maximize touring opportunities. These sailings may also call in Cyprus or ports in Greece and Turkey.

Best Mediterranean cruise lines

Most major cruise lines send at least one ship to the Mediterranean every year. Even Carnival Cruise Line , known for its affordable cruises out of U.S. home ports, offers some Mediterranean sailings, as does Disney Cruise Line , which typically bases its ships near its theme parks.

If you're looking for a bigger ship, Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are the best choices as they base a handful of ships in the Mediterranean each year, arriving in the spring and departing in the fall. These lines offer a variety of itinerary choices, so you can find the Mediterranean ports you most want to visit. You'll also find lots of restaurant choices and evening entertainment options to keep you occupied at night when the ship is sailing.

Couples or families with grown children looking for longer sailings and a destination focus should consider Viking, which offers eight- to 15-night cruises through the Mediterranean, including three- and four-week voyages for retirees (or workationers?) who have the time for a most thorough exploration of the region.

Which luxury line is best for your Mediterranean cruise will come down to what you're looking for in a luxury ship and a European itinerary. However, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises stand out for including a large variety of shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you're a foodie, these two lines plus Oceania Cruises are notable for their culinary tours in port, plus destination-themed cooking classes on board.

Things to do in the Mediterranean

Sightseeing is a big component of Mediterranean cruises, whether that's exploring a historic site like the Roman Forum or the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia; visiting cathedrals in Florence and Barcelona; or touring medieval villages, forts and old towns. You might want to skip the formal tours and merely wander around the port town, browsing local shops or grabbing a coffee or snack in a local cafe.

Culinary tours are also popular here. You can choose from roving food tours, cooking classes, winery visits and tastings, and meals made with local produce and cheeses in beautiful villa or farmhouse settings.

Travelers looking to stretch their legs might want to sign up for cycling tours in city and country settings, hike around a volcano on Santorini or Sicily, or even take a kayak for a spin in Croatia or Greece.

A beach day is possible in the Greek Islands or along the French Riviera, and many ports will have sightseeing cruises.

Best Mediterranean cruise ports

Everyone has their favorite list of the best Mediterranean cruise ports (as evidenced by the discussion I just had with TPG's cruise team about which to include). Some travelers want to hit all the most popular cities, while others prioritize the ability to walk right off the ship into the heart of the town. Some ports are better for historical attractions, others for cafe culture or outdoor activities.

The following cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style.

Barcelona: Both an embarkation port and a port of call, depending on your itinerary, Barcelona has much to offer first-timers and repeat visitors. Cruise ships dock at the end of Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare in the old part of the city, so it's easy to leave the ship and simply wander. Don't miss Gaudi's fantastical buildings or a meal of tapas.

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Monte Carlo is both a fascinating port on its own and a gateway to the French Riviera. In town, you can walk to the casino, palace and stunning oceanographic museum. From town, you can take the twisty-turny Corniche coastal roads to destinations like Nice, Eze, Cannes and Grasse.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Even if you're not in it for the "Game of Thrones" tour, you will be captivated by Dubrovnik and its famous walled city. Walk the walls or take to the water for scenic views of the old town.

Rome: It's actually a pain to get to Rome from the cruise port of Civitavecchia by bus or train, but it's worth it to experience the Eternal City firsthand. Tour the Vatican and Sistine Chapel at St. Peter's Cathedral, step back in time at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, climb the Spanish Steps, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and meander through the Borghese Gardens. When your feet give out, take a breather with a gelato or plate of pasta.

Rhodes, Greece: The historic port of Rhodes no longer has a Colossus, but that doesn't take away its appeal. Ensconced by ancient stone walls, Old Town is easily walkable, composed of cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and stores housed in structures dating back to the 14th century. If shopping isn't your thing, keep walking until you reach the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, where you can take a tour, or venture out to one of the city's beaches.

Naples, Italy: Naples is one of our favorite ports because you have so many options of what to do there. It's the jumping-off point for tours to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Or, if you want to explore the city on your own, perhaps sitting down to a lunch of the region's famous pizza, it's a quick walk right into town from your cruise ship.

Ashdod, Israel : Most cruisers don't stick around Ashdod; it makes our list of best Mediterranean cruise ports because it's the gateway to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea. Prepare to be amazed by the sites you will see, but also be ready for long bus rides and long days off the ship touring.

Istanbul: Istanbul is the vibrant city you might not know you need to visit. Serving as both a departure port and port of call on Mediterranean cruises, the city offers something for everything: the cultural icons of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, intense shopping experiences at the Grand Bazaar, Byzantine palaces, traditional Turkish baths (called hammams), flavorful cuisine, Bosporus day cruises between Europe and Asia, and plenty of neighborhoods to explore.

When to book a Mediterranean cruise

It's a good idea to book your Mediterranean cruise early, even nine to 12 months in advance. You can take advantage of early booking discounts and promotions and have the widest selection of available cabins and suites and dining times (if applicable). An early booking is ideal if you're planning on using miles to book your flights or points for a pre-cruise hotel. Look for fall sales when the current Mediterranean season is winding down.

Another smart time to book a Mediterranean cruise is during January or February when cruise lines run their " wave season " sales, often with lots of extra freebies thrown into the cost of the sailing. You might find last-minute deals on spring cruises to Europe or still be considered early for fall itineraries.

What to bring on a Mediterranean cruise

The Mediterranean region has a temperate climate, but it still gets chilly in the spring and fall and can be brutally hot in the summer. Check the weather before your sail date and pack for the predicted temperatures — with layers, in case the forecasters are wrong and it's unseasonably hot or cold.

You'll likely do a good deal of walking on a Mediterranean cruise, so a good pair of walking shoes is a must. Bonus if you can find cute options you can wear on sea days or sneakers that can do double duty in the ship's gym.

If your tours take you to religious sites, especially in Israel and Egypt, you might need a modest outfit that covers shoulders, arms and knees. Ladies, a shawl is a versatile option you can toss over your shoulders (or hair if need be), use for warmth with your strappy formal night attire or as a blanket on the airplane.

Of course, North Americans taking Mediterranean cruise vacations will need a passport to fly to and from their ship's departure and arrival ports.

Bottom line

The Mediterranean is an amazing region to cruise, and a sailing there is a wonderful introduction to Europe for travelers who have never been. The varied choices of itineraries, cruise lines and ships can be intimidating, but rest assured, you can't really go wrong with any of them. Just know that once you go, you may feel a need to return — either to see a port you loved more in-depth on a land vacation or to sail to the Mediterranean countries you missed on your first go-round.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

Jump on board on one of our  Mediterranean cruises , and immerse yourself in the Egyptian, Greek, Persian, Iberian and Roman cultures, to mention a few. Taste the real Mediterranean  cuisine  where olive oil, wheat, grains, fruits and vegetables are always abundant.

If you have always wanted to visit some of the most emblematic monuments around the world like the Colosseum in  Rome , the Parthenon in  Athens   or the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in   Barcelona , we invite you to go on a romantic holiday as a couple or create unique experiences and memories as a family or a group of friends, like you have never done before, on one of our MSC cruises around the Mediterranean.

Discover all the hidden gems in  Spain ,  Italy ,  France ,  Greece , Morocco,  Croatia , Cyprus, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, Serbia, Albania, Tunisia and Turkey, while on a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea.

Adventure and culture are out there, take a look through our available  Mediterranean excursions  and choose from a list of unforgettable visits to the Acropolis in Athens, making a wish by the Trevi Fountain in Rome or tasting French cuisine when in  Marseille . Let us organise everything for you to enjoy every moment of your  Mediterranean holiday . There’s no better time than now to plan your holidays and book one of our  Mediterranean cruises for 2024 ; or treat yourself to a last-minute escape on a Mediterranean cruise with  MSC Cruises .

MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES

Discover the best of the Mediterranean with  MSC Cruises  and experience the most authentic Spanish, French, Greek or Italian culture, among others. A  Western Mediterranean cruise   will take you to destinations such as the ports of  Barcelona   and  Valencia  in Spain,  Civitavecchia  (Rome),  Genoa  (Portofino and Le Cinque Terre),  Naples  (Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento) in Italy,  Marseille   (Provenza) and  Cannes  (Montecarlo) in France, just to mention a few. You can also join an  Eastern Mediterranean cruise  and visit locations such as  Venice ,  Split  and  Dubrovnik  in Croatia, Istanbul ,  Piraeus  (Athens),  Katakolon  (Olympia) in Greece and in the Greek islands of  Corfù ,  Santorini ,  Mykonos ,  Rhodes  and  Heraklion  in Crete, enjoying their colourful and picturesque streets, brimming with activity and cornerstone for our modern culture.

Greece & Greek Island Cruises

Greece & Greek Islands are known for their white beaches and turquoise-blue waters, and also for a vast cultural and historical heritage that has influenced the rest of Europe for millennia. Come aboard our  ships for a Greek cruise with MSC Cruises  and discover destinations such as  Rhodes , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its medieval city, the ruins of Kamiros, or the temple of Athena Lindia; Katakolon , the gateway to Olympia, home to the first Olympic Games, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or  Heraklion , the location of the famous Minotaur labyrinth myth, and capital city of Crete, where you will be able to visit the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Phaestos, and much more. Don’t miss the magnificence of this country, with all its attractions such as the Acropolis and La Plaka in  Athens , but also smaller coastal towns with charming and picturesque harbours in,  Corfu ,  Santorini  or  Mykonos , with our  Greek island cruises . Enjoy the treasures of each destination.

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Croatia cruises, mediterranean ports.

Choose your favourite  Mediterranean port  and embark on a world of discovery with  MSC Cruises . Whether you prefer to embark in the Spanish port of   Barcelona , the French ports of   Marseille  (Provence) or  Cannes , the Greek port of   Piraeus , or one of the ports along the Italian Riviera such as   Genoa  (Portofino) and  Civitavecchia   (Rome) MSC offers you a wide variety of locations to enjoy during your trip.  Mediterranean ports  have been gateways to  some of the oldest cities of Europe  for centuries, and today you can take advantage of them, and enjoy the treasures of each destination.

