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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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Cruise from Haifa, Israel

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Haifa Shore Excursions

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Star of the Sea

Three cable cars in Haifa, Israel

Take the cable car up to Mt Carmel (546 meters) and enjoy the magnificent views. Visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, Latin for "Star of the Sea." Admire the church's beautifully painted ceiling and dome. Stretching back to the Crusader era, the monks originally inhabited the mountain caves.

Romantic Quarter

Stroll around the picturesque, restored German Colony at the foot of the Baha'i Gardens. German Templars who came to establish a Christian community here built the houses in the 19th century. Cruise to Israel to admire the pretty stone houses, browse the little shops, and meet the locals in the lively cafes.

Local Cuisine

Fill up for your Haifa adventure with some burekas , a crispy phyllo dough pastry often filled with vegetables, spices and cheese. Enjoy Middle Eastern fare like falafel wraps slathered in tahini sauce or lamb shawarma brightened up with herbaceous parsley in the Wadi Nisnas or Hadar neighborhoods. For desert, taste sweet baklava , with layers of flaky pastry and pistachio sweetened with honey, or knefah , a light cheesecake soaked in sweet syrup.

Haifa's largest shopping mall is the Grand Canyon and includes over 200 designer and boutique shops. In the Haifa Flea Market, you can find vintage and secondhand items, including handmade silver and gold jewelry. During your Israel cruise, look for decorative plates and ceramics hand-painted with traditional geometric patterns or Holy Land-themed designs.

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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 .

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The Holy Land is a cross-cultural marvel, historical to the point of astonishment, cosmopolitan in the extreme – and delicious across the board. Visitors here will no doubt encounter evidence of Israel’s complex politics, ancient histories, and religious devotions – all part and parcel of what makes the region so fascinating and stimulating.

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Mediterranean cruises are not just for visits to southern Europe. On a luxury cruise to Israel, ports of call deliver sites that are historically and culturally significant to the religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – and very easy to visit. Some of the most storied attractions, buildings, artifacts, and religious sites in the world are in close proximity. From the largest Israeli port of Ashdod, passengers disembark to enjoy excursions to either Jerusalem or Tel

Aviv. One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem offers iconic religious sites that reflect its 6,000-year-old history, including the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane, among others. A trip to the Mahane Yehuda market is a taste sensation, with tea

and fresh spices by the bushel, and cakes and baklava fresh from the oven. Dense, flaky halva weighs down the shopkeepers’ shelves. Outside town, the Dead Sea on the border with Jordan is the lowest point on earth. Its high concentration of salt suppresses life of any kind, but you will be amazed at how well you can float! South of Jerusalem, the small city of Bethlehem is a must-do, particularly during the Christmas season, as people make their way to the Church of the Nativity. The golden beach town of Tel Aviv is Israel’s cosmopolitan urban showpiece, sporting spectacular dining and nightlife. Stunning 1930s architecture, fashionable neighborhood marketplaces, fascinating museums, and plenty of sand and surf keep visitors busy. The port city of Haifa also allows for easy access to Tel Aviv and presents the opportunity for Christian excursions to Nazareth that include the Church of the Multiplication and Mount of Beatitudes. A boat ride on the Sea of Galilee becomes the most perfect afternoon.

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If you’re considering bespoke luxury private travel to Israel, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of Israel. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. In Israel, our Private Travel Designers have insider information that will elevate your experience much more. Our insiders will find you the perfect hotel home base and whisk you through markets and alleys, churches, and monuments – making sure you visit each at just the right time of day. And when the sun sets, dinner reservations at the most exclusive restaurants will be ready and waiting. The time to start planning your next luxury vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Private Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke luxury Israel vacation today.

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Israel Cruises

Israel cruise vacations that deliver more than you expect.

A cruise vacation in Israel brings you up close and personal with a small area of land that has more connections with history than you can imagine. As we pull into the port of Ashdod, countless fascinating adventures await you. The only difficult choice you have is what you want to do.Israel may be a tiny country but it’s one that never fails to amaze visitors. Its energetic cities are bustling with welcoming locals, exquisite Mediterranean beaches and peaceful nature spots. Few countries this small can boast as much history, geographical diversity, and cultural treasures.Blessed with sweeping golden beaches and a host of vibrant cultural attractions, the captivating lure of Israel includes the holy land of Jerusalem – the official capital – Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Jesus, the ancient port of Jaffa and the thrill of Tel Aviv brimming with beaches and urban vitality. The number of museums and cultural institutions per capita is larger in Israel than anywhere in the world.You have only to stroll along Rothschild Boulevard or Bialik Street to see why UNESCO has designated Tel Aviv “The White City.” These opulent tree-lined neighborhoods celebrate the unique architectural Bauhaus style buildings brought to the city by Jews returning from Germany and Austria. The prestige connected with the area stimulated a vibrant cafe culture and fine-dining experience.In Tel Aviv, you will walk along the Tayelet (seaside promenade) where the cross-section of Tel Aviv society is inherently evident. And without having to cross a single street, you can explore the ancient port of Jaffa at the southern end of the promenade. Its labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets is lined with quirky crafts shops and the charming harbor is an ideal spot to hang out at a sun-soaked cafe and watch the boats go by.

Ancient Monuments

With a cultural past that stretches back to pre-biblical times, Israel has a rich array of ancient sites that are easy to explore. One of the most famous is Masada, the mountainous stronghold at the edge of the Judean desert where Jews tried to fend off the ancient Romans.Of course, many of the most historic sites are in the heart of Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest place for Catholic and Orthodox Christians because it marks the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection. Completed in A.D. 335, the basilica is positioned on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple that was dedicated to Venus.The actual sepulcher is inside the Edicule, a two-room chapel underneath the church’s rotunda. There are separate prayer times for the various denominations. And those walking the Via Dolorosa—which means “way of sorrows”—symbolically relive the moments of Christ’s Passion.

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A cruise Vacation to Israel with Celestyal offers you more than you were expecting. Our intriguing adventure not only reveals the wonders of Israel but also includes visits to the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the classical city of ancient Ephesus in Turkey, and the medieval charms of Cyprus of Rhodes. Our itinerary of premium destinations is a deep dive into the history, culture and traditions of past civilizations that have endured the test of time.

Special Moments

To make your Israel cruise even more exciting, we give you the opportunity to experience specially curated excursions for you to choose from so you can satisfy your specialist interests every day in every port.

