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Ruth Rosenthal | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Israel - Masada, Dead Sea, Haifa tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Israel - Masada, Dead Sea, Haifa

Visited Masada, Dead Sea, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Scheduled for 3 days, with 2 in Haifa and 1 in Ashdod. But Israel decided to PCR test everyone on board & we were told it would take 6 - 8 hours to clear the ship to let anyone off. It took more time that that, so it was basically a lost day unless people wanted to go for some nightlife in Haifa. At 5:15 Bahai Gardens were closed. Akko wasn't far by train, but we didn't know closing hours, so we just stayed on the ship when the anticipated "all clear" time passed. (Day of arrival testing requirement for cruisers has since been dropped.) We shuffled excursions to those we considered priority (Jerusalem and Masada) and went with Oceania to Masada the first day & Jerusalem the second. We had to do some things on an app & in the terminal, and receive a little boarding pass for use the next 2 days. At night the first night, the ship moved to a different dock location in Haifa, which was pretty interesting to watch. Another cruise ship was coming to Haifa and needed the port terminal for testing.

Be sure to hit the "All" button to see all pages in this Gallery, which covers Haifa dock, Masada & Dead Sea. Jerusalem/Bethlehem is covered in the next Gallery.
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There are 2 choices for getting to the fortress -- walk up original Snake Path or take cable car
There are 2 choices for getting to the fortress -- walk up original "Snake Path" or take cable car
Israeli flag on top of Masada
Israeli flag on top of Masada
After a many months' long siege, Roman fighters penetrated and overtook Jewish refugees on Masada.
After a many months' long siege, Roman fighters penetrated and overtook Jewish refugees on Masada.
 The Snake Path for walking up to top.
The Snake Path for walking up to top.
Black line separates original untouched areas from restored areas
Black line separates original untouched areas from restored areas
Masada is a UNESCO site. One woman was seen putting rocks from wall into backpack. Someone confronted her & she got defensive.
Masada is a UNESCO site. One woman was seen putting rocks from wall into backpack. Someone confronted her & she got defensive.
On to the Dead Sea.  After lunch in hotel we went out to do some floating.
On to the Dead Sea. After lunch in hotel we went out to do some floating.
Didn't have to go very far in the water to float.  Howard took my picture.
Didn't have to go very far in the water to float. Howard took my picture.
Salt at edge of Dead Sea.  Lots and lots of salt.
Salt at edge of Dead Sea. Lots and lots of salt.
Around 8 or 9, the ship slowly moved down to a different location on Haifa's long cruise dock.
Around 8 or 9, the ship slowly moved down to a different location on Haifa's long cruise dock.
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