VENICE CRUISE

Discover one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Europe with one of our  Venice cruise ships , and experience the bustle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  built upon 118 small islands , interconnected by  more than 400 bridges . Venice has been a most influential port since de Middle Ages, when it amassed great wealth that is now visible in its impressive architecture and art. During your Venice cruise you can stroll around  Saint Mark’s Square , visit the city’s museums, or go on a Gondola ride. The “ Queen of the Adriatic ” just awaits you: come on board and MSC Cruise to discover the treasures of each Mediterranean destination.

BARCELONA CRUISE

Choose a  Barcelona cruise  and experience a city that combines the intricate street patterns of a medieval settlement and the ordered avenues of a modern town. The “Ciudad Condal” is attractive to visitors for countless reasons, and at MSC Cruises we organise excursions for you to see some of the landmarks, such as the  Sagrada Familia , the  Camp Nou Stadium , or the  Casa Milà , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The port of   Barcelona   is also a sight in itself: it is   Spain’s cruise main port, and it has a history of almost 2,000 years. Not a bad place to begin your Barcelona cruise, treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday.

ROME CRUISE

The “ Eternal City ” has been welcoming travelers for millennia, and the gateway to a Rome cruise is through the port of   Civitavecchia . At MSC Cruises we organise excursions so you can immerse yourself into the culture, with visits to the Ancient Roman  Colosseum , the Baroque  Trevi Fountain , or the awe-inspiring  Vatican and Vatican Museums  with the famous  Cappella Sistina by Michelangelo . You might also stroll leisurely along the Tiber and see Sant’Angelo castle or the  Palazzo Farnese . After seeing the sights, you will be welcome on board to continue with the  Rome cruise  across the Mediterranean Sea. Discovery awaits you!

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10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Here are 10 of the best Mediterranean cruises to take in 2022 and 2023.

White Rain/Courtesy of Viking Cruises

The Mediterranean Sea touches 22 nations and borders more than 28,000 miles of coastline, according to the  Europe Environment Agency . From the Greek Islands to Egypt, Croatia to Morocco, and Slovenia to Spain, the rugged coastlines dip into the crystalline waters, providing a connection point to some of the most intriguing destinations on the planet. But, rather than traversing these destinations by car, train, or plane, visitors can see and do more by taking to the water for a Mediterranean cruise. 

From seeing historical monuments to experiencing local cuisine, shopping in some of the most luxurious places on Earth, and visiting awe-inspiring beaches, cruising provides stellar connections to Mediterranean countries. These cruises also cater to every type of traveler — from multigenerational families to solo travelers with options for adults only and all ages. Here are 10 of the best Mediterranean cruises to check out for your next vacation. 

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn cruises are made for those who enjoy a touch of luxury. The cruise line offers all-inclusive options, making it easy to relax onboard and just enjoy the ride. Seabourn also offers various lengths and destinations for its cruises, including seven, 10, 14, and 21-day options, so everyone can find the one right for them. 

Trip to Try:  7-day Classic Greek Isles and Ephesus

The week-long trip on the Seabourn Encore offers a glimpse at a few of Greece’s best islands. Departing from Athens, the journey stops in Patmos, Agios, Mykonos, and Skiathos but also sprinkles in a few Turkish delights, including Kusadasi and Bozcaada, before disembarking in Istanbul. Excursions include guided tours of historical sites like the Grotto of St. John in Patmos and wine tastings in Bozcaada.

Viking Cruises 

Those looking for an adults-only option will find exactly what they need with Viking Cruises. The company is strictly for guests ages  18 and up , providing a more mature cruising environment. The company stops in dozens of ports, making finding a cruise that fits your travel desires a snap. And the cruise line offers free shore excursions to enable all guests to experience the ports to their fullest. 

Trip to Try:  Mediterranean and Adriatic Sojourn  

Spend 22 days with Viking on the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sojourn. The trip takes guests to seven countries, including Spain, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Monaco, and France, with stops in both major and smaller ports. Those looking to enhance the journey can book with “inclusive value,” which adds one complimentary shore excursion, free Wi-Fi, beer, wine, and soft drinks, visits to UNESCO sites, and more to allow for more time spent traveling and less time worrying about pricing. Guests can also book pre- and post-trip stays in ports of call if they aren’t ready to go home after three weeks on the water.

Azamara is a luxurious option, but it’s not just about glitz and glamour on this line. The cruise line also emphasizes hyper-local experiences to allow its passengers to dive deep into the history, food, culture, and life of its ports of call, even if they’re there just for a day. The cruise line offers a variety of destinations and cruise lengths, including 10, 12, and 15-night voyages, some of which include overnight stays in the ports so guests can get the full scope of a destination.

Trip to Try:   15-night Pharaoh Kings and Emperors

Make your way through five counties (Italy, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece) on this more than two-week adventure. The voyage highlights destinations ruled by famed pharaohs, kings, and emperors and emphasizes the region’s spectacular history. Shore excursion options include exploring the ruins of Pompeii, seeing the biblical destinations of Nazareth and Galilee, and simply soaking in the ambiance of Capri for an entire day.

Want personalized service at every turn? Book an Oceania cruise. The cruise line prides itself on its low guest-to-crew member ratio, ensuring your every need is easily met. The company offers plentiful options when it comes to Mediterranean sailings, including seven, 14, 21, and even 38-day cruises for those who can’t get enough. With this cruise company, you’re almost spoiled with choice, making it hard to pick just one itinerary. So maybe, think about it as this year’s trip, then the next, then the next, and on and on forever, because there are just so many options available. 

Trip to Try:   Monte Carlo to Athens

The 10-day trip takes sailors through ultra-luxe ports, including visits to Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Florence, Rome, Valletta, Rhodes, and Athens. From the old villages to the glittering casinos, the shore excursions with this journey abound. Though there’s plenty to do onboard too, including wine tastings, guest lectures, and fun-filled trivia nights with fellow guests.  

Celebrity Cruises

Bernard Biger, Chantiers de l'Atlantique/Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Travelers vacationing with the entire family — from grandma to kids — should check out Celebrity Cruises. The cruise line offers more options for everyone onboard (think kids club to casinos), as well as varied shore excursions and affordable pricing options to make it a more viable trip for larger groups. 

Trip to Try:   Best of Italy and Croatia

The nine-night trip takes guests to seven ports through Italy and Croatia, providing varied terrain and plentiful shore excursion options. Visit beautiful seaside towns like Portofino, explore the Venetian canals, and enjoy the ship's amenities during days at sea.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Silversea is tailor-made for those who like to cruise with fewer passengers onboard. The line offers ships with between 51 to 364 suites, meaning they max out at far fewer passengers than its larger counterparts, which enables more personalized service and higher-end amenities. It also offers all-inclusive packages to reduce the stressors that often come with pay-as-you-go travel. 

Trip to Try:   Athens to Venice 

This 22-day trip tracks its way through 20 ports via five countries, including Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Turkey. Walk the cobblestone streets on the Greek Islands, see the colorful coastline in Marmaris, admire the glittering lights from the homes that snake their way up Lovćen Mountain, and more. Onboard, dine in one of the ship’s eight restaurants, take a dip in the top deck pool, or lounge in a common space to regale your fellow guests about the day’s adventure.

Holland America

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America doesn’t have the wide-ranging options like other cruise lines on this list, however, the sailings it does offer are top-notch. Holland America also offers a varied pricing list to allow people to choose the right price point for them, with rooms ranging from interior staterooms that come with 151 square feet to over-the-top suites with 712 square feet to stretch out in. 

Trip to Try:  12-day Adriatic Dream

For 12 glorious days, you can set sail through the Mediterranean with Holland America. The trip includes stops in Italy (including Venice, Sicily, Amalfi, and Rome), Greece (including Katakolon, Souda, and Mykonos), Albania, and Malta (including Valletta and Mgarr). When not exploring at port, make sure to take advantage of the ship’s luxurious spa, which comes with the bonus of the soft rocking of the waves to lull you into tranquility.

Princess Cruises

Danny Lehman/Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is yet another on the list that may not have a massive selection of Mediterranean options, but it more than makes up for it with stellar excursions, plentiful onboard entertainment, kids and teen offerings, and the fact that it now has “The Princess Luxury Beds” onboard. The cruise line created the beds in a special collaboration with a sleep expert to ensure every guest leaves feeling fully recharged. 

Trip to Try:  14-day Mediterranean and Israel

The two-week trip stops in 10 different ports in Italy, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. It offers dozens of shore excursions to take part in, including historical tours, vineyard tours and wine tastings, local market visits, and so much more. Room options range from interior staterooms to massive premium suites with 119-foot balconies so you can let the fresh ocean breeze in.

Cunard Line

Classic, elegant, and forever in style, Cunard Line is the cruise to choose if chicness is your top priority. Its boats are decked out in luxurious styling, including the Queen Elizabeth , which makes its way through the Med with art deco decor, plush sundeck furnishings, and high-end dining experiences included. 

Trip to Try:  Western Mediterranean 

Take the seven-night journey on Cunard’s Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Mallorca, Corsica, Rome, and Naples. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, shop and eat your way through Rome, walk in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte in Corsica, and so much more. 

Royal Caribbean 

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is the line to choose for those traveling in groups with varied interests and age levels. Think, the kids who want to play all day, the adults who want to lounge by the pool, the friend who wants to explore a city’s history through tours, or the friend who wants to stay up all night enjoying the onboard entertainment. And, best of all, it’s one of the few in the Med to offer options for those who are short on time or want to tack on a quick sailing to a longer trip. 

Trip to Try:  3-night Cyprus Cruise 

Spend three perfect days sailing from Haifa, Israel to Limassol, Cyprus, and back again. The quick cruise is the perfect way to get on the water if you just want to spend a weekend at sea on an otherwise land-bound trip. Check out a few shore excursions, or go it alone, knowing you have the perfect place to call home, even for a few days, each night.