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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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Tours to the Holy Land: Trips & Israel Tour Packages 2024, 2025

"Every place we visited was breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Israel to anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable journey. We had a life-changing time there and are already planning to return." Simon L. and Beatriz G. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024 "I had a wonderful time in Israel. I felt while I was there the precautions that were taken for our safety were well in hand. I still got to experience many holy sites and be blessed by walking the path that Jesus walked. Every day was started in prayer, singing, or scripture reading which also extended the blessing of the trip." Quincie L. – Tour to Israel/Egypt/Jordan February 2024

Our Israel tours & Holy Land tours of 9-24 days for the Evangelical Protestant Bible believer are what Pilgrim Tours does best. Prepare yourself for a life-changing journey to walk where Jesus walked and visit Jerusalem, Galilee, & Samaria. Each of our Israel tours is led by a local guide who is an experienced expert on the historical, cultural, scenic, and spiritual history of the Holy Land. If you travel with 10 or more people, a private group tour can easily be arranged. Pilgrim Tours can customize an itinerary to fit your group needs with many options to choose from.

Concerned about safety? As a Christian tour operator, the staff at Pilgrim Tours takes a Biblical perspective regarding the current situation in the Middle East. We do not believe that peace in Israel is something that will occur until the Prince of Peace comes to restore His kingdom. Please do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you long for the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there. An expert driver and guide will carefully keep you from any areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as our special guest.

Below is a large variety of Israel tour packages departing in 2024 and 2025 year-round.

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Reserve your tour at least 6 months in advance for an early booking discount, groups and parties of 6 or more click here for special rates, scheduled 2024 & 2025 israel tours.

View our Israel tours ranging from 9-24 days.

Take a tour of a lifetime and bring the Bible to life.

Featured Sites in Israel

Explore a vast selection of beautiful historical and Biblical locations throughout Israel with our Israel Holy Land tour. You can visit Jerusalem, Galilee, and parts of Samaria, getting the life-changing opportunity to see where Jesus and many other Biblical figures lived and walked. We even offer Holy Land tours that allow you to see the Dead Sea, the Garden Tomb, and the Jordan River Baptism Site. Like all of our Europe tours , our Israel Holy Land tours are led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. If you want to experience the history of Israel and see the Bible come to life, our Holy Land tours give you that opportunity.

The city of Jerusalem offers a unique convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith. For Christians who visit Jerusalem, you will learn about many stories of the Bible while walking her streets. Many actors in the Bible such as Abraham, King David, King Solomon, the twelve disciples and Jesus all lived, visited, or spent time there. The Passion week of Christ will be highlighted during our stay as we visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Way of Suffering, and the Garden Tomb.

Sea of Galilee

Nowhere in Israel does the Bible come to life more than along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims who visit the Galilee region have the opportunity to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago and what Jesus and the twelve disciples experienced while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The peaceful setting and the natural wonders of the Golan Heights to the east and Mt. Arbel to the west make for a great way to start your morning in quiet reflection. During our tour, we explore the Biblical towns of Capernaum, Magdala, and Nazareth and take a meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

The Dead Sea is not only the lowest and most lifeless lake in the world, but also nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the blue water and the red mountains of Jordan to the east. Take time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Dead Sea “float” either in the sea itself or at one of the warm salt water pools at our hotel. The Dead Sea experience is truly a bucket list visit you won’t want to miss!

Garden Tomb

Our visit to the Garden Tomb and its surrounding gardens is normally one of the highlights of our tour to Israel. The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem that was unearthed in 1867 and is considered by some Protestants to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our visit offers a unique time of prayer, reflection, communion, and praise, which will be a special life-long memory for many travelers.

Jordan River Baptism Site

The Jordan River Baptist Site or “Yardenit” is a baptism site located along the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This site is frequented by Christian Pilgrims who enjoy imagining the setting of the baptism of Jesus. For anyone who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River, Yardenit has been developed to be a peaceful setting with beautiful gardens, clean colored water, changing facilities, showers, and a nice souvenir shop.

Caesarea Philippi

To many Pilgrim travelers, Caesarea Philippi is a special surprise while on their tour. Located along the rushing springs of Mt. Hermon, the beautiful and natural setting is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” He asked this question while observing the pagan worship of the god Pan as worshipers offered their sacrifice at the “Gates of Hell.” Our time at Caesarea Philippi is one of many opportunities throughout our tour to see the lessons and message of the Bible come to light in a special way.

Israel Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Holy Land tour?

Taking a trip to Israel during the spring or fall offers the most enjoyable weather of the year but normally has the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy a peaceful tour with fewer crowds, consider visiting between December and February or June and August. We offer Israel and Jordan tours throughout the year, so you can select a trip that works for your schedule.

How many days do you need for a Holy Land tour?

We offer several types of tours of the Holy Land, so the duration of your tour depends on the tour package you choose. The Best of Israel Tour is our most basic offering and includes a Sea of Galilee boat ride, a trip to the Jordan River Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, and many opportunities to walk on the same land Jesus walked on. This is our shortest trip at just 9 or 10 days. Our most involved trips allow you to experience a wide range of historical locations over the course of a few weeks. Egypt tours are included in some of these packages, as well as tours in Greece and other countries. These tours can take up to 24 days, giving you the chance to spend an extended period of time learning about and visiting different parts of the world. From our Turkey tours to all of our Israel Christian tours, all of our tours feature a first-class hotel rating for the country you visit. We do offer some upgraded tours that offer better lodging options. You can review our hotel categories at https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/hotelcomparison.htm . Check out any of our tours to view a day-by-day itinerary and see what amenities are included with each tour.

What is the dress code in Israel?

The dress code in Israel is different from other parts of the world. There are a few dress code basics you should understand before booking Israel tours: When you’re in Israel, there is no strict dress code. You can wear what you feel comfortable wearing. However, both men and women should try to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting any of the religious sites throughout Israel. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid tank tops and shorts. Men need to cover their heads when visiting the Western Wall. Pilgrim Tours provides a Pilgrim Tours ball cap upon arrival in Israel, but you might consider purchasing an affordable kippa that you can bring when you visit Jewish sites. Some places may offer a free kippa, but these are generally low quality. (Women are not required to cover their heads at any sight.) You can figure out what you need to pack and how to dress each day by looking at the itinerary for our Holy Land tours. Guides normally offer guidance on how to dress for the next day while on tour. We also suggest looking at the extended weather forecast as you prepare and pack for your trip.

Is there a lot of walking involved on an Israel Tour?

Our Israel tours do require a significant amount of walking each day and you should be able to walk unassisted 3-4 miles per day on average. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While there are bus and boat rides during these tours, you have to walk quite a bit to explore some of the Biblical sites. Our tour guides normally give the group a few options at sites for those that have physical limitations. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many hills and valleys in Israel which can make walking even more taxing. The amount of walking you have to do may vary based on the tour you take, so look at the itinerary before choosing your tour. The good news is that Israel is a beautiful country to see on foot, and you’ll have several opportunities to sit down and give your feet a rest. As long as you have a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, it’s easy to forget about all the walking you’re doing and enjoy the tour.

