from confused,
we have an opportunity to travel to the holy land in september. we have been given an option to choose from the pacific princess or the celebrity equinox. any ideas and any details would be greatly appreciated

How are Germany, Greece, Italy or Switzerland the Holy Land?

"<i>How are Germany, Greece, Italy or Switzerland the Holy Land?</i>" . . or a cruise?

You need to be on the CRUISE frium - or the middle east one.

I must say I'm a little confused too. I have visited the Holy Land (or should I say, the places considered Holy according to my religion) and that was Israel and Jordan. If you are planning to visit Israel and Jordan it really doesn't make sense to take a cruise. Furthermore I don't see how a cruise could encompass all the countris you named, especially landlocked Switzerland.

Not to be flippant but is there a reason that Germany, Greece, Italy and Switzerland are Holy to you?

Please give us more info. Most people on this board love to assist others but we don't have much to go on so far.

clicked on those countries incorrectly. opportuity to cruise to the holyland on either princess or celebrity cruise lines.
Was doing to many things at the same time and click and the post was history!

Thanks for the additional info. I still think the Holy Land is better to visit as a land trip. Is that an option you are willing to consider?

Are the itineraries the same? The same port stops? If yes, this is difficult. If different, pick by itinerary - whatever stops appeal to you to visit. Both are good cruise companies.

You might want to look at a thread like this one http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...em-Israel.html which has very specific comments about a cruise stop to see Jerusalem. The gist is that you will have a few minutes at each major sightseeing stop, but there is so much to see and experience in Jerusalem alone, a cruise stop would not appeal to me even as a first visit.

P_M

Unfortunately, not an option. It's a cruise or nothing
Thanks,
s

Dayenu,

Same ports and time frame. The only difference I see is the cost and ship size. I have been to Jerusalem as a land stop and it was great. I would repeat it in a heart beat if that were an option.

Cruises that stop in Israel usually have 2 days in port (Ashdod, Haifa). We take passengers on private tours of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee and arrange overnight hotel in Israel - not returning to ship for overnight - in order to use travel time optimally.

driveisrael,
something we will consider. Have flagged your post and will get back with you at a later date.
thanks, S

There are also land excursions that are provided by the ship, on buses, both out of Ashdod and Haifa. They usually have a choice of Jerusalem, the Galilee, Caesarea, and the Dead Sea and sometimes others. You get value for your money and get to see the major sites, if only briefly. Definately worth taking a tour guided tour.