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The Best Cruises From Haifa, Israel

By Evelyn Uslar-Pietri | Published on February 9, 2023

Haifa: A Historic Haven

When you sail from a fascinating home port, exploring some of the local sights – like Haifa’s majestic Baha’i Gardens – is a must. Gracing terraces that slope towards the Mediterranean, the gardens are part of the Baha’i World Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of pilgrimage for followers of the Baha’i faith.

As further evidence of the city’s diverse cultural flavour, stretching at the foot of the gardens, the bustling German Colony is full of restored templar-era buildings, many housing delicious restaurants and bars. Whether you decide to dine at an established eatery, or go for street food, you’ll find that much of the local cuisine blends Arab and Israeli favourites, from hummus and shawarma to hand-crafted pies and pastries. If you opt for a guided food tour, you’ll not only sample the best of Haifa’s impressive gastronomy, you will also learn about its colourful and storied past.

You may never want to leave Haifa, but you are, after all, about to embark on an amazing cruise! Which of 10 itineraries you decide to choose may depend, at least partly, on the length of your planned getaway. Only have 2 or 3 nights for your cruise? No worries – lots of adventure can be had sailing to Limassol, Cyprus !

Cyprus: The Isle of Enchantment

Cyprus is synonymous with amazing beaches, incredible history and picturesque villages – and if you haven’t yet visited, you’re about to be swept off your feet! In Limassol you will find a captivating blend of the old and the new, as the state-of-the-art marina contrasts sharply with the winding streets of Old Town, and the reimagined Old Port, with its brand new shops and restaurants, is many centuries ahead of the nearby Limassol castle! There, according to local lore, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England.

History buffs will be thoroughly stoked by the spectacular Tomb of the Kings, a site that dates back to Hellenistic and Roman times in the 4th century AD. With eight incredibly well preserved tombs, including some surviving frescoes, this subterranean rock sepulchre leaves a lasting impression. Also well-worth visiting, the Roman ruins of Kourion – with its incredible theatre that seated up to 3,500 people in the 2nd or 3rd century AD – are easily accessible from Limassol.

After all that poking through centuries-old archaeological digs, you may wish to rinse the dust off! Head to Aphrodite’s Beach where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love emerged from the ocean. You’re sure to feel the love as you soak in the limpid cerulean waters, gazing on Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s rock) and the surrounding white-cliffed coastline.

If you can squeeze an extra night or two into your holiday, Royal Caribbean® also has 4 and 5 night Mediterranean cruises that add to the itinerary the beautiful islands of Rhodes and Santorini respectively.

Rhodes: A Mosaic of Adventure

One of the Mediterranean’s most beloved isles, Rhodes is overflowing with treasures of every kind, from paradisiacal beaches and the dreamy Butterfly Valley nature reserve, to the Old Town of Rhodes – one of the best preserved mediaeval settlements in the world – and vineyards that date back to antiquity.

Begin your visit within the imposing walls of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the imprint of ancient civilisations is evident in the diverse array of statues, fountains, mosques and hammams. The local cuisine is part of Rhodes’ allure and in Old Town you’ll find plenty of tastebud-tempting options. Tuck into souvlaki at a traditional taverna or go for a scrumptious plate of pasta – part of the heritage left by the Italian occupation during WWII. And you won’t find fresher seafood than in Rhodes, where local fishermen bring a daily bounty of lobster, octopus, shrimp and other delicacies.

For some beach time and outdoor activities, head to Faliraki, a buzzing place with a bar and restaurant-lined beach, plenty of water sports, bungee-jumping and bumper cars. Faliraki is also home to Europe’s largest water park, a thrill-filled adventure-land with slides, black holes, a huge wave pool and other must-have fun.

Santorini: A Volcanic Wonder

Endlessly enchanting Santorini evokes images of white-washed villages and azure-domed churches perched atop sheer cliffs. Millenia in the making, the island came into existence as a result of massive volcanic activity but, despite the collapse of the volcano’s central part and the resulting crater (caldera), it remains active, tenaciously recreating itself over and over.

Travellers flock from the four corners of the world to watch the sun set over the caldera – one of the few active volcanoes in Europe – as it slips into the gorgeous Aegean sea.

A bucket-list topper is the amazing archeological site of Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean dating to the Middle and Late Bronze Age. As in Pompei, an eruption covered the 20-acre town in a layer of volcanic material, protecting buildings – including their elaborate facades – and their contents for posterity.

Mykonos: More to Love

Known as the Island of the Winds for its breezes, Mykonos is a cosmopolitan destination in the midst of the Cyclades group. You will not only discover fascinating archaeological sites and sun-kissed villages, but also some of the best luxury shopping, dining and clubbing in all of Greece.

To experience a wonderful taste of the island, head to its capital, Chora, also known as Mykonos Town. Here, narrow streets flanked by picturesque white houses trimmed in blue, along with vibrant bougainvillaeas and potted plants, create the quintessential portrait of a charming Greek town. Follow the main street, Matogianni, to find wonderful boutiques, art galleries, jewellery stores, restaurants and bars.

A popular and stunning neighbourhood is the 18th century waterfront Alefkandra or Little Venice, where wealthy traders and sea captains built their stately homes. Not only are the houses impressive, but you will also get to admire the windmills for which Mykonos is famous!

If by now you are hopelessly head-over-heels with Greece, you may wish to consider a 7-night Greek Isles Cruise, which – in addition to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Limassol – includes Athens, the birthplace of ancient Greek civilization.

Athens: An Epic Cultural Cradle

The stomping grounds of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, and other notable philosophers, Athens is one of the world’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Today, the Greek capital remains a showcase for such iconic 5th-century BC landmarks as the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel that counts the Parthenon temple among its buildings.

For a journey through ancient history, don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum – with more than 11,000 exhibits, it is Greece’s largest museum. In this fascinating place you will experience the evolution of ancient Greek culture, from the beginning of prehistory to late antiquity, as you view sculptures, vases, jewellery and artefacts of all kinds.

A different but equally satisfying way to experience Greek culture involves wandering Monastiraki Flea Market, Athen’s answer to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar! In this marvellously chaotic market you will find all kinds of stalls, from souvenirs and t-shirts to furniture and bric-à-brac.

If on your cruise from Haifa, you are craving greater diversity – say, for example experiencing both Greece and Spain – consider a 6 night Mediterranean Highlights cruise with stops in both Santorini and Palma, and ending in Barcelona .

Palma: The Postcard-Perfect Capital

Mallorca’s capital, Palma de Mallorca , is one of the most breathtaking destinations imaginable, a place of mediaeval churches, grand palaces, charming squares, wonderful beaches, and plenty of alfresco cafes (for cheeky people-watching, ofcourse!) Overlooking the city, the Bellver Castle is a great starting point for your Palma adventure. The 14th century fortress boasts a storied past, having served as both a prison and a refuge from the plague, and it is also home to an excellent museum chronicling Mallorca’s history.

Also carve out some time to visit the spectacular La Seu, a sandstone cathedral that took 600 years to complete. Guided tours include visits to the cathedral’s bell tower and upper terraces..

Don’t miss walking or cycling along Palma’s lovely seafront promenade to Portixol, or Little Port. The former fishing village has now transformed into a trendy area with a boho vibe, pretty marina, and some outstanding eateries, as well as a long stretch of sandy beach.

Barcelona: The Best of Europe

One of Europe’s hottest destinations, Barcelona is a melting pot of art, history, architecture and science, combining the best of the traditional and the avant-garde. World-famous sights like the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera grace the city, but there are also less known delights to be discovered.

Neighbourhood tapas bars serving up tasty Catalan fare bump elbows with gastronomic temples, and unpretentious markets and shops flank luxury boutiques and design centres. With a coastline that covers 4.5 kilometres, Barcelona offers a number of wonderful beaches, including Barceloneta and MarBella. But if mountains are your preferred thing, you’re in luck. At nearby Montserrat National Park you can hike to your heart’s content, immersing yourself in the stunning multi-peak mountain range. After all, having it all is very much a way of life in Barcelona!

Speaking of having it all, Montserrat is not only full of natural beauty, it is the site of a spiritual destination dating back to the 11th century: Abadia de Montserrat (Montserrat Monastery). If you do opt for the Mediterranean Highlights cruise, which ends in Barcelona, you may want to spend the night in the otherworldly setting of Montserrat – a city unto itself – where Benedictine monks pray, work and welcome visitors. Here you will find an 11th-century Romanesque church, a 12th-century library, several good eateries and shops, as well as hotel accommodations.

Regardless of the itinerary you choose for your Mediterranean cruise from Haifa, an important last order of business remains: an overview of the ship that will take you on your journey!

Rhapsody of the Seas®: Sea Days to Sing About

A midsize Vision-class ship, Rhapsody of the Seas offers a more intimate and serene cruise experience – but without sacrificing the onboard adventures which have made Royal Caribbean the Cruise Line voted Best Overall for 20 years running. With 1,020 staterooms and suites accommodating up to 1,998 passengers, guests will enjoy smaller crowds and superior service. The ship comprises 11 guest decks and has a cruising speed of 22 knots.

World-class dining, showstopping entertainment, thrilling nightlife and activities suited for every family member are all found onboard. Children ages 3 and up will be completely in their element at Adventure Ocean®, a space for games, crafts, and themed parties supervised by specially trained staff. Older kids won’t get enough of the rock-climbing wall while your whole crew will love the pool parties, fun classes (think sushi-making and salsa dancing!), live music events and jaw-dropping original productions.

For a sublime epicurean experience, when you book your cruise make reservations at Chef’s Table, the most exclusive dining experience in the fleet. At this unforgettable white-tablecloth restaurant you will savour five courses ranging from succulent scallop carpaccio to melt-in-your-mouth fillet mignon. Other palate-pleasing specialty eateries include Chops Grille℠, Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Giovanni’s Table℠, as well as such all-inclusive options as the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Café.

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Written By EVELYN USLAR-PIETRI

Evelyn's passion for exploring the world, combined with her unforgettable travels onboard Royal Caribbean, shine through in her pieces for the cruise line. She also writes for Roar Media--a full-stack marketing agency based in Miami, Florida--as well as other travel and lifestyle-related brands.