What passport & visa information do I need for your Israel tours?

U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

What common languages will be spoken during your Israel tours?

Hebrew, Arabic and English.

What currency can I use on your Israel tours?

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel, and we suggest bringing about $30 for each day you’ll be on tour. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and lunches. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT U.S. DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas.

Do I need to bring a converter for the Israel tour?

Israel uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz.

What is the time zone for your Israel tours?

The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

What climate should I expect during your Israel tours?

In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year-round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time.

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View what others are saying about our Israel tours on Trustpilot , BBB , and Google !

"Pilgrim tours is who I'll be recommending people to travel with. We've been trying to get to Israel for two years and finally made it!! Great company from booking to on the ground with great guides. All details taken care of with great hotels, bus, and the best guides!! Wonderful experience!"

"We had a great experience in Israel with Pilgrim Tours. Everything went very well and there were no glitches or problems of any kind. The bus and driver were top notch as were the hotels and daily breakfast buffets. Our tour guide was great as his depth of knowledge of the people, history and languages Israel was quite amazing. We will very likely use Pilgrim again in the future."

"We have toured with Pilgrim Tours three times and what a blessing. Accommodations, excursions, information and food were all high quality. Post pandemic, we were so thankful to return to Israel."

"I couldn't have asked for more for a trip to the Holy Land than what Pilgrim Tours provided me. It was the perfect balance of spiritual reverence, history, geography, and social issues. I am so grateful for the experience that I had on this trip."

"Our church group just returned from taking a "Best of Israel" ten day tour. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so glad we chose Pilgrim tours. From our excellent hotel accommodations, to our wonderful tour guide, we enjoyed everything. Our trip exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Pilgrim Tours to anyone who is planning a trip to the Holy Land. We definitely plan to travel with them again."

View some of the sites from our Israel tours!

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Cruises to Israel

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Luxury Cruises to Israel

Explore the ancient sites, cities, and historic ports of the Holy Land on a luxury cruise to Israel with Celebrity. Visit sacred temples, awe-inspiring museums, and natural wonders like the Dead Sea. Learn about thousands of years of religious and cultural heritage. Enjoy delicious cuisine that blends multiple cultures together with the bounty of the Mediterranean, and take in the breathtaking views of the sea as you do so. 

Israel cruises will take you to ports like Ashdod, the gateway to Jerusalem, where you can walk in the footsteps of prophets and kings; and Haifa, where you can see the beautiful Bahá'í Gardens. You’ll also have the opportunity to take an excursion to see the biblical sights around Nazareth and the tranquil Sea of Galilee. No matter what you choose to do, a cruise to Israel is sure to be an adventure with the luxury amenities and world-class service that Celebrity is known for.

Israel Cruise Highlights

Religious sites.

On a cruise to Israel, you will visit some of the world's most important religious sites in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. In Jerusalem, visit the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock, and walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Take time to see the profoundly moving Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Travel to Bethlehem to see where Christ was born. Stand in awe at the site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River and gaze out over the Sea of Galilee.

Sandwiched between Israel and Jordan is the Dead Sea, a body of water that is the lowest point on earth and has such a high concentration of saline that no life can survive in it. Lie back in the water as the minerals keep you effortlessly afloat, and shop for beauty products made from healing Dead Sea mud. You’ll also visit mountaintop Masada, where Jewish Zealots were besieged by the Romans.

Jerusalem Old City

Jerusalem’s origins date back to 4000 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Touring the Old City is fascinating, as layers of history are peeled back; you can even see down through occasional glass-covered sections in the sidewalk to excavations dating back to Roman times and earlier. Follow in the last footsteps of Christ, and see ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Take time to sample the local lunch specialty, hummus and falafel stuffed into a warm pita, with salad.

Featured Ports

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel

Haifa, Israel

Israel Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to Israel embark in the ancient cities of Athens or Rome and sail along the shores of the eastern Mediterranean sea. You’ll sail for 10, 11, or 12 nights and stop at ports like Ashdod, Alexandria, Kusadasi, Limassol, Haifa, and more, depending on your itinerary. These cruises typically operate in February, March, September, and October. 

Itineraries

Why cruise to israel with celebrity cruises.

Cruising to Israel with Celebrity offers you the chance to explore one of the world's oldest and most historic countries in luxury. Enjoy amenities like delicious dining, spacious all-suite accommodations at The Retreat, and plenty of sun and relaxation at the Rooftop Garden or Rooftop Terrace. Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience on The Magic Carpet, Celebrity's groundbreaking moveable deck, cantilevered high over the sea as you cruise. 

These awe-inspiring cruises offer diverse itineraries that will bring you to historic sites in both Israel and other eastern Mediterranean destinations. Walk among ancient ruins in Athens or Rome, visit the Library of Alexandria, and in Israel, explore Old Jaffa and the long, golden beaches of Tel Aviv. No matter what you're looking for, Celebrity Cruises will show you the best of Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean in style and comfort.

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Haifa (Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-06-28 14:03

Port Haifa cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Haifa, Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Haifa is Israel's principal/main and largest seaport, both by cargo and passenger/cruise shipping volumes. The Port is located on the Mediterranean and along the north side of Mt Carmel/Mount Mar Elias. Depending on the cruise company, both Port Ashdod and Port Haifa are used as cruise ports to Tel Aviv-Yafo and Jerusalem (Israel's capital). By population (around 280,000), Haifa City is Israel's third-largest - following Jerusalem (~800K) and Tel Aviv (~450K).

Haifa is also the cruise port to Nazareth (approx 45 km / 28 mi to the east, or ~40 min drive distance). In Nazareth, tourists visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of St Joseph (the site of Joseph's carpentry shop) and St Mary's Well.

Port Haifa (locode ILHFA) is approx 90 km (57 mi to the north) from Tel Aviv and approx 150 km (90 mi to the southeast) from Jerusalem. The driving distance from Haifa to Jerusalem is 2 hours, to Tel Aviv - 1 hour. Tel Aviv is easily accessible from the railway station located near Haifa Cruise Terminal (train travel time is 40-60 min).

Haifa Port's current infrastructure includes two containership terminals, two multi-purpose cargo terminals, a R0-Ro terminal (serving vehicle carriers), and a cruise terminal. The Port has total quay length 2,9 km / ~2 mi and max draft/water depth between 11-16,5 m / 36-55 ft.

