US Flights to Rome

Today depart your home cities and travel overnight to Rome.

Upon our afternoon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to rest from your travels.  We gather this evening for our welcome dinner.

Rome, Italy

This morning tour the Vatican, the world's smallest, yet wealthiest independent state. Your guide will start with an overview of the history of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. See the Hall of Tapestries and the Maps Gallery. The highlight of the tour will be the Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling is covered with Michelangelo's famous paintings of the 'Creation' and 'Last Judgement'. Then we explore St. Peter's Square, with Bernini's 284 columns, before entering St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. See the many treasures including the golden mosaics of the apse, Bernini's bronze baldachin and the famed 'Pieta' by Michelangelo. Afternoon walking tour of the old town, the Spanish steps, one of Rome's most recognized landmarks, immortalized in countless postcards and films. Walk up these famous steps to enjoy a lovely view from the top, and then continue along Rome's winding cobblestone alleys to the Trevi Fountain. We will make our way to the Pantheon, a stately temple known for its concrete dome and open oculus. Dinner on own and overnight.  

Rome, Italy

In the morning we travel outside the "old city" of Rome to visit the LDS Rome Temple. This afternoon we explore of the Eternal City. During this tour, you will visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to see its ancient ruins like the Temple of Julius Caesar.

Rome, Italy to cruise

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you board your coach to the cruise port city of Civitavecchia to board your awaiting ship.

Day at Sea

Enjoy your day at sea exploring the ship and all the fun areas to enjoy.

Today we will enjoy onboard group activity and faith-based devotional for those who'd like to join us.  

At Sea Day

Today we will enjoy a lecture with our own religious teacher Anthony Sweat, who will prepare us for our upcoming days in Israel.  If you are joining our 3-day Holy Land Shore Excursion Package, he will prepare you for all you will see and do.  For those who choose to explore Israel on their own, Anthony will be happy to help you also prepare for your journey as well.

Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol is a picturesque Mediterranean town on the coast of idyllic Cyprus. It's a favorite destination for Europeans, and many cruise itineraries let you see this Mediterranean treasure for yourself. The region holds a ton of historical significance as it was the alleged birthplace of Aphrodite, and a significant part of the Crusades. Limassol's landscape is a mixture of striking cliffs and beautiful beaches mixed with developed resort towns full of fantastic entertainment, shopping and dining options. 

Jerusalem, Israel

After you arrive at the port at Ashdod, it's a one-hour drive to Jerusalem, the city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Enter the Old City through one of the eight gates, built in the early 16th century by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent — see the ferocious-looking animal carvings of the Lion's Gate or the flower rosettes carved above Herod's Gate. Cruise to Jerusalem and take in the smell of Arabian coffee, incense and spices at one of the markets of the Old City as you venture to the historic Wailing Wall. Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and see its ornate shrines and austere icons. Then, head to the nearby Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive gold dome and traditional Islamic geometric designs.

Optional 3-day Group Holy Land Excursion:  See the Tour Includes tab for full details

Today we depart the ship and travel to Jerusalem! In the next day and a half, we will visit the sites of Christ's birth, many miracles, and his ultimate suffering in Gethsemane followed by his death and resurrection at the Garden Tomb.  There is so much to see. We will stay in a hotel in the city tonight to maximize our time and enhance the visit. After dinner, for those interested, we will make a special trip to the Olivewood stores for shopping for that special souvenir. 

Jerusalem, Israel

Some things to do in Jerusalem: Head to the Temple Mount, a large public space sacred to all three monotheist religions. Visit the iconic gold-plated Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, built in 705 AD. The plaza is surrounded by walls, including the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site. Tourists and pilgrims alike write prayers on pieces of paper and crumple them into the crevices of the wall.

Join the pilgrims to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, one of Christianity's most sacred sites. It is believed by many Christians that the church that stands today was built on the spot where Jesus' resurrection occurred. It was built in 335, destroyed in 1009 and gradually rebuilt. When you enter the sanctuary, take in the smell of frankincense and the contemplative candlelight.

Optional Day 2 of 3-Day Israel Shore Excursion Package:

Today we start at the Mount of Olives and walk to the site of Christ's ultimate suffering in Gethsemane. We remember his death when we visit the Garden Tomb and ultimately celebrate his resurrection. As we bid farewell to Jerusalem, we travel east to the Dead Sea and finish our day at our hotel by the Sea of Galilee.

Haifa, Israel

Set on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa is Israel's Mediterranean oasis. Stroll around the smart German Colony, with its restored streets settled in the 1860s lined with restaurants, cafes and art galleries. Continue toward the tropical Bah'ai Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a meditative walk around the 19 different terraced gardens. Cruise to Haifa, Israel and visit the Shrine of the Bab, with its striking golden dome composed of 12,000 tiles. For even better views, climb up to the Viewing Balcony to look down on the shrine and out toward the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps it's time to relax on the beach now? Pop down to Bat Galim for windsurfing or a stroll along the boardwalk.