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A visit to Israel — the “land of milk and honey” — is even more bountiful on a Holland America Line cruise. Calls in Ashdod and Haifa offer the chance to walk through Jerusalem’s Old City, paying homage at the Western Wall and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Ashdod also provides access to UNESCO-designated Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea, while Haifa leads to Galilee and the Golan Heights. Take full advantage on an Israel overland adventure that combines Jerusalem with pilgrimages to Masada or Bethlehem.

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Mediterranean Cruises and Cruisetours

Experience the cuisine and culture of italian and greek cruises.

Best Cruises for Food Lovers

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On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess®, explore the homes of Greek gods, Italian artists and multicultural treasures. As you walk down bustling roads and beaches, cultures and history fill the air. Uncover divine legends at the Acropolis, admire religious relics at Dubrovnik’s Cathedral or climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and soak up sweeping views of the emerald landscapes.

Mediterranean Cruise Options

Mediterranean (From Barcelona)

The gateway to greatness

On these Mediterranean cruises, travel from Spain through some of Europe’s most famous ports as you make your way to Italy. Begin in Barcelona where archaic artwork is on display throughout the city. Then saunter through the lavender fields of Provence when you cruise to Marseille. Or visit Il Campo dei Miracoli, also known as “The Field of Miracles,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Pisa

Mediterranean & Aegean (From Rome)

From one sea to another

Embark on a Mediterranean cruise through the Aegean Sea and stroll through highlights of Italy and Greece while also visiting hidden gems like Montenegro. Sail along the Amalfi Coast and tour ancient ruins, including Pompeii. Then cruise to Mykonos, where windmills and bright white architecture accent the turquoise sea. Continue indulging in dreamy landscapes in Athens where mythology comes to life.

Mediterranean & Adriatic (From Athens)

Culture, cuisine and connections

Marvel at world-renowned landmarks on a Mediterranean cruise through the Adriatic Sea. Arrive into Athens early to explore the original Olympic stadium. Then sail to the black-sand beaches of Santorini before feasting your eyes on the culinary creations of Italy. Fill up on pizzas and pastas in Sicily and Naples before cruising into Barcelona.

Mediterranean Cruisetours

13 - 31 Nights

Highlights of Spain Cruisetour

3 nights Madrid

1 night Valencia

2 nights Barcelona

Escorted by a Tour Director

Then board your Mediterranean cruise

Explore Gibraltar, Provence, Genoa and Florence

Select sightseeing included

Most meals included

13 - 27 Nights

Classic Italy Cruisetour

2 nights Venice

2 nights Florence

2 nights Rome

Then sail to Naples and Sicily, depending on your itinerary

Longer Mediterranean cruisetours may also visit ports in Greece, Turkey, France and beyond

11 - 25 Nights

Best of Greece Cruisetour

1 night Athens

1 night Nafplion (only on 2024 cruisetours)

1 night Delphi

1 night Kalambaka

Mediterranean Cruise Ports of Call

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess.

Rooted in Greek mythology, Athens is alive with stories from civilizations of the past. On a cruise to Europe departing from Athens, arrive early to tour the remains of ancient lores — like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis — dine at the city’s lively tavernas and admire iconic sculptures bathed in natural light within the Acropolis Museum.

Until it was popularized by the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona was a hidden gem amidst Europe’s diverse landscapes. Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs. On European cruises from Barcelona, leave enough time before you depart to visit Park Güell — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and feel inspired by the colors and unique artistry that lies in the park and throughout the entire city.

As one of the greenest islands in Greece, Corfu is an emerald treasure amidst the colorful Mediterranean landscape. From Paleokastritsa, hike to the mountaintop for unparalleled views of the Ionian Sea. Or get a taste of Corfu when you team up with a famous chef, and handpick local produce that they’ll use to prepare your lunch. Experience it all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

On a Mediterranean cruise to Livorno, travel to Florence or Pisa where artifacts abound. Capture snapshots of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stop by Michelangelo’s David statue at the Accademia and walk up to the “Gates of Paradise” at the Baptistery. Or explore the countryside and meander through the region’s rolling hills that bear vineyards and green olive groves.

Nestled within Boka Bay lies a medieval gem. Kotor is enrobed in ancient houses, palaces and churches that speak to its 12th-century origins. On a Greek cruise, dine on Montenegrin cuisine in the home of a local chef, appreciate 14th-century Venetian art at St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and taste regional wines along the riviera. Or see another side of the city when you kayak through the tunnels of Lipa Cave.

As the largest port in the Mediterranean, Marseille is the gateway to opportunity. On a Mediterranean cruise, spend the day in Arles, and explore the landscapes that inspired much of Van Gogh’s artwork. Stroll through the MuSaMa, a soap museum, and create your own blend alongside a master soap maker. Or roam the city’s most popular landmark, Notre-Dame de la Garden, a Catholic basilica that overlooks the city.

Famous for its beaches and spirited lifestyle, Mykonos is the heartbeat of Greece. Embark on a jeep safari past the city’s windmills, lighthouses and lakes. Walk past temples and marble-lined sanctuaries in Delos, the birthplace of famous Greek gods. Or soak up a day of relaxation on the beach with the city’s Cycladic architecture as your backdrop — all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

Italy’s capital city is something of a dream. Grand chapels and stone angels line the roads, whispering secrets of Rome’s past. On a cruise to Europe from Rome, arrive early to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, you’ll be guaranteed return to The Eternal City. Then walk in the footsteps of Emperors at the Colosseum, and receive a blessing from the Pope at St. Peter’s Square.

Santorini is the epitome of Greece. Wander into the welcoming cafes in Oia, a village teeming with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs. Continue to some of the world’s oldest vineyards and taste the bouquet of wines produced on the island, making sure to visit the black-sand beach of Kamari before heading back to your Mediterranean cruise ship.

Why Cruise the Mediterranean

In lands where the culture is as flavorful as the cuisine, the splendor of the Mediterranean speaks for itself.

World-Class Dining

Captivating cuisine

With mouthwatering entrees and confections, the Mediterranean invites you to embark on a gourmet tour through iconic cities. Reawaken your taste buds with Italian classics like pastas, pizzas and gelato. Or fill your plate with gyros, keftethes and baklava on a Greek cruise. From breakfast to dinner and every delectable dessert in between, the best is before you with Princess.

Bold reds and crisp whites

The countryside of Italy and Greece are home to some of the most flavorful wines around the globe. With sun and warm temperatures year-round, vineyards are flourishing with grapes by the harvest season. Sip on Italy’s red wines, or sample Greece’s white blends. From sweet Lambruscos to earthy Bordeauxs, fill up your glass on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess.

Ancient Ruins

Where history comes to life

From towers and temples to cities and shorelines, the Mediterranean is sprinkled with remains of civilizations past. Step back in time on a tour through ancient ruins on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess. Imagine life as a gladiator at the Colosseum, explore Greek mythology at the Parthenon and discover the archeological excavations of Pompeii — a lost city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art Galleries & Museums

Artistic ingenuity abounds

From the treasures on land to the jewels within museums, the Mediterranean is a true work of art. On an Italian cruise, see portraits from the Renaissance period at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, and admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Vatican Museum in Rome. Or walk in the footsteps of celebrated artists that called these regions home — like Picasso and Dali — and allow their work to spark your creativity.

Sun-Kissed Beaches

A vision of natural beauty

Visions of sparkling coasts and crystalline waters welcome you to the Mediterranean. Dip your toes on the black-sand coast of Santorini on a Greek cruise. Head to Salerno to spend the day in Positano relaxing on the white beaches and admiring the pastel houses that decorate the cliffs around you. Or travel to Mykonos with your loved ones and daydream on the city’s long stretch of golden sand and stroll in the sunshine.

Mediterranean excursions

Our award-winning Mediterranean cruise shore excursions bring you to iconic beaches, landmarks and ancient artifacts. See the yacht-lined shores of Kotor while riding on a tuk tuk, an electric rickshaw. Savor the flavors of “Koum Kouat” liqueur, created from Corfu’s exclusive citrus plant. Or stroll along the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old town, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Local connections

From chefs and beverage makers to artists and guides, meet the many personalities that call the Mediterranean home with our Local Connections program. On a Mediterranean cruise, voyage to an olive tree farm just outside of Provence, and join your hosts for a unique olive oil tasting. Or explore the Archaeological Museum of Naples with a local artist, and accompany them for lunch to dive even deeper in Italy’s art scene.

More ashore

Enjoy even more opportunities to experience the colors, cultures and flavors of the Mediterranean with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. Witness the beautiful sunset in Mykonos on a Greek cruise. Sit front-row for a flamenco dance, and savor a paella dinner during an evening in Barcelona. Or stroll the illuminated streets of Genoa with gelato in hand after a traditional Italian dinner.

Mediterranean Cruise Onboard Experience

Curated comfort, world-class entertainment and international flavors await you.

Accomodations

Your home away from home

Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

Flavors that inspire

From the zest of Provencal ratatouille to the sweetness of Greek Halva, the Mediterranean is bursting with flavor. On board most Princess ships, indulge in a pasta dinner at Sabatini’s℠, or savor local seafood at Crown Grill. While ashore, treat yourself to gelato in Italy or churros in Spain. From ship to shore, appease your appetite with one-of-a-kind dining experiences on every Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Entertainment

Find your joy

Embark on adventures by day, and indulge in entertainment by night. Watch Movies Under the Stars® at our 300-square-foot outdoor theater. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of  Wicked . Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a European cruise with Princess, the choice is yours.

Celebrations and Romance

Love blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. While on board your European cruise, we cater to your sentimental side with private dining on your balcony — like breakfast for two or a sunset dinner — honeymoon packages, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Youth & Teen Center

Step outside the classroom

Our European cruises were crafted with every guest in mind — even the younger ones. From 6-month old babies to 17-year old teens, kids can unwind and relax or play and explore. In partnership with Discovery™, kids can learn even more with special insights about Italy, Greece and everywhere in between. With engaging activities on board and ashore, kids can see history books come to life before their eyes.