IMPORTANT : On July 14, 2022, Israel announced the sale of Haifa Port to APSEZ (Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd/Special Economic Zone/India's largest port operator and logistics company) and Gadot Group (Israeli chemical company) for Israeli shekels/ILS 4,1 billion (USD 1,18B). The successful bidding in the Port's privatization tender allowed the Adani-Gadot consortium (70/30) to buy all (100%) of Haifa Port Company Ltd's shares under a 32-year concession (through 2054).

In 2021, Port Haifa handled nearly 50% of Israel’s freight volume (1,46 million TEU-containers and 2,56 million tons of cargoes), most of which (~70%) is with Adani Ports and the remaining ~30% with Gadot.

Western Port (the old Haifa Port) was built in 1933 as Palestine's first modern harbor waterway. However, it blocked the city from the waterfront. Its wharves are narrow and outdated. New wharves for latest generation cargo vessels are planned for the new Eastern Port. There is a proposal for constructing a new Haifa Waterfront area. The development project transformed part of the port into a large public complex.

This city is ancient and special in its own right, with a famous fortress. In antiquity, it was known under the names "Sycaminum" and "Caiphas" (during the Christian Crusades in the 11th-12th centuries). In the 12th century, a castle built on the site by Crusaders was destroyed by Saladin, sultan of Syria and Egypt.

The city is also close to the Galilee Sea (aka Lake Tiberias/Kinneret/Kinnereth) - a freshwater lake encircled by a beautiful beach. In the past, the vicinity of the lake was well populated as some of Asia Minor's trade routes converged at the lake - a total of 9 cities flourished on its shores. The lake was also a center of an extensive fishing industry.

From Haifa, it is also possible to visit Jerusalem City - sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. Most cruise ship passengers don't stay in Haifa, but instead book tours in Jerusalem or Bethlehem (up to 3-hour travel time). From Haifa start tours to Galilee, Acre, Nazareth, Caesarea. Due to the popularity of all these "Holy Land" travel destinations, many cruise liners stay in port overnight.

For season 2018, the cruise port had scheduled 34 ship calls with around 25,000 passengers. The port's record year was 2012 when it handled a total of 118 ship calls and approx 170,000 passengers. For season 2019, the port had scheduled 46 calls with around 60,000 passengers.

In Haifa is homeported the Mano Cruises ship Golden Iris . Departures are offered in the period March through November, with ~60 turnarounds (roundtrips) and approx 50,000 passengers annually.

Haifa cruise terminal

Haifa Port handles both ferries and cruise ships at its newly expanded cruise terminal. The facility is sized approx 5500 m2 (59200 ft2) and offers as amenities cafeteria, currency exchange, parking, terminal for tour buses, duty-free shopping, telecommunication center (free WiFi).

The nearest train station is under 5-min walking distance from the cruise terminal. The railway connects the seaport with Tel Aviv directly. The downtown is a 5-min easy walk from the Port.

Occasionally, complimentary bus shuttle service to the cruise port is also provided.

(NEW) Haifa cruise terminal

By the new redevelopment project for the old Western Port of Haifa, all new buildings are of warehouse design (industrial-looking linear structures) and 2-story high. The Port's old infrastructure (including gantry cranes, grain conveyors, roads, train tracks, etc) and all existing port facilities remained intact.

In the Port's east area, the 3 existing/abandoned warehouses were redesigned to form the "concrete cathedral" housing many public events and activities (bith commercial and cultural).

Among the project's main features are building a wide pedestrian waterfront promenade and spacious public space. The new promenade is lined up with small hotels, cafes, restaurants, outdoor food markets, among others. There are no shopping malls and new residential properties. The existing residential area (an Arab neighborhood) within the waterfront was renewed. The adjacent Navy Port will be also developed, with its wharves converted to a modern yacht marina.

Construction works also included building of pedestrian walkways, small streets and plazas. The plan was officially approved in 2013.

After its privatization in July 2023, Haifa Port contracted the construction engineering company Bermello, Ajamil & Partners Inc (1939-founded, subsidiary of BAP Development Inc) to design Israel's first purpose-built cruise terminal. BAP's cruise terminal design projects include the USA's ports of Miami FL, Seattle WA, San Francisco CA, NYC, Galveston TX, as well as Singapore.

Mano Cruises' ship Crown Iris arrives in Larnaca (Cyprus) for inaugural 2024 visit

The cruise ship Crown Iris received a cordial reception on her inaugural 2024 visit to Larnaca (Cyprus), having sailed from Haifa, Israel. Local...

Celestyal Cruises unveils new voyage to Egypt (Celestyal Journey ship)

Celestyal Cruises is set to embark on voyages to Egypt aboard its latest vessel - Celestyal Journey, which will assume the routes previously...

MSC Cruises enhances 2024 voyages with ships Musica (West Mediterranean) and Opera (Aegean/Greek...

MSC Cruises has unveiled noteworthy updates to its summer 2024 itineraries, featuring a comprehensive revision for MSC Musica's West Mediterranean...

MSC Cruises adjusts Musica's summer itinerary amid Middle East geopolitical landscape

In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, MSC Cruises made changes to MSC Musica's summer 2024 itinerary program. The ship's canceled sailings...

RCG-Royal Caribbean Group excludes Israel from its 2024 itineraries

RCG-Royal Caribbean Group has revised its cruise itineraries for 2024, removing Israel from the list of scheduled ports of call due to the ongoing...

MSC Cruises cancels Orchestra ship's winter 2023-24 Red Sea program

MSC Cruises has made significant alterations to its upcoming cruise programs, prioritizing passenger safety and experience. The winter program for...

RCI-Royal Caribbean evacuating Americans from Israel via Rhapsody OTS ship

Shortly after RCI-Royal Caribbean's cancellation of cruises departing from Israel, the cruise line redirected a ship back to the country, albeit for...

MSC charters Crown Iris cruise ship to bring Israeli passengers back to Haifa

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, maritime operations took a security-driven turn as cruise shipping companies temporarily halted their visits to...

River cruise companies cancel post-voyage extensions in Israel

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MSC changes East Med cruises for Sinfonia and Musica ships

MSC Cruises has made significant adjustments to the Eastern Mediterranean sailings for the MSC Sinfonia and MSC Musica ships in response to the...

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Bulgarian president declines government proposal to lead delegation to NATO summit

FILE - Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev speaks after casting his vote at a polling station in Sofia, April 2, 2023. Radev has turned down a government proposal to lead the country’s delegation at NATO’s July summit in Washington D.C., his press office said on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova, file)

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SOFIA. Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has turned down a government proposal to lead the country’s delegation to NATO’s July summit in Washington, D.C., saying he was not consulted while it worked out the official position of the country and its commitments regarding the war in Ukraine, his press office said Thursday.