Optional Day 3 of 3-Day Israel Shore Excursion Package:

This morning we will explore the Galilee region and see where Christ started his ministry, called his apostles, and performed many miracles. From the Mount of Beatitudes to the shores of the Sea of Galilee and banks of the river Jordan, you will see the Bible come alive before your eyes.  As we travel west to Haifa, we pass through Nazareth, the city of Jesus' childhood. Late afternoon we rejoin our ship and continue our journey.

Cruising

Today there will be an included seminar with your tour guide Anthony Sweat and lots of free time to enjoy the ship.  Are you an adventure seeker?

While there are traditional cruise ship activities onboard, such as bingo, trivia, and demonstrations, there are also lots of whiz-bang things to do as well:

• FlowRider surf simulator
• Rock climbing wall
• Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator
• NorthStar observational pod
• Sky Pad virtual reality bungee experience
• Zone Zero fully immersive virtual reality experience
• SeaPlex activity center
• Bumper cars
• Music Hall
• Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids

Ephesus, Turkey

The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.

Optional Excursion 2 pack for Ephesus and Athens

In Ephesus, we will depart the port of Kusadasi and drive to “Mary’s House” one of the believed sites of where Mother Mary, the virgin, may have lived and died after her son's crucifixion.  From here we travel to the ancient site of Ephesus where Paul preached and converted many.  It is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman sites with much to see and explore.  After an optional lunch stop, we will visit the Basilica of John before driving back to our awaiting ship.

Athens, Greece

Athens offers a looking glass back in time into Greece's powerful ancient civilization. Art lovers, epicureans and history buffs will be delighted by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town. Just 10 minutes from the port, you'll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, filled with sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans. Walk to the Zea Harbour to discover how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece's naval capacities. Jump onboard an Athens cruise and relax at the small harbor of Mikrolimano and eat at a restaurant overlooking the sea. 

Optional Excursion 2 pack for Ephesus and Athens

In Athens, it is all about Paul and Acts 17.  Our private guide will give us a wonderful tour of the city including Syntagma Square and the Olympic stadium, but it will be when we head to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and Mars Hill your heart will start to race.  We’ll hear Paul's sermon about the unknown Gods and climb to the top of the Parthenon and walk around the monumental ruins of the UNESCO-listed site. This afternoon after a lunch stop, we’ll visit the ancient site of Corinth.

Cruising

Today we will join together for our last time as a group with Anthony Sweat.  We will enjoy his closing remarks and special insights into the places we have experienced on our cruise. 

If you haven't yet made time for the pools - now is your chance! The Odyssey of the Seas has a resort-style pool deck that is not otherwise available on other Quantum Class ships, and it is a great layout.

• There are two main pools for all guests on Odyssey of the Seas, along with the adults-only Solarium.
• The two pools are separated by a structure in the middle, but it helps break up crowding.  You will find in-pool loungers, and lots of seating all around the pool deck. 
• Royal Caribbean integrated the entire pool deck with the Lime and Coconut, which is a multilevel bar venue that evokes a certain level of fun with your pool day. 
• On the second pool deck, you will find casitas that you can rent for an additional fee, along with hot tubs that overlook the lower pool deck. There are hot tubs on the lower pool deck too.
• Pools will be closed occasionally when they need to be cleaned as well if weather or sea conditions make the pools unsafe for swimming. Otherwise, there is usually a pool and hot tub open for use.
• The adults-only (age 16 and over) Solarium is a beautiful space, and it is enclosed which means the temperature is far more manageable on hot summer days.

Naples, Italy

With a skyline defined by towering Mount Vesuvis, Naples is a bustling Italian city brimming with beauty. Experience its rich neoclassical architecture at sites like Gesu Nuovo Church, with its lavish interior adorned with detailed frescoes, statues and gold inlay. Go even deeper into history at the San Gennaro catacombs, where Naples' first bishops were buried in the second century A.D. Walk along the Miglio Sacro ("Holy Mile") and people-watch your way through the cafes and shops of the Sanita district. Jump onboard a Naples cruise and take the short bus ride to the base of Mount Vesuvius — it's an easy 20- to 30-minute hike will take you to the summit — and tour the ruins of Pompeii afterward.

Optional Excursion in Pompeii (Naples)

Today our private group will be met at the port by our host to start our tour at the amazing town of Pompeii and discover this city hidden for hundreds of years under the ash of Mt Vesuvius. This city tells many stories of the ancient Romans and their lifestyle and will surely be a tour highlight for all. After an included lunch stop we will travel back to the coast and discover why the Amalfi Coast captures many with its pastel-colored towns and thriving fishing port framed by the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Rome, Italy

Today we return to Rome with a heart full of the many spiritual and historical sites we've experienced that are forever now part of us, with memories to last a lifetime.