Israel's busiest port and your launchpad into the Holy Land — Jerusalem is just an hour away, the Dead Sea a little more. Few ports in the world deliver this much history in a single day.
Ashdod operates as a fully docked port with a modern cruise terminal. Private vehicles are prohibited inside the port, but the authority runs air-conditioned shuttle buses to the terminal building.
💡 Pro move: Always carry your passport ashore — it is required at security checkpoints and essential if your tour crosses into Bethlehem (Palestinian Authority territory).
Ashdod has a dedicated cruise passenger pier capable of handling large vessels; all ships dock rather than tender.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Ashdod Passenger Pier, South Terminal area📍 | Docked |
| Smaller/expedition vessels | Ashdod Port inner berths📍 | Docked |
Ashdod's reach is extraordinary — Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, and ancient Caesarea are all within day-trip range.
The undisputed highlight of any Ashdod call. Walk the Via Dolorosa, stand at the Western Wall, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — all within Jerusalem's walled Old City. About 65 km (1 hr) from port.
Find Jerusalem shore excursions →Add Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity to a Jerusalem day. Note: Bethlehem is in the Palestinian Authority — your passport is mandatory, and the group crosses a checkpoint. Most tours handle this smoothly.
Find Jerusalem & Bethlehem tours →Ride a cable car to the mountaintop fortress of Masada, then float effortlessly in the mineral-rich Dead Sea — the lowest point on Earth. A classic full-day combo about 90 min from port.
Find Masada & Dead Sea tours →Israel's modern cosmopolitan city pairs beautifully with ancient Jaffa's winding alleys and clifftop views. Stroll the White City's UNESCO Bauhaus architecture, browse Carmel Market, and watch the Mediterranean sunset from Jaffa port.
Find Tel Aviv & Jaffa tours →Herod the Great's ancient port city features a stunning Roman amphitheatre, aqueduct, hippodrome, and Crusader fortifications — all set right on the Mediterranean coast. Ideal for history lovers, set on the coast roughly 90 km (about 1.5 hrs) north of Ashdod.
Find Caesarea day tours →Ashdod city itself has beaches and a marina walkable from the port shuttle drop-off, though most cruise visitors head straight to excursions.
A relaxed walk for those staying close to port. The marina is a short taxi ride from the terminal; from there a broad promenade runs along Ashdod's sandy Mediterranean beaches.
📍 Open in MapsTake the train or taxi to Tel Aviv and walk into ancient Jaffa. Start at Jaffa Clock Tower, wind through the artist colony alleys, and end at the clifftop gardens overlooking the sea. A rewarding half-day for independent travellers.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Ashdod, Southern District, Israel (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 10 |
| Feb | 64°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 8 |
| Mar | 68°F / 20°C | 53°F / 12°C | 7 |
| Apr | 73°F / 23°C | 57°F / 14°C | 4 |
| May | 79°F / 26°C | 63°F / 17°C | 2 |
| Jun | 83°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | 0 |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 0 |
| Aug | 88°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 |
| Sep | 86°F / 30°C | 73°F / 23°C | 1 |
| Oct | 82°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | 3 |
| Nov | 75°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 |
| Dec | 67°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 8 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Ashdod, Southern District, Israel. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.