The decision comes on the heels of heated debates between pro-Russian and pro-Western parties in Bulgaria about whether Radev, as the commander-in-chief of the military, should represent the country at the NATO summit.

Radev has often been criticized by political opponents for his Kremlin-friendly position in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , and for his public remarks that sending military aid to Kyiv would extend the conflict. He has referred to those favoring military aid to Ukraine as “warmongers.”

Delyan Peevski, who leads a liberal pro-Western party and is one of Radev’s harshest critics, called the refusal “a confirmation that Radev’s positions serve foreign, not national interests and are subjected to dependencies and ties in the East, contrary to the Euro-Atlantic values and principles”.

Bulgaria, one of Moscow’s closest allies during the Cold War era, joined NATO in 2004. Although the presidential post is mostly ceremonial, it provides a strong platform to influence public opinion. Large parts of the country’s population of about 6.6 million, surveys show, share pro-Russian sympathies based on historical and cultural bonds between the two nations.

Presidential debate fact check: What Trump, Biden got right (and wrong)

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both strayed repeatedly from the truth as they squared off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season.

Here are the claims the USA TODAY Fact Check Team dug into.

Biden claim: We lowered the cost of an insulin shot from $400 to $15

“We brought down the price of prescription drugs, which is a major issue for many people, to $15 for – for an insulin shot, as opposed to $400.”

This is false. The Inflation Reduction Act that Biden signed into law in August 2022 capped the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 a month for all seniors on Medicare, according to the White House . Several pharmaceutical companies , including Eli Lilly , followed suit and limited the monthly cost of the drug to $35 per month as well. But there is no evidence Biden limited the cost of insulin beyond this.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

The price of insulin was also never set at $400, though many paid about this much. The price a person pays for insulin depends on a variety of factors, including what type of insulin they are using, insurance status and whether they're eligible for a rebate from the drugmaker, according to NBC News . While estimates vary, one government study published in December 2022 reported that in 2019 , the average insulin user with private insurance spent $456 on insulin annually, while those with Medicare spent $449 a year and those without health insurance paid $996, comparatively. 

-Brad Sylvester

Biden claim: He is endorsed by Border Patrol agents

“The border patrolmen endorsed me, endorsed my position.”

This is partly false.

The National Border Patrol Council – the labor union that represents more than 18,000 U.S. Border Patrol agents – posted to X, formerly Twitter , minutes after Biden made the claim and said, “To be clear, we never have and never will endorse Biden.”

But the union, which endorsed Trump in 2020, supported the proposed bipartisan border agreement that Biden backed and Trump opposed, NBC News reported in February.

– Joedy McCreary

Biden claim: Illegal border crossings dropped 40% after his June directive

“I've changed (the law) in a way that now you're in a situation where there are 40% fewer people coming across the border illegally.”

Biden took executive action on June 4 that authorized the U.S. to turn away migrants who enter the country illegally when crossing levels are high. The policy is triggered anytime unlawful crossings hit an average of 2,500 people a day in a given week.

In remarks posted on June 26 , Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said Border Patrol encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border had dropped by over 40% since Biden took action.

However, immigration experts have cautioned that it’s difficult to point to any one reason for a drop in crossings at the border, PolitiFact noted in its fact check on this claim .

Immigration rights organizations have sued the Biden administration over the new asylum restrictions at the border.

–Andre Byik

Trump claim: Everybody wanted Roe v. Wade overturned

“I put three great Supreme Court justices on the court, and they happened to vote in favor of killing Roe v. Wade and moving it back to the states. This is something that everybody wanted.”

This is not an accurate summary of public opinion on the question. Numerous polls show most Americans were not in favor of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in June 2022 . For example, a poll conducted by Pew Research Center in July 2022 found that 57% of respondents said they disapproved of the overturning of the landmark decision. Another PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll conducted in May 2022 (before the case was decided) found that 64% of respondents were opposed to reversing Roe v. Wade.

There is little evidence opinions have changed much since the decision. A Marquette Law School poll conducted in February 2024 found that 67% of adults opposed the ruling, while a Gallup poll from June 2023 found that 60% of respondents said overturning Roe v. Wade was a “bad thing.” 

- Brad Sylvester

Biden claim: Historians voted Trump ‘worst’ president in history

“(Trump) was the worst in all of American history. … He can argue (the historians) are wrong, but that’s what they voted.”

Biden was presumably referring to the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey , which is a joint project from University of Houston professor Brandon Rottinghaus and Coastal Carolina University professor Justin Vaughn .

The survey respondents in late 2023 voted Trump the lowest in “overall presidential greatness,” behind James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson and Franklin Pierce. Abraham Lincoln was rated highest. Joe Biden ranked at No. 14.

Respondents included scholars who had recently published peer-reviewed academic research in related scholarly journals or academic presses and current and recent members of the Presidents & Executive Politics Section of the American Political Science Association, which the survey described as “the foremost organization of social science experts in presidential politics.”

Out of 525 respondents invited to participate, the survey received 154 usable responses, yielding a 29% response rate.

– Andre Byik

Trump claim: I brought in National Guard during 2020 Minnesota unrest

“If I didn’t bring in the National Guard, that city (Minneapolis) would have been destroyed.”

It was Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, who activated the state’s National Guard to respond to unrest following the death of George Floyd, according to a press release issued by Walz’s office on May 28, 2020.

Walz said at the time that he was responding to “local leaders’ request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators, neighbors and small businesses in Minnesota.”

CNN reporter Daniel Dale also looked into the claim back in 2020, detailing the timeline of events provided to the network by Walz’s press secretary, Teddy Tschann. In a statement to CNN, Tschann said Walz activated the National Guard at the request of the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, before the governor spoke with the White House.

“Did President Trump ‘call out’ the Guard? No,” Tschann said in the statement, according to CNN.

On May 30, 2020, the Minnesota National Guard posted on Twitter, now X, that Walz had “ announced the full mobilization ” of the Guard for the first time since World War II.

Biden claim: Trump praised Hitler, saying he did 'some good things'

"This is a guy who says Hitler has done some good things"

Biden's quote of Trump is a reference to comments the former president allegedly made while talking with his White House Chief of Staff, John Kelly, in 2018 during a trip to Paris, according to excerpts from an upcoming book by Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender.

“Well, Hitler did a lot of good things,” Trump reportedly told Kelly, according to a CNN report .