Vegas hits the seas

Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments.

Ships sailing Mediterranean cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mediterranean cruise.

Star Princess®

Sun Princess®

Sky Princess®

Enchanted Princess®

Majestic Princess®

Caribbean Princess®

Emerald Princess®

Island Princess®

European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

Explore Europe

Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. 

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Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

Looking for a cruise vacation from Southampton? Set sail to Canada, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Florida and around the British Isles with Princess Cruises.

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Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital.

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Hoping to see the Northern Lights in Norway? Discover the best places to try to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's exceptional light show

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

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Cruises to Israel & Egypt

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Explore the Wonders of Ancient Egypt and Israel

On cruises to Israel and Egypt, you’ll discover the extraordinary archaeological sites, bustling markets, shopping, museums, and exciting port cities that blend modern architecture with the remnants of ancient civilizations.

From the iconic Library of Alexandria to some of the holiest sites in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, living history abounds at every turn on these cruises to Israel and Egypt. Your cruise will depart from Athens and take you through the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean to beautiful ancient ports like Alexandria, Kusadasi, gateway to the magnificent Ephesus, Haifa, and Ashdod, for Jerusalem. Explore the graceful Acropolis in Athens, the holy Dome of the Rock in Israel, Greco-Roman antiquities in Turkey, and much more as you embark on these unforgettable journeys.

Itineraries

View all cruises to egypt & israel, featured ports, alexandria, egypt.

In Alexandria, you’ll find the best of Egypt at your fingertips with easy access to local attractions, as well as an opportunity to visit Cairo, the Sphinx, and the Great Pyramids. Stroll along the seaside Corniche, where you’ll find enticing local restaurants and cafés with sweeping views of the Alexandria coastline. Visit the legendary Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria), home to around 1.5 million items, including books, relics, six special libraries, a planetarium, and four museums. After an overnight stay, finish your journey with fresh seafood in the city’s Anfushi district, a favorite area among locals for dining and culture.

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel

Jerusalem is one of the holiest cities on earth, containing some of the most revered sites among three of the world’s biggest religions. On cruises to Israel and Egypt, you’ll sail to nearby Ashdod, a gleaming modern port city just a short drive from Jerusalem. Visit the great Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, then tour the Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Head to the Machaneh Yehuda Market to shop for hand-crafted gifts, sample the traditional Israeli lunch of falafel and hummus, and mingle with locals. This is an overnight destination, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore this multi-layered city in depth.

Haifa, Israel

Haifa is one of Israel’s most dynamic port cities, on the glittering Mediterranean coast. You’ll find stunning architecture and meticulously manicured gardens at the Baha'i Shrine, with commanding views of the sea and city from the cascading garden terraces. For even more spectacular views, ride the Haifa cable car up from the bustling Bat Galim promenade to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. This 19th-century church features famous depictions of the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah, as well as a cedar statue of the Virgin Madonna of Mt. Carmel.

Departure Ports

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

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Seabourn calls in Israel seasonally during cruises between the  Mediterranean  and  Asia . The ships call at two ports in Israel:  Ashdod , which is closer to Jerusalem, and  Haifa , which is nearer Tel Aviv. Since Israel is not a large country,  highlights throughout the Holy Land are accessible from either port and on overnight mid-cruise Journeys between them.

Tel Aviv is a lively seaside city whose  UNESCO World Heritage Site , the White City of Tel Aviv, consists of a neighborhood of distinctive Bauhaus structures around Rothschild Avenue built between the 1920s and the 1950s. The  oldest section, Jaffa , is the original entry port for Israel with narrow, crowded streets and retains a remnant of the character of bygone eras. The Jaffa Tales Visitors Center uses modern technology to recount a historic and mythic lore that includes Jonah’s embarkation to sail to Tarshish, St. Peter residing in the local house of Simon the Tanner and the princess Andromeda languishing in chains prior to her rescue by Perseus. Locals gather to chat and play board games along the pleasant parklike Tel Aviv Seaside Promenade.

Jerusalem contains so many places of religious and historic importance that it well deserves a two-day visit. Panoramic views of the Old City and the Temple Mount are available from the  Mount of Olives  or the Haas-Sherover Promenade. Various tours visit  Mt. Zion , the Room of the Last Supper and King David’s Tomb. The Old City Walls encompass Zion Gate, the Dung Gate and  the Western (Wailing) Wall .  The Jewish Quarter  holds the Roman Cardo and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with its five Stations of the Cross. The new city highlights include the  Knesset, Israeli Supreme Court, the Shrine of the Book with the Dead Sea Scrolls , the moving Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Children’s Memorial, as well as the Israel Museum with a scale model of the Second Temple. In the Valley of Kidron visitors can stroll the  Garden of Gesthemane and visit the Church of All Nations set amongst ancient olive trees .

Bethlehem beckons with the  Church of the Nativity  built above the Cave of the Nativity where Jesus is said to have been born. Over the Judean Mountains in Nazareth is the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph built over his carpentry workshop. In the region of the  Sea of Galilee is the Mount of the Beatitudes and St. Peter’s home village Capernaum .

Further afield, passing Qumran, the source of the Dead Sea Scrolls, stands the  clifftop fortress of Masada , accessible by cable car.

Non-religious attractions in Israel include  the ancient city of Acre  which has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its Ottoman quarter and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens, as well as Crusader-era structures and the 18th-century Khan el-Umdan (Inn of the Pillars) caravanserai.

Caesarea is another archaeological wonder , with the excavated Herod’s Palace, a Roman theater, hippodrome, baths, a Crusaders’ fort, Byzantine Market and an aqueduct.  Mt. Carmel is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, near the ancient city of Tiberius, Zippori National Park and the Golan Heights .

Featured Ports

Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel

Haifa (tel aviv), israel, recommended for you.

Haifa, Israel

Haifa is Hebrew for "beautiful coast," and this port lives up to its name. Much of the city lies on the slopes of Mount Carmel as it plunges to the sea. A day can be well spent in Haifa, home to the Bahai Temple, Elijah's cave, the Druze villages and the artists' colonies at Ein Hod and Safad. More popular, though, are the excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.

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© THE INTERCEPT

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

U.S., Not Israel, Shot Down Most Iran Drones and Missiles

American forces did most of the heavy lifting responding to Iran’s retaliation for the attack on its embassy in Damascus.

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The United States shot down more drones and missiles than Israel did on Saturday night during Iran’s attack, The Intercept can report. 

More than half of Iran’s weapons were destroyed by U.S. aircraft and missiles before they ever reached Israel. In fact, by commanding a multinational air defense operation and scrambling American fighter jets, this was a U.S. military triumph. 

The extent of the U.S. military operation is unbeknownst to the American public, but the Pentagon coordinated a multination, regionwide defense extending from northern Iraq to the southern Persian Gulf on Saturday. During the operation, the U.S., U.K., France, and Jordan all shot down the majority of Iranian drones and missiles. In fact, where U.S. aircraft originated from has not been officially announced, an omission that has been repeated by the mainstream media. Additionally, the role of Saudi Arabia is unclear, both as a base for the United States and in terms of any actions by the Saudi military.

In calculating the size of Iran’s attack and the overwhelming role of the United States, U.S. military sources say that the preliminary estimate is that half of Iran’s weapons experienced technical failures of some sort.

“U.S. intelligence estimates that half of the weapons fired by Iran failed upon launch or in flight due to technical issues,” a U.S. Air Force senior officer told The Intercept. Of the remaining 160 or so, the U.S. shot down the majority, the officer said. The officer was granted anonymity to speak about sensitive operational matters.

Asked to comment on the United States shooting down half of Iran’s drones and missiles, the Israel Defense Forces and the White House National Security Council did not respond at the time of publication. The Pentagon referred The Intercept to U.S. Central Command, which pointed to a press release saying CENTCOM forces supported by U.S. European Command destroyers “successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen.”

Israel says that more than 330 drones, low-flying cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles were launched by Iran, including some 30 Paveh-type cruise missiles, 180 or so Shahed drones, and 120 Emad intermediate-range ballistic missiles, as well as other types of weapons. All of the drones and cruise missiles were launched from Iranian territory, Israel says. Some additional missiles were also launched from inside Yemen, according to IDF data.

Most media reports say that none of the cruise missiles or drones ever entered Israeli airspace. According to a statement by IDF spokesperson Adm. Daniel Hagari, some 25 cruise missiles “were intercepted by IAF [Israeli Air Force] fighter jets outside the country’s borders,” most likely over Jordanian territory.

Israel’s statement that it shot down the majority of Iranian “cruise missiles” is probably an exaggeration. According to U.S. military sources and preliminary reporting, U.S. and allied aircraft shot down the majority of drones and cruise missiles. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the Royal Air Force Typhoons intercepted “a number” of Iranian weapons over Iraqi and Syrian airspace.

The Jordanian government has also hinted that its aircraft downed some Iranian weapons. “We will intercept every drone or missile that violates Jordan’s airspace to avert any danger. Anything posing a threat to Jordan and the security of Jordanians, we will confront it with all our capabilities and resources,” Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said during an interview on the Al-Mamlaka news channel.

French fighters also shot down some drones and possibly cruise missiles.

U.S. aircraft, however, shot down “more than” 80 Iranian weapons, according to U.S. military sources. President Joe Biden spoke with members of two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft squadrons to “commend them for their exceptional airmanship and skill in defending Israel from an unprecedented aerial attack by Iran.” Two F-15 squadrons — the 494th Fighter Squadron based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, and the 335th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina — are forward deployed to the Middle East, at least half of the planes at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

Two U.S. warships stationed in the Mediterranean — the USS Carney (DDG 64) and the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) — shot down at least six ballistic missiles, the Pentagon says. The War Zone is reporting that those ships may have fired Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) interceptors in combat for the first time. A U.S. Army Patriot surface-to-air missile battery in Erbil, Iraq, shot down at least one ballistic missile. Wreckage of an Iranian missile was also found outside Erbil, as well as in an open area outside the province of Najaf.

