Christmas 2023 - 11 Nights

Wish for a Christmas miracle and follow it through Europe and Africa to the Holy Land itself. Join us on our truly unique festive journey and you’ll spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrating in Israel. The birthplace of Jesus Christ, stories and traditions come alive here like nowhere else. And before we reach this grand crescendo, you’ll have the chance to marvel at pyramids in Cairo, explore the ancient kingdom of Curium, and discover the greatest gifts of the Greek Islands. With a Christmas this merry, the feelings and experiences we share onboard will be as unique as a snowflake. Don’t let the opportunity melt away.

Map image
1 Athens (Pireaus)
2 Thessaloniki
3 Izmir
4 Crete (Agios Nikolaus)
5 Antalya
6 Limassol
7 Alexandria
8 Haifa
9 At Sea
10 Athens

Cruise itinerary

At-a-Glance Itinerary
Day 1
15:00

Athens

(Pireaus)

Your cruise begins in the majestic ancient city of Athens. As one of the oldest cities in the world, the vibrant modern metropolis boasts an intriguing and contrasting mix of the old and the modern architecture that is in perfect balance and harmony. Explore the city and soak up the atmosphere by the harbour’s edge as you wait to embark for your exciting adventure.

Day 2
Depart 15:00

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.

Day 3
Depart 15:30

Izmir

We enter from the azure-blue Bay of Izmir, watching the lively city approach with its distinctly Turkish skyline. The Pearl of the Aegean, Izmir has a rich heritage of multicultural influences, so the cuisine and communities are endlessly inviting. Even in winter, the laidback and vivacious atmosphere can make it feel like summer never left

Day 4
Depart 15:00

Crete

(Agios Nikolaus)

Along the spectacular Cretan coast east of Heraklion you’ll find the energetic resort towns of Hersonissos and Malia and also the capital of the Lassithi region, Agios Nikolaos. The charming resort town, whose name (Saint Nicholas, in English) refers to Greece’s patron saint of sailors, fronts the wide blue Bay of Mirabello. The town’s landmark round Lake Voulismeni—where the goddess Athena is said to have bathed—connects to the sea.

Day 5
Depart 17:00

Antalya

An extra special stop on our festive cruise brings you within 100 miles of the birthplace of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. Here in Antalya you’ll follow the footsteps of a Roman emperor at Hadrian’s Gate. You’ll discover Ottoman-era houses and gardens in the old town of Kaleici. And you’ll even meet the founder of Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, at his striking monument in Republic Square.

Day 6
Depart 12:30

Limassol

Bustling Limassol is Cyprus’ cultural hub and tourist centre. Its streets are lined with colourful cafes, bars and restaurants. To complement the modern attractions, the lively city also has the historic monument of Limassol Castle and a collection of ancient treasures on show in the Cyprus Medieval Museum. Unveil the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Pafos, and the legend of Aphrodite’s Rock.

Days 7-8

Alexandria

One of the greatest cities in human history, known for its legend, mystique and iconic history. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great, became the seat of power for the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and has stories to tell about everyone from Cleopatra to Napoleon. With a full day, night and morning to explore, it’s hard not to fall in love with the ‘Bride of the Mediterranean’.

Days 9-10
Depart 16:00

Haifa

Your Christmas story leads you down the same path as the Three Wise Men on their journey to Palestine’s Bethlehem. Here in Haifa in what is now Israel, you will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bringing scenes from the holy story to life for yourself. Wander through ever-changing neighbourhoods and witness the blend of modernity with ancient culture.

Day 11

At

Sea

A day at sea gives you the opportunity to explore the ship’s array of amenities, take full advantage of the onboard activities and indulge in our chef’s exquisite cuisine. Kick back and soak up the sun as we treat you to drinks from the bar. Alternatively, why not participate in handicrafts, language lessons, traditional dancing, games or exercise. There’s plenty to do.

Day 12
Depart 17:00

Athens

When we arrive back in Athens for a day of festivities, Greek-style, you can choose how to spend our day together. Visit the monuments you know from legends and history? Marvel at the view of the city from the Acropolis? Shop for last-minute gifts to share your voyage with loved ones at home? It’s all up to you. This is our home city, and we can’t wait to show you around.

Amazing excursions carefully curated

excursion
Half Day

Panoramic Limassol Curium

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excursion
Full Day

Classic Cairo

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