Plan a CruiseHaifa Cruise Port Guide
Haifa serves as Israel's primary passenger port, featuring a modern, expanded cruise terminal spanning 5,500 square meters. This facility offers amenities such as a cafeteria, currency exchange, parking, and a dedicated bus terminal for excursions. Additionally, passengers can find a large duty-free shopping area and an international telecommunications center with free WiFi. A train station is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the cruise terminal, offering connections to Tel Aviv. Car rental services can also be arranged at the port. Depending on your ship's specific berth, a shuttle service may be provided to transport you to the main cruise terminal.
While your ship will dock within a 15-minute walk of the city center, be aware that Haifa is built on hills, making it a challenging walk for some. Many cruise passengers opt for longer day trips to iconic sites like Jerusalem or Bethlehem, which are a two-to-three-hour drive away. However, Haifa itself is a picturesque city, often likened to "the Middle East's San Francisco" due to its hilly terrain. It is renowned for its diverse population, including Jews, Muslims, Christian Arabs, Ahmadis, Druze, and Bahá'ís, all coexisting peacefully amidst the green slopes of Mount Carmel, the blue Mediterranean Sea, and its golden beaches. The city boasts a modern harbor, remarkable beaches, and breathtaking landscapes, including the Bahá'í Gardens and Carmel National Park.
Getting Around from the Port
From the cruise terminal, the city center is approximately a 15-minute walk, but be prepared for a hilly ascent. For further exploration, the train station is just a two-minute walk from the terminal, providing direct access to Tel Aviv.
Haifa's unique Carmelit funicular (underground metro), Israel's only one, offers an efficient way to navigate the city's different levels. It connects 'Down Town' (a business hub), Hadar (a residential and commercial area), and Mercaz haCarmel (a residential, entertainment, and leisure center). The lower end of the Carmelit is easily walkable from the cruise terminal. Taking the Carmelit to its last stop at Mercaz haCarmel will place you at the top of the Bahá'í Gardens, offering marvelous panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Local buses, operated by Egged, are available and uniquely for Israel, they run on Saturdays and other Jewish holy days (though not on Friday evenings). Haifa has two main bus terminals where you can transfer between inter-city and local routes. For trips to the Druze Villages, expect a 30-minute journey by "sherut" (shared taxi) or a longer ride by bus to the top of Mount Carmel. Car rentals can also be arranged directly at the port for those preferring independent travel.
Attractions and Activities
- Bahá'í Gardens and Shrine of the Báb: A must-see in Haifa. These spectacular terraced gardens, sculptured into Mount Carmel, surround the "golden dome" shrine of the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá'í Faith. The gardens serve as the spiritual and administrative center for the Bahá'ís. You can easily access the top of the gardens and enjoy breathtaking views by taking the Carmelit funicular from near the cruise terminal.
- Mount Carmel and Carmel National Park: Mount Carmel, historically linked with abundance and fertility, holds significance for Jews, Christians, and Bahá'ís. Explore its scenic beauty within the Carmel National Park. The Haifa Tourist Board is located at 48 Ben Gurion Avenue for local information.
- Druze Villages: Venture approximately 30 minutes by sherut (shared taxi) or a longer bus ride to the top of Mount Carmel to visit the unique Druze villages. These communities offer a glimpse into a distinct culture and way of life.
- Galilee and Nazareth: Due to time constraints, an organized excursion is highly recommended for visiting the historical and religious sites in the Galilee region, including Nazareth.
- Jerusalem and Bethlehem: Many cruise passengers prioritize a full-day excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. These iconic destinations are a two-to-three-hour drive from Haifa. Due to the travel time, a ship-organized tour or pre-booked private excursion is generally the most practical option for experiencing these sites within your port call.
Dining & Shopping
Eating out in Israel can be expensive, particularly at sit-down restaurants, where lunch might cost around $30 and dinner up to $50. For more affordable and equally good options, consider dining at outdoor cafes. The cruise terminal itself houses a cafeteria.
Haifa's hilly terrain means traditional shopping avenues are less common. However, the city center offers a variety of "cheap and essential" shops. Haifa is well-known for its numerous large shopping malls, locally referred to as 'canyons'. Notable options include Kiryon, Kastra Center, Kanyon Haifa, and 'Lev Hamifratz'. The 'Grand Kanyon' is the newest and largest, featuring international brands like Armani, Lacoste, Benetton, and Zara, alongside local retailers and an extensive food court. For convenience, a large duty-free shopping facility is available directly at the cruise terminal.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Israel and often provide a better exchange rate than cash transactions. Many establishments will also accept American dollars. ATMs are readily available and connected to major European and American banking systems. The official language is Hebrew.