Iran’s attack marks the first time since 1991 that a nation state has attacked Israel directly. Contending with extremely long distances and utilizing scores of decoys and swarm tactics to attempt to overwhelm Middle East air defenses, Iran managed to hit two military targets on the ground in Israel, including Nevatim Air Base. According to the IDF, five missiles hit Nevatim Air Base and four hit another base. Despite the low number of munitions successfully landing, the dramatic spectacle of hundreds of rockets streaking across the night sky in Syria, Iraq, and Iran has left Tehran contented with its show of force. 

Iran “has achieved all its goals, and in our view the operation has ended, and we do not intend to continue,” Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, said over the weekend. Still, he cautioned, “If the Zionist regime or its supporters demonstrate reckless behavior, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response.”

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The U.S. coordinated the overall operation from the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where the overall commander was Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the air commander of CENTCOM. “We take whatever assets we have that are in theater … under our tactical control or in a direct support role across the joint force and the coalition, and we stitch them together so that we can synchronize the fires and effects when we get into that air defense fight,” Grynkewich told Air & Space Forces Magazine after the Iran attack. “We’re trying to stitch together partners in the region who share a perspective of a threat, share concern of the threats to stability in the region — which primarily emanate from Iran with a large number of ballistic missiles — and be in a position where we’re able to share information, share threat warning. And the ultimate goal is to get to a much deeper and fuller integration. We’ve made tremendous progress.”

In a call immediately following Iran’s attack, Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “Israel really came out far ahead in this exchange” and warned of the “risks of escalation” — as if that hadn’t already happened.

Correction: April 16, 2024 A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to Mohammad Bagheri as the president of Iran. He is the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces.

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Sirens, explosions heard over Israel as Iran launches retaliatory air attacks

Iran's revolutionary guard says barrage targets 'occupied territories' in israel.

Explosions, sirens above Jerusalem as Iran launches air attack

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Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel in a retaliatory barrage that pushed the Middle East ever closer to a region-wide war.

The Israeli military's spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Iran fired scores of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles — with the vast majority intercepted outside Israel's borders. He said warplanes intercepted more than 10 cruise missiles alone, also outside Israeli airspace.

Hagari said a handful of missiles landed in Israel. Rescuers said a seven-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries. Hagari said a missile struck an army base, causing light damage but no injuries.

"A wide-scale attack by Iran is a major escalation," he said. Asked whether Israel would respond, Hagari said only that the army "does and will do whatever is required to protect the security of the state of Israel." He said the incident was not over, and dozens of Israeli warplanes remained in the skies.

Explosions in Israeli skies as sirens blare during Iranian attack

U.S. forces downed some of the Iran-launched drones flying toward Israel, a U.S. defence official and two U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter, told The Associated Press. Israel's military said its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that "strategic partners" were involved.

Air raid sirens were reported in numerous places, including northern Israel, southern Israel, the northern West Bank and the Dead Sea near the Jordanian border.

Retaliation for embassy strike

In a statement carried late Saturday by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps acknowledged launching "dozens of drones and missiles towards the occupied territories and positions of the Zionist regime."

Tehran had vowed revenge since an April 1 airstrike in Syria killed two Iranian generals inside an Iranian consular building. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack, but Israel hasn't commented on it.

"Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," the Iranian mission to the United Nations said of Saturday's barrage, warning the United States to "stay away." However, it also said Iran now "deemed the matter concluded."

Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel's six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others, according to Israeli tallies.

An Israeli offensive in Hamas-controlled Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed more than 33,000 people, according to local health officials.

Almost immediately after the war erupted, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon, began attacking Israel's northern border. The two sides have been involved in daily exchanges of fire, while Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have launched rockets and missiles toward Israel.

In a letter to the United Nations early Sunday, Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council to condemn Iran's actions and to designate the Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

"The time has come for the Security Council to take concrete action against the Iranian threat," Erdan wrote.

West denounces Tehran

Condemnation from Western countries was swift.

"Canada unequivocally condemns Iran's airborne attacks against Israel," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement on Saturday night. "The Iranian regime's latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult."

Canada 'unequivocally condemns' Iran's attack on Israel, Trudeau says

In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden cut short a weekend trip to his beach house in Delaware to return to the White House to convene a meeting with his national security team to discuss the attacks.

"Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said on social media.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called Iran's actions "reckless" and said they showed it was "intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard."

The foreign ministries of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, called for the exercise of the "utmost restraint" to spare the region and its people from further factors of instability and tension.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who also condemned the attack, called for the immediate cessation of hostilities to avoid "major military confrontations."

Cargo ship seized

Hours earlier, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The move came days after Tehran said it could close the crucial shipping route and warned it would retaliate for the Israeli strike in Syria.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that a Guards helicopter had boarded and taken into Iranian waters the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries.

MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), which operates the Aries, confirmed Iran had seized the ship and said it was working "with the relevant authorities" for its safe return and the well-being of its 25 crew.

MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, Zodiac said in a statement, adding that MSC is responsible for all of the vessel's activities. Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.

Video on Iranian news channels purporting to show the seizure included a figure abseiling from a helicopter onto a ship. Reuters was able to verify that the ship in the video was the MSC Aries but not the date it was recorded.

With files from Reuters and CBC News

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U.S. details Pentagon’s role in defending Israel from Iranian attack

As Iran launched its much-anticipated attack on Israel on Saturday , the night sky was filled with deadly threats. More than 100 ballistic missiles were fired, senior U.S. officials said, complemented by about 30 cruise missiles and more than 150 explosive drones.

Israel’s vaunted missile defense systems ramped up to engage the munitions as they were launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. But they were flanked by U.S. and British fighter jets, a Patriot missile defense system manned by U.S. troops in Iraq and U.S. destroyers off the coast of Israel, each ready to assist.

The result, a senior Biden administration official said Sunday, was a “spectacular defeat” of Iran’s attack, even though it was larger than U.S. officials had anticipated.

“You can imagine those tense moments,” the official said, speaking to reporters Sunday on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.

Among the U.S. forces that participated were the 494th Fighter Squadron, with headquarters in Britain; and the 335th Fighter Squadron, of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. Combined, the two squadrons used their F-15E Strike Eagles to take down about 70 attack drones heading to Israel, and received a phone call after from President Biden . The jets are designed for both air-to-air combat and deep interdiction, the Air Force says.

A senior military official, speaking on the same call, said that the USS Carney and USS Arleigh Burke, destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, shot down between four and six ballistic missiles in the attack. U.S. troops manning the Patriot missile defense system in Irbil, Iraq, took down another missile that had violated Iraqi airspace on its vector to Israel, the official said.

All told, Israeli and U.S. officials said that 99 percent of the incoming munitions were intercepted, suggesting just a few may have struck their intended targets in the Jewish state. At least one ballistic missile readied by Houthis in Yemen was destroyed on the launch pad, officials said, pointing to the coalition presence that has surveilled militant activity in the region in the last few months.

“There’s virtually no infrastructure damage to Israel at all,” the senior administration official said. That, he said, was despite Iran’s intent to cause “significant damage and deaths in Israel.”

Middle East conflict

Iranian drones similar to those used in the attack have been deployed by Russian forces to target Ukrainian infrastructure, and a key strategy there is to exhaust Kyiv’s costly air defense with cheaper and plentiful weapons to make future attacks easier, said Samuel Bendett, a member of the Russia studies program at the Center for Naval Analyses, a policy institute based in Arlington, Va. Tehran has almost certainly taken note, Bendett said.

It was notable that some of the drones used are slower and less sophisticated than jet-powered drones they also have in their inventory, he said, and it was likely Iran knew those drones would be destroyed relatively easily.

But the attack still imposed new challenges on Israel, Bendett suggested. To achieve a 99 percent interception rate required defenses that are probably “much costlier than the total number of threats arrayed against Israel,” he said.

“In this case, the mission was accomplished,” he said. “Israel had to get its aircraft in the air.”

Iran’s success overall was hit-and-miss, said Tom Karako, director of the missile defense project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. There was no strategic surprise, and the overall defeat of the threat demonstrated the value of diverse air defense systems that handle numerous types of weapons, he said.

Yet the size of the operation itself prompts questions about the stocks now available for air defense systems, Karako said, which are finite and expensive.

“The concern here is that Israel shot a lot of stuff. And so that speaks to their capacity issues,” Karako said. “You don’t take out 100 ballistic missiles of any type without dipping into capacity. So that’s going to be an issue here for the next steps.”

Retired Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie, who oversaw U.S. forces in the Middle East before retiring in 2022, said on Sunday that Iran, too, expended a lot of resources in the attack that will affect its ability to carry out anything similar soon. Speaking on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” McKenzie said that Iran has more than 3,000 missiles of various types scattered across the country, with a little more than 100 in western Iran, where they can target Israel.

“Based on what the Israelis are saying, I believe they fired most of those weapons at Israel,” McKenzie said. “The Israelis, obviously, were able to intercept most of them. Iran could not replicate last night’s attack tonight, if they had to.”

McKenzie called the attack a “maximum effort,” and said there was “nothing moderate” about it. Iran used its “most important capability,” ballistic missiles, in the assault, and it still failed, he assessed.

“So I think Israel this morning is now much stronger than they were yesterday,” McKenzie said. “And Iran is relatively weaker than it was yesterday.”

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .

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US forces shot down over 75 Iranian missiles and drones in its biggest air-defense battle of the Middle East crisis

• Iran launched an unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel this weekend.
• The IDF said 99% of the 300 or so Iranian munitions were shot down.
• US forces destroyed more than 70 of them, according to American officials.

US forces engaged and shot down more than 75 of the missiles and drones that Iran fired at Israel this weekend, marking its biggest air-defense battle of the six-month-long Middle East crisis.

Iran and its proxy militias launched a barrage of 170 attack drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles at Israel in a massive and unprecedented attack on Saturday night local time, according to the Israel Defense Forces .