Trump later denied that he made the comments and denied that the conversation took place. Liz Harrington, a Trump spokesperson, told CNN the claim is "totally false."

"President Trump never said this," Harrington said. "It is made up fake news, probably by a general who was incompetent and was fired."

Trump has previously faced criticism for saying immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country” and describing his political opponents as "vermin," reminding many of language used by authoritarian leaders .

- Chris Mueller

Trump claim: Record ‘approval rating’ from VA

“I had the highest approval rating in the history of the VA.”

This is both false and a mischaracterization of what the quarterly customer experience surveys from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs measure.

The Veteran Signals surveys track the proportion of servicemembers who express having trust in the VA. It's not a presidential approval rating.

It has topped 80% twice: It was at 80% in 2020 during Trump’s administration , and it reached a high of 80.4% in May under Biden.

Trump made a similar version of the claim during a May rally in Wisconsin , according to a report from Wisconsin Watch.

Trump claim: More illicit drugs coming into US under Biden

“The number of drugs coming across our border now is the largest we’ve ever had by far.”

This is false. When measured by weight, drug seizures are trending down.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations seized nearly 549,000 pounds of illicit drugs in 2023 , according to federal data. That’s down 16% from 2022, when 656,000 pounds of substances were confiscated. More than 900,000 pounds were seized in 2021, according to federal data.

Most of the drugs involved were marijuana (150,000 pounds) and methamphetamine (140,000 pounds).

Fentanyl seizures were up, however, with the 27,000 pounds in 2023 accounting for nearly twice the 14,700 pounds confiscated in 2022.

Trump claim: Biden indicted me because I’m his political opponent

“He [Biden] indicted me because I'm his opponent.”

This is false. Trump was indicted and convicted in New York for falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. But there is no evidence Biden or his administration had anything to do with these charges. Since the charges were brought by the state of New York , Biden and the federal government are not party to the indictment and have no say in the charges, as USA TODAY previously reported .

“When you’re dealing with state prosecutions, it’s district attorneys elected by the voters of their jurisdiction,” said Allan Lichtman , a professor of history at American University. “That has nothing to do with the federal government.”

The idea of Biden interfering in Trump's prosecution is further weakened by the fact that the agency under his purview declined to file charges. The Justice Department had the authority to pursue a case against Trump over the hush money circumstances but chose not to do so.

In Trump's two federal cases, things are a bit different. The charges he faces cover the  hoarding of hundreds of classified documents  in Florida and a  conspiracy to steal the 2020 election  from Biden in Washington.

There is no law that prohibits a president from involving himself in a federal case, experts acknowledged. But they also said Biden has kept himself separate from the prosecution of Trump .

Additionally, Biden publicly vowed not to speak to Attorney General Merrick Garland about any specific case. And a key reason for the November 2022 appointment of Jack Smith as special counsel for the federal cases against Trump was to add a layer of separation between the investigation and the Biden Administration.

- Brad Sylvester and Joedy McCreary

Trump claim: Food prices have 'doubled and tripled and quadrupled' under Biden

"You look at the cost of food where it's doubled and tripled and quadrupled."

The cost of food has gone up under Biden, but not to the extent Trump claimed. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's all-food consumer price index shows food prices rose by 25% from 2019 to 2023. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in consumer behavior and led to supply chain disruptions, driving large increases in some foods. In 2022, food costs increased faster than any year since 1979, "partly due to a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak that affected egg and poultry prices," according to the department's report.

But grocery prices have stabilized over the last year , increasing by just 1.2% in the past 12 months, according to the Consumer Price Index report from March 2024.

Trump claim: No sex with porn star

“I didn’t have sex with a porn star.”

This is disputed.

On May 30, a New York state jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels testified at trial that she had sex with Trump in July 2006 following a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.

Trump has denied the sex happened.

The trial focused on a $130,000 payment that was arranged by Trump’s then-personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, ahead of the 2016 presidential election, the Associated Press reported.

Trump claim: Biden called African Americans ‘super predators’

"He did a crime bill. 1994. Where you called them super predators. African Americans. Super predators. And they've never forgotten it. They've never forgotten it."

While Biden once warned of “predators” in 1993 while advocating for a 1994 crime bill he sponsored as a senator, he never referred to African Americans as “super predators.” Rather, it was then-first lady Hillary Clinton who linked that term to the 1994 crime bill, as USA TODAY previously reported

While campaigning for her husband in 1996, Clinton praised the 1994 crime bill for curbing gangs, saying, "We need to take these people on, they are often connected to big drug cartels, they are not just gangs of kids anymore. They are often the kinds of kids that are called super predators. No conscious, no empathy,"

Notably, she did not connect this comment to Black people. 

Trump claim: Unprecedented numbers of murders by immigrants under Biden

“People are coming in and they’re killing our citizens at a level that we’ve never seen.”

While Trump has made a version of this claim before, there is no data that points to a wave of homicides being led by people living illegally in the U.S.

A review of 2024 crime data by NBC News suggests the opposite might be true. Overall crime levels have fallen in cities where a Texas program has transported migrants from the border, the network reported in February.

Crime is down year over year in Philadelphia , Chicago , Denver , New York and Los Angeles, according to the report. Washington experienced an increase, but officials do not attribute that spike to migrants, NBC News reported.

Trump previously made a version of the claim during a speech in Eagle Pass, Texas .

Research suggests immigrants actually commit fewer crimes than people born in the U.S.

Trump claim: The US southern border is the most dangerous place in the world

“ We have a border that's the most dangerous place anywhere in the world ”

This is false. While deaths, disappearances and violence do occur at the U.S. southern border, there is no evidence to suggest it is the most dangerous place in the world.

Statistics on border deaths vary. Customs and Border Protection data shows 171 people died at the border in fiscal year 2022, some in CBP custody and others while attempting to cross the border. The International Organization for Migration , a U.N.-related organization , documented 686 deaths and disappearances of migrants on the US-Mexico border in 2022.

Places all over the world and even in the U.S. have more frequent deaths. For example, there were more than 700 murders in Chicago in 2022 , according to the Chicago Police Department. Chicago is 228 square miles , while the U.S.-Mexico border is 1,951 miles long.

Trump claim: Corporate tax cut from 39% to 21%

“The corporate tax was cut down to 21% from 39% plus beyond that.”

Trump was off with one of his numbers. 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 did lower the corporate tax rate to 21% . But it started at 35%, not the 39% that Trump claimed.

It is unclear exactly what Trump meant with his reference to “plus beyond that.” He promised business leaders that he would lower the corporate tax rate to 20% , The New York Times reported June 13.

Biden claim: Trump told Americans to inject bleach to treat COVID-19

"He said it’s not that serious, just inject a little bleach in your arm, you’ll be all right."