It was the first-ever direct attack on Israel from Iranian soil. About 99% of the threats were intercepted by Israel and its partners, the IDF said, and most of them did not even cross into Israeli territory — a remarkable air-defense success.

US forces in the region eliminated more than 70 of the Iranian munitions, a senior US military official told reporters on Sunday.

Two US Navy destroyers operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea — the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney — engaged and destroyed between four and six ballistic missiles, and a Patriot air-defense system shot down one ballistic missile above Iraq, an official said.

A majority of the remaining ballistic missiles were engaged by Israel's Arrow 2 and 3 systems , which make up the top echelon of the country's sophisticated air defense network . A few of the ballistic missiles entered Israeli territory and struck targets, including an IDF base, causing minor damage, the military said.

US fighter jets also shot down more than 70 Iranian one-way attack drones, the American military official said. They would not say how many aircraft were involved in the interceptions.

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President Joe Biden said he directed the US military to move aircraft and ballistic missile defenses to the region over the past week.

"Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," he said in a statement .

"Our forces remain postured to protect US troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel's defense, and enhance regional stability," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement after the attack.

Britain's defense minister, Grant Shapps, confirmed that the UK also intercepted multiple drones. None of the drones or cruise missiles launched by Iran crossed into Israeli territory, according to the IDF.

The attack marked the US military's biggest air-defense battle of the ongoing and widespread Middle East crisis, which began with Hamas' October 7 terror attack across southern Israel, sparking an outburst of violence across the region.

Since October, US forces have engaged aerial threats launched by Iran-backed militias above Iraq and Syria, and also the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The largest of these attacks involved more than 20 drones and missiles carried out by the Yemen-based Houthis earlier this year.

Tehran's attack against Israel, meanwhile, came in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria at the start of April. The strike killed several military officials, including two generals in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Following the incident, Iran vowed revenge and telegraphed that it would retaliate against Israel. The Middle East had been on heightened alert over the past two weeks as it braced for a possible response from Tehran, which was unclear in terms of size and scope.

The attack on Saturday was met with resounding international condemnation, with world leaders blasting Iran as "reckless." The leaders of the G7 — which is made up of the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, and Japan — said they expressed solidarity with Israel and are committed to the country's security.

"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation," the leaders said in a statement . "This must be avoided."

For now, Israel appears to be calibrating a response to the Iranian attack, although it is unclear at this time what that may look like.

Watch: VIDEO: Iran reports that drones attacked a military factory in Isfahan

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A Show of Might in the Skies Over Israel

Iran’s retaliation for Israel’s killing of senior military leaders was a highly choreographed spectacle. But fears of a wider war still loom.

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By Helene Cooper ,  Farnaz Fassihi ,  Aaron Boxerman ,  Patrick Kingsley and Eric Schmitt

Iran’s much-anticipated retaliation for Israel’s killing of senior military leaders produced a fiery aerial display in the skies over Israel and the West Bank.

But in important ways, military analysts say, it was just that: a highly choreographed spectacle.

The more than 300 drones and missiles that hurtled through Iraqi and Jordanian airspace Saturday night before they were brought down seemed designed to create maximum drama while inflicting minimal damage, defense officials and military experts say. Just as they did back in 2020 when retaliating for the U.S. killing of Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Iranian leaders this weekend gave plenty of warning that they were launching strikes.

Iran also sequenced the attack, a retaliation for airstrikes on an Iranian Embassy building in Syria on April 1, in such a way that both Israelis and Americans were able to adjust their aerial defenses once the Iranian missiles and drones were in the air.

The result: a lot of bang, but relatively little destruction on the ground.

Few of Iran’s drones and missiles found their intended targets, an inaccuracy level that military experts and defense officials say was probably by design.

Iran planned the attacks in a way that would send a warning to Israel and create deterrence but avoid sparking a war, according to two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, said Iran gave countries in the region about 72 hours advance warning.

“I think Iran is very concerned about what comes next if they were too effective,” said Gen. Joseph L. Votel, a former leader of the U.S. military’s Central Command. “The early notification of what they were doing seems a little interesting to me.”

The repercussions of such an immense aerial attack could still push Israel, Iran and even the United States closer to the wider war that President Biden has been trying to avoid. It was Iran’s first direct attack on Israel after decades of a shadow war, and Israeli leaders were considering a possible response.

Mr. Biden has made clear to Israeli leaders that while the United States is committed to defending Israel, he has no interest in attacking Iran. In fact, the president and his team, hoping to avoid further escalation, are advising Israel that its successful defense against the Iranian airstrikes constituted a major strategic victory that might not require another round of retaliation, U.S. officials said.

In the space of five hours on Saturday night, Israel demonstrated that with the help of its allies, it could provide residents with solid protection from deadly airstrikes.

Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, which became operational in 2011, intercepts rockets. But this weekend, Israel primarily used fighter jets and its Arrow 3 system, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere, including those armed with nuclear and other nonconventional warheads, a defense official said.

Iron Dome’s interceptors are six inches wide and 10 feet long. They rely on sensors and computerized guidance to target short-range rockets. The Arrow system can fly longer distances to go after bigger threats.

Jacob Nagel, a former acting Israeli national security adviser, said Israel also used a system called David’s Sling, which shoots down drones, missiles and rockets, and interceptions from Israeli warplanes.

The strikes were proof of concept for the Arrow 3 system, which had mostly been used to take down the occasional incoming missile fired by Houthi militia forces in Yemen. During the Iranian assault, the long-range system saw “more use than during the rest of its time since its invention put together,” Mr. Nagel said. “And we saw that it works.”

“The achievement as a whole is surprising,” he added. “The Iranians never dreamed that we would intercept so many. They must have anticipated that a large chunk would be shot down, but they did not realize that 99 percent would be intercepted.”

Mr. Nagel strongly rebuffed the idea, however, that Iran had not sought to inflict damage on their targets in Israel. “Symbolism is when you fire three or four rockets, not 320” drones and missiles, he said. “They fired all the varieties in their arsenal.”

Israel got help from the United States, Britain and France. American officials said U.S. fighter jets shot down more than 70 exploding drones in the attack, while two Navy warships in the eastern Mediterranean destroyed four to six missiles, and an Army Patriot battery in Iraq knocked down at least one missile that passed overhead. The more than 300 drones and missiles Iran launched was on the high end of what U.S. analysts had expected, one official said.

Jordan, a critic of Israel’s war effort in Gaza, said that its military had shot down aircraft and missiles that entered its airspace during the attack.

Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., a retired leader of Central Command, told CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday that Israel showed that it could defend its airspace, cities and people.

“So I think that Israel this morning is now much stronger than they were yesterday,” he said.

On the surface, that would suggest that Iran came out weaker and showed that it still had a long way to go before it could make good on its leaders’ frequent calls for the destruction of Israel.

But military analysts and defense officials cautioned about drawing firm conclusions about Iranian military capability from Saturday night’s display.

Iran demonstrated that weapons fired from its territory could reach Israel, and for a foe with demonstrated nuclear ambitions, that capability should worry Israeli military strategists, General Votel, who led Central Command from 2016 to 2019, said in an interview.

“They can launch missiles that can reach Israel, even though they were shot down outside Israeli airspace,” General Votel said. “It’s concerning, particularly for a country that is pursuing nuclear weapons capability.”

Afshon Ostovar, an expert on Iran’s military at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., said that Iran showcased a large part of its military capability, but not all of it.

Many of Iran’s drones were Shahed-136 “kamikazes,” the same type that Russia is using in Ukraine. These are slow-moving and fly low, he said.

Fabian Hinz, an expert on Iran’s military at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin, examined footage of the drones and missile launches published by media outlets affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, as well as photos of debris published by Israel, to determine the types of weapons that Iran used in the attack. Mr. Ostovar analyzed the attack from a strategic point of view, taking into account the weapons that were used.

Iran launched two types of long-range cruise and ballistic missiles, both developed by the Guards aerospace unit, both analysts said.

The cruise missile, called the Paveh, has a range of about 1,650 kilometers, or about 1,000 miles. It is the same type of missile that Iran has provided to the Houthi militia group in Yemen and to Shiite militant groups in Iraq. The ballistic missiles, they said, are called Emad and have a similar range.

Iran also used the Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile, one of its newest and most advanced. The precision-guided missile has a range of 1,450 kilometers, or about 900 miles. Iranian military officials have said its warhead can evade missile defense systems.

“The mix of weapons is what you would have expected in a substantial attack against Israel,” Mr. Hinz said. “They have basically used their sophisticated system to conduct these strikes. Launching over 100 ballistic missiles over a short period of time is quite something, and doing a combined attack with that many different weapons is really the upper tier of potential actions they could do.”

Helene Cooper is a Pentagon correspondent. She was previously an editor, diplomatic correspondent and White House correspondent. More about Helene Cooper

Farnaz Fassihi is the United Nations bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of the organization, and also covers Iran and the shadow war between Iran and Israel. She is based in New York. More about Farnaz Fassihi

Aaron Boxerman is a Times reporting fellow with a focus on international news. More about Aaron Boxerman

Patrick Kingsley is The Times’s Jerusalem bureau chief, leading coverage of Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. More about Patrick Kingsley

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

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Middle East

Iran strikes israel in retaliation for an attack that killed top iranian officers.

Leila Fadel

Daniel Estrin

The unprecedented strikes were in retaliation for an attack that killed top Iranian officers at Iran's embassy compound in Syria — an attack attributed to Israel. The U.S. is assessing developments.

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

More than 300 Iranian drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles flew toward Israel Saturday, raising the specter of a wider conflict between Israel and Iran that could drag the U.S. into the fray.

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

The unprecedented strikes were in retaliation for an attack earlier this month that killed top Iranian officers at Iran's embassy compound in Syria, an attack attributed to Israel. Despite the scale of the attack, there was very little damage. Israel and the U.S. - along with Great Britain, France and Jordan - shot down nearly all of the missiles and drones. And Iran told the United Nations it considered the matter, quote-unquote, "concluded" as long as there was no counter strike.