Biden is referring to comments Trump made during a press conference early in the pandemic when he suggested disinfectants might be a possible treatment for COVID-19. But he overstates what Trump said.

Trump's statement came after Bill Bryan, an undersecretary of science and technology at the Department of Homeland Security, discussed a new study that found sunlight and household disinfectants effectively killed the virus on surfaces or in the air.

"And then I saw the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in one minute, and is there a way we could do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning," Trump said.

Trump, though, never directly instructed people to inject bleach or any other disinfectant. Some states issued warnings following Trump's comment, as did Lysol, which told people not to inject or ingest its products as a coronavirus treatment.

Biden claim: No American troops died anywhere in the world during his presidency

“The truth is, I’m the only president this century that doesn’t have any - this decade - that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world, like (former President Donald Trump) did.”

Biden’s comment came following a reference to hostilities in Afghanistan during Trump’s term in office.

But the notion that no troops have died in the world during Biden’s time in office is wrong.

Thirteen U.S. service members were killed in a suicide bombing attack near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul in August 2021, when Biden was president, as thousands tried to flee the Taliban’s takeover of the country, USA TODAY previously reported.

Among the deaths were 11 Marines, one Navy hospital corpsman and one Army soldier.

Biden remarked on the deaths at the time, calling them “tragic.”

More recently, three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in January at a base in Jordan in what was described as a drone attack by Iran-backed militants.

Debate background: Hunter Biden's ongoing legal troubles sure to hang over campaign

In early June, a jury found Hunter Biden – Joe Biden's son – guilty of three federal gun charges, making him the first child of a sitting president to be convicted at trial. The situation has been politically charged as it coincides with the elder Biden's ongoing campaign for reelection. 

Republican lawmakers have investigated Hunter Biden's foreign business deals , repeatedly alleging that Joe Biden was involved in influence peddling during his time as vice president. The White House has denied that allegation , calling it baseless innuendo.

Joe Biden, who earlier said he wouldn't pardon his son , released a statement shortly after the jury's verdict was announced reiterating that position.

“I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” he said. “Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”

Hunter Biden is expected to stand trial again in September in California, where he faces tax charges.

But even before his legal troubles, the president's son has been a frequent target for misinformation. Here are some of the claims we've already debunked:

• Fact check roundup: After Hunter Biden's guilty verdict, a look back at viral falsehoods
• Claim: Video shows Hunter Biden on the day cocaine was discovered in the White House (False)
• Claim: Hunter Biden’s prison term has been announced (False)
• Claim: Kodak Black and Hunter Biden faced the same charge, but only Black was sentenced to prison (False)
• Claim: Hunter Biden was seen nude on hotel surveillance, chasing and dragging woman (False)
• Claim: Image shows Trump statement on Hunter Biden conviction (Altered)

Debate background: Vast differences between Biden, Trump on gender identity, LGBTQ+ issues

With Pride Month winding down, LGBTQ+ issues – specifically, those related to gender identity – remain pivotal for voters in both parties.

The candidates have taken widely different positions on those issues, with President Joe Biden – hailed as the most LGBTQ-friendly president in U.S. history – marking his first day in office with an executive order on LGBTQ rights .

His administration is challenging Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, with the Supreme Court agreeing to hear the case . He also unveiled in April a set of sweeping changes to Title IX rules that protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination based on their gender identity, but a federal judge blocked their enforcement in four states .

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump vowed in May to roll back transgender student protections “on Day 1” of his presidency by reversing an executive order issued by Biden in 2021. Trump also vowed in February 2023 to punish medical professionals and facilities that provide gender-affirming care to transgender minors and said he would support banning transgender women from women’s sports .

Here are some of the false claims related to LGBTQ+ issues that we’ve debunked:

• Claim: NFL coach Mike Tomlin directed team not to participate in Pride Month activities (False)
• Claim: Biden replaced Easter Sunday with Transgender Day of Visibility (False)
• Claim: Joe Biden said he supports allowing kids to have ‘transgender surgery’ at town hall event (False)
• Claim: A Michigan bill would make using a person’s wrong gender pronouns a felony (False)
• Claim: UN chief says Christians who don’t accept pedophilia will be excluded from society (False)
• Claim: Video shows Disney executive announcing company's new pediatric transgender clinics (False)

Debate background: Israel’s war against Hamas sparks unrest in US as peace deal remains elusive

The Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip in response, plunged President Joe Biden into the second major international conflict of his term. He has been forced to balance America’s military support for Israel with calls from the left to broker a ceasefire deal as casualties mount in the Palestinian territory.

Biden said in May that it is “ time for this war to end and for the day after to begin ,” laying out a proposal that called for Israel to cease military operations in the Gaza Strip and Hamas to release hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

But a peace deal has proved elusive , leading to unrest on college campuses across the country after pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up protest camps. Former President Donald Trump cheered police crackdowns on demonstrators, calling them “ a beautiful thing to watch .” But he’s also called on Israel to finish its war, saying the violence is hurting its standing among the international community.

“Israel has to be very careful, because you're losing a lot of the world, you’re losing a lot of support, you have to finish up, you have to get the job done,” Trump told Israeli outlet Israel Hayom in an interview posted in March. "And you have to get on to peace, to get on to a normal life for Israel, and for everybody else.”

These are some claims related to the Israel-Hamas war that we’ve already addressed:

• Claim: Video shows American actress Candice King condemning Rafah “massacre” (False)
• Claim: Indonesia announced it will send troops to protect Palestinians from Israel (False)
• Claim: Image shows ‘mass exodus’ at Ben Gurion Airport amid Israel-Hamas war (False)
• Claim: Israel defense minister announced Israel has “abolished all the rules of war” (False)
• Claim: Video shows a child’s injuries being faked in Israel-Hamas conflict (False)

Debate background: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine puts spotlight on US involvement in foreign wars

Russia’s war against Ukraine entered its third year in February, and the conflict has had political implications in the U.S., where pushes to approve war aid for Ukraine have been met with contentious debate over the extent of American involvement in foreign wars, the Associated Press reported.

President Joe Biden has remained committed to supporting Ukraine and its effort to join NATO, signing a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 13.

“Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capabilities for the long term,” Biden said at a press conference about the agreement. “A lasting peace for Ukraine must be underwritten by Ukraine’s own ability to defend itself now and to deter future aggression anytime … in the future.”

Former President Donald Trump has said he could end the war within 24 hours of returning to the Oval Office, but he’s offered few details about his plan. The Washington Post reported Trump’s plan could include pressuring Ukraine to give up territory, which Ukraine has opposed.

Here are some fact-checks about claims related to the war in Ukraine:

• Fact check roundup: What's true and false two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine
• Claim: Video shows Russian military activity 66 miles off Florida coast (False)
• Claim: Italy's Meloni said Russia will be forced to surrender in Ukraine summit speech (False)
• Claim: Image shows Ukrainian girls “recruited into the military” (False)

Debate background: Fight over immigration reform plays out during presidential campaign

Immigration has become one of the most heated topics of the 2024 election, as President Joe Biden grapples with high levels of crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border and former President Donald Trump vows to deport millions of migrants if re-elected.

The situation at the Southwest border – where U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded nearly 2.5 million migrant encounters in fiscal 2023 – prompted Biden to take executive action earlier this month to implement new restrictions on asylum access .

The action came after Republican lawmakers in February blocked an immigration bill blocked by Biden that would have revamped the country’s immigration and border policies.

Biden blamed the legislation’s failure to gain traction in Congress on opposition from Trump.

“Now, all indications are this bill won't even move forward to the Senate floor,” Biden said at the time . “Why? A simple reason. Donald Trump. Because Donald Trump thinks it's bad for him politically.”

Meanwhile, Trump has pledged to reinstate policies from his first term in office and limit asylum access if elected in November. He also wants to institute a merit-based immigration system and deputize the National Guard and local law enforcement “to assist with rapidly removing illegal alien gang members and criminals,” according to his campaign website.

Here are some immigration-related claims we previously debunked:

• Claim: Nearly 11,000 “illegals” were processed in Eagle Pass, Texas, in one day in mid-March 2024 (False)
• Claim: Nikki Haley opposed a wall on the US border (False)
• Claim: The Texas National Guard has deployed tanks to the border with Mexico (False)
• Claim: Putin said in Carlson interview that Russians find it ‘amusing’ US protects foreign borders, but not its own (False)
• Claim: Video shows US trucker convoy traveling to southern border to stop migrant “invasion” (False)

Debate background: Biden and Trump face age-related concerns, though both insist they're fit to serve

At 81 years old, Joe Biden is currently the oldest U.S. president ever elected . His age has been a concern for voters and a frequent target for critics, including Donald Trump, who often suggests Biden's age makes him unfit to be president. 

Trump is 78 years old , three years younger than Biden, but he has also faced criticism related to his age and mental acuity, including when he confused Joe Biden for Barack Obama in multiple campaign speeches. 

Either man would be the oldest person to take the oath of office if sworn in next January.

In February, Justice Department special counsel Robert Hur released a report indicating Biden wouldn't face charges for his handling of classified documents that included multiple comments about Biden's age and memory, describing him as an elderly man with "diminished capacities," including memory loss. However, Biden and his administration pushed back , with Biden saying his "memory is fine" during a televised speech.

While Trump's doctor said multiple times he was healthy during his presidency, there were – and still are –  reports of him slurring words during his speeches. Late in his term, Trump was recorded slowly descending a ramp after a speech at at U.S. Military Academy at West Point, during which he used both hands to drink a glass of water. Trump dismissed concerns raised about his age after that incident, claiming the ramp was long, steep and "very slippery."

Here are a few of the age-related claims we've already addressed:

• Claim: Image shows Trump needed help to walk across stage (False)
• Claim: Biden demanded he 'not have to stand' during debate with Trump (False)
• Claim: Video shows Biden tried to sit in a nonexistent chair at D-Day ceremony in France (False)
• Claim: Biden agreed to resign if he fails a cognitive test (False)
• Claim: Joe Biden was declared 'mentally unfit' to stand trial (False)

Debate background: Election integrity remains key issue – even without evidence of widespread voter fraud

Throughout the campaign one question has persisted: Will the candidates and their supporters trust – and abide by – the results of the election?

Most recently, former President Donald Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee led by his daughter-in-law said they will mobilize 100,000 people in battleground states to ensure “transparency and fairness.” The move has drawn criticism from opponents who say it has the potential to lead to voter intimidation .

State-level recounts, reviews and audits of the 2022 midterm elections found no indication of systemic problems with voter fraud. That’s significant because baseless allegations from Trump and his allies have penetrated the Republican Party and eroded confidence in the process.

Claims questioning the integrity of the election frequently center around a handful of predictable themes that include assertions of widespread voter fraud and election “hacking .”

USA TODAY has debunked several false claims about the integrity of the elections:

• Fact check roundup: False claims about election fraud, candidates swirl amid 2022 midterms
• Claim: 105% of Michigan’s population is registered to vote (False)
• Claim: A software company's contract allows officials to override election results (False)
• Claim: Malware, remote access caused printer problems; 200,000 'ejected' ballots in Arizona (False)
• Claim: A chart shows election fraud in the Michigan AG’s race (False)
• Claim: Blackout in live stream in Nevada points to election theft (False)
• Claim: Fraud due to Texas voting machine adding voters as polls close (False)
• Claim: Photo showing ballots from 2022 midterms in the trash is evidence of fraud (False)
• Claim: Democrats used 47 million mail-in ballots to steal every election (False)
• Claim: Joe Biden did not legally win the presidential election (False)

Debate background: Trump’s conviction, pending trials loom over debate, election

The first former U.S. president convicted of a felony will take the debate stage as an ex-president for the first time in an attempt to convince voters to give him his old job back.

Former President Donald Trump’s felony conviction and his three pending criminal trials continue to loom large over both the race and the debate – his first of the presidential election cycle – with President Joe Biden.

Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments intended to silence two women , including adult film actress Stormy Daniels, before the 2016 election. Days before the debate, the judge in that case lifted the gag order restrictions that protected the witnesses and jurors. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 11 – days before the start of the Republican National Convention , during which he is expected to formally receive the party’s nomination.

Trump also faces charges for allegedly mishandling classified documents and allegedly conspiring to steal the 2020 presidential election , including his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection . Trump and several allies were indicted in August by a Georgia grand jury that accused them of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state, where Trump lost to President Joe Biden by about 12,000 votes.

Trump’s legal problems have been the subject of an array of false or misleading claims on social media:

• Fact check roundup: Donald Trump guilty verdict spurs false claims
• Claim: The jury in Trump's hush money trial did not need a unanimous verdict to convict (False)
• Claim: Trump ‘blew off his post-sentencing probation report ’ (False)
• Claim: Justice Juan Merchan was ‘fired’ after jury in Trump hush-money trial illegally leaked verdict (False)
• Claim: Texas Constitution prohibits Trump from running for president (False)
• Claim: Post implies Biden can pardon Trump (Missing context)

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