FADEL: To make sense of all this, we're joined now by NPR international correspondent Daniel Estrin in Tel Aviv and our national security correspondent Greg Myre here in Washington. Good morning to you both.

GREG MYRE, BYLINE: Hi, Leila.

DANIEL ESTRIN, BYLINE: Good morning.

FADEL: So, Daniel, let's start with you. Walk us through Iran's strikes and how this all unfolded.

ESTRIN: Well, it began late Saturday night. Israel announced that Iran was firing drones toward Israel and that it would take hours for them to arrive. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israelis in a video statement.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU: (Non-English language spoken).

ESTRIN: So he told Israelis, "our defense systems are deployed. We are prepared for any scenario both in defense and attack." And then several hours later, around 2 a.m., sirens started going off - 2 a.m. local time. They went off in Israel's north, in the south, even in Jerusalem. There were these bright orbs of light flying through the air above the golden Dome of the Rock, you know, the holy site.

FADEL: Yeah.

ESTRIN: There were booms of interceptions. There was the rumble of fighter jets in the skies. And Israeli fighter pilots who have been speaking on Israeli army radio have said that they never imagined or even drilled for such a massive attack in terms of just the number of projectiles at the same time. Ninety-nine percent of them, Israeli officials say, were - either fell short or were intercepted mid-air.

FADEL: Greg, now, several other countries also took part in this shootout. What can you tell us about that?

MYRE: Yeah, Leila. The overall tally is really quite remarkable. Altogether, we're talking about nine countries involved in some form. Iran fired from its homeland, but it also fired from positions in Iraq and Syria. The Houthis in Yemen launched attacks. So Israel was facing incoming air strikes from four separate countries. Israel, as Daniel just mentioned, shot down most of this fire. But the U.S. took part from Navy ships in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Jordan shot down some of the drones, it said not to protect Israel but to defend its own airspace. And Britain and France also shot down drones. So five countries were involved in shooting down the Iranian drones and missiles. Perhaps most remarkably, there's been no reports of anyone killed, just a couple injuries.

FADEL: Now, Daniel, even though the damage was limited, people across the region really weren't sleeping this weekend. What did Iran have to say about the attack?

ESTRIN: Well, Iran says that it was exercising legitimate defense. It was responding to the Israeli attack on the Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus. And the way that Israeli analysts explain that Israeli attack is that, you know, during the Gaza war, Iran has been fueling, you know, six months of attacks on Israel through its proxies in Lebanon and Yemen. And Israel here wanted to deliver a strong response, only Israel apparently did not expect Iran to respond the way that it did.

Now, Iran was also sending many messages here. Iran says it gave other countries 72 hours' notice of these strikes and also told the U.S. through other countries that it did not intend to strike U.S. targets or military bases. Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian spoke yesterday through an interpreter. Here's what he said.

HOSSEIN AMIRABDOLLAHIAN: (Through interpreter) We told them that our target in this defense is simply to attack the Israeli targets.

ESTRIN: So Iran's signaling it does not want this to escalate further. You know, even before the missiles reached Israel, Iran's mission to the U.N. tweeted, as Michel mentioned earlier, this matter can be deemed concluded. It warned Israel not to respond, and it said the U.S. must stay away.

FADEL: Now, the U.S. said it would not participate in any retaliatory attacks. But, Greg, it was very much involved in Israel's defense over the weekend, right?

MYRE: Oh, absolutely. The U.S. and Israel, and other partners were closely coordinating air defense plans. They had about 10 days to get ready for this because it was pretty well-telegraphed, and they knew it was coming. Still, a U.S. official who briefed reporters, he described the Iranian barrage as being very much at the high end of what they had anticipated.

And he also described this very tense moment when all these Iranian weapons were bearing down on Israel, including more than a hundred ballistic missiles, all in the air at the same time, within a few minutes of Israel. And as we noted, the U.S. participated from Navy ships in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Here's John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman, talking about the shooting on Weekend Edition Sunday.

JOHN KIRBY: It proved the superiority of the Israeli Defense Forces. It proved the military superiority of the United States and our other partners that participated in this. That was an incredible success.

FADEL: Now, Greg, President Biden spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu right after the Iranian airstrikes. What was the president's message?

MYRE: Yeah, according to U.S. officials, President Biden urged Netanyahu to proceed now with caution. He told the Israeli leader that the U.S. will provide ironclad support to help Israel defend itself, but the U.S. is not going to take part in offensive operations against Iran. U.S. officials said Biden is not telling Israel what it should or shouldn't do. But clearly the U.S. would prefer Israel to see this as a very successful operation, proof that Israel, with help from the U.S. and others, can defend itself and should consider the path of de-escalation. And it's in keeping with Biden's stance since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October. Again, here's Admiral John Kirby.

KIRBY: Everything we're doing is trying to prevent a wider regional conflict. And there's certainly no reason, in our view, that it needs to become so.

FADEL: OK, but I want to understand what Israeli leadership is thinking. Daniel, what are the options they're weighing after this attack?

ESTRIN: Israel's security cabinet is debating this very issue. An Israeli official told me this morning that everyone in the government in Israel believes that Israel has to respond somehow because this is not the shadow war anymore, Leila. This is not Iran hiding behind proxy groups in Yemen or Lebanon. This was a first-ever declared attack launched from Iran directly toward Israel. It's an escalation in Israel's eyes.

And so the Israeli official I spoke to says the question is how Israel is going to respond. Some want a military response, a strong one. Others see this as an opportunity for diplomacy to build a strategic alliance in the region, maybe even to end the war in Gaza, establish ties with Saudi Arabia. And that would be a deterrent against Iran in the long term.

FADEL: NPR's Daniel Estrin in Tel Aviv and Greg Myre in Washington. Thanks to you both.

ESTRIN: You're welcome.

MYRE: Thanks, Leila.

(SOUNDBITE OF ZOE KEATING'S "THE PATH")

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Maps show how US, Israeli weaponry was used against Iran's aerial attack

Israel is weighing its response to an Iranian attack carried out by an estimated 300 drones and missiles Saturday, Iran’s first direct strike against Israel ever and a move that could lead to open warfare between the two nations.

The attack caused relatively minor damage, officials said. About 99% of the Iranian weapons were shot down with the help of the U.S., U.K. and Jordan, according to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military and a defense force post on Instagram.

The attack is an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and could spark a military escalation that could involve the U.S. and other countries and alter the  Israel-Hamas war  in the  Gaza Strip .

U.S. and European military forces intercepted more than 80 uncrewed one-way attack aerial vehicles and at least six ballistic missiles, the U.S. Central Command said Sunday.

In the Mediterranean Sea, two U.S. guided-missile destroyers, the USS Carney and the USS Arleigh Burke , shot down four to six ballistic missiles , the U.S. Naval Institute reported Sunday.

Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.  

F-15E Strike Eagles from two squadrons shot down about 70 attack drones , according to The Washington Post.

Most of the drones and missile were fired from inside Iran. A few penetrated Israeli defenses, seriously injuring a 10-year-old girl with shrapnel and causing minor damage to a military base, Israeli officials said.

Did Israel bomb the Iranian Embassy in Syria?

Iran said it launched the attack in retaliation for an airstrike by Israeli warplanes on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1. Iran said seven of its military advisers, including three senior commanders, were killed in the attack. Israel never confirmed it was behind the attack.

Iran said Sunday that it would not retaliate further unless Israel counterattacked.

What weapons did Iran use?

According to Israeli officials, aerial weapons used in the attack included:

• 170 Shahed-136 drones
• 120 ballistic missiles
• 30 cruise missiles

Ballistic missiles are powered by one or more rockets that lift the missile into the atmosphere on an arching trajectory . The rockets then shut down and the unpowered missile descends to its target.

Cruise missiles are powered by jet engines. They can be launched from the ground, air or sea. The missiles can fly very low and are difficult to detect.

Cruise missiles are self-guiding but can be controlled by remote operators with cameras.

How the Iranian attack unfolded

The attack started at about 3:30 p.m Eastern time, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War . It consisted of at least three waves over several hours.

Drones were launched first; ballistic missiles were fired about an hour later so they would strike Israel at about the same time, according to a statement from Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps that was reported by the BBC.

The Defense Department said U.S. forces from undisclosed bases in the region intercepted dozens of missiles and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Military forces from the U.S., U.K., Jordan and Israel began intercepting drones and missiles outside Israeli airspace between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern, the war study institute said.

Israeli defense systems helped thwart the attack

Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow 3 systems were credited with shooting down most of the drones and missiles from Iran.

The Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather missile defense system, designed to detect and shoot down short-range rockets fired into Israel. It’s also used against enemy artillery and drones.

How the Iron Dome system works:

Iron Dome can detect and engage rockets up to 40 miles away. Each of its 10 batteries can protect a 58-square-mile area.

It’s a portable system, towed by trucks. The batteries are units with three main elements:

• ELM 2084 Multimission Radar (MMR):  Radar that detects incoming threats from Palestinian territories and Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon.
• Battle management and weapon control system (BMC):  A computer that tracks a rocket’s trajectory and calculates whether it will hit an inhabited area. Rockets presenting the greatest threat are targeted. Rockets that will fall into uninhabited regions are ignored.
• Tamir missiles and launchers:  Each battery has three to four launchers, each with up to 20 Tamirs. The control system launches a missile that will intercept and destroy the incoming rocket.

Work on the Iron Dome began in 2007. It became operational in March 2011 and has been upgraded over the years. Its success rate has  exceeded 90% , says its manufacturer, Raytheon says.

Iron Dome is designed as protection against rockets at low altitudes. It's part of Israel's three-tiered air defense system that includes:

◾   David's Sling :  Defense against short-range ballistic missiles, large-caliber rockets and cruise missiles.

◾ Arrow-3 :  Defense against medium-range ballistic missiles.

Israel also uses U.S. Patriot missiles to defend itself from enemy aircraft and drones.

SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Reuters; U.S. Department of Defense; Institute for the Study of War ; Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation; U.S. Naval Institute