After a challenging security period, the Port of Haifa is preparing for renewed growth in the cruise industry and is presenting new infrastructure, significant upgrades, and a vision for the return of international cruise companies.
Haifa Port Company is inaugurating a new and advanced cruise terminal, built with an investment of over NIS 16 million, ahead of the opening of the cruise season on May 14. The terminal, one of the largest and most advanced in the Eastern Mediterranean, is expected to double passenger capacity and return Israel to the international cruise map after years of security instability.
An impressive new terminal for cruise passengers ◄ View
New terminal – a leap forward for sea tourism
The new terminal was designed to simultaneously accommodate two large cruise ships, both for sailings departing from Haifa and for inbound tourism. Annual capacity is expected to reach about one million passengers, twice the peak year for cruise traffic in Israel.
As part of the project, central complexes were established and upgraded:
- Duty Free In an area of approximately 600 square meters
- Security checkpoint In an area of approximately 1,300 square meters
- Check-in area In an area of approximately 1,000 square meters
- Border control complex In an area of approximately 1,200 square meters, including 28 stands
- Upgrading electrical and communications infrastructure In accordance with international standards
The work began before the "Harry's Roar" war and continued during it, while maintaining continuous operation of the port.
The new terminal at Haifa Port has been unveiled in all its glory ahead of the opening of the cruise season. The spacious complex includes a check-in area equipped with multiple reception desks, with signage in Hebrew, Arabic and English. Alongside the reception desks, accessible desks adapted for people with disabilities have been placed. Round windows in the style of ship portholes have sunk into the walls of the terminal, displaying images of famous sites from around the world, thus creating a maritime and international atmosphere. The complex is decorated in blue and white with the Haifa Port logo, and conveys professionalism and quality.
Security and duty-free facilities for passengers
The new terminal is equipped with advanced security systems that include scanning and cargo inspection devices, similar to the standards accepted at international airports. In addition, an organized and diverse duty-free shop has been established in the complex, offering passengers a variety of products for tax-free purchase. The duty-free shop includes several cash registers and shelves loaded with various products. Outside the terminal, a large sign has been placed bearing the words "Cruise Terminal" and "Cruise Terminal", and nearby you can see a cruise ship anchored in the port, ready to receive its passengers for the start of the season.
Back to normal: The cruise industry is recovering
After a complex security period, the summer of 2026 marks the gradual return of sea tourism to Israel. The Port of Haifa, which has served for years as the center of activity for the cruise industry in Israel, is preparing to once again receive tourists and travelers from all over the world.
This summer, the Israeli cruise company will operate from the port. Count shippingThe port estimates that international cruise companies, about 30 of which operated in Israel in 2023, will return to activity in the coming years.
Port managers: "Commitment to the North and the Israeli economy"
Captain Sumit Chauhan, President of the Port of Haifa, said that the investment in the new terminal reflects confidence in the future of the industry: "The Haifa Port Company and its owners are committed to continuing to promote cruise tourism in Israel, especially during a challenging security period. This investment reflects our optimism about the future and the belief that cruise tourism will connect Israel to the world."
Zohar Rom, VP of Cruises at the Port of HaifaHe added: "We are preparing for the return and growth of the cruise industry after several complex years. The new terminal will allow for the reception of two large ships at the same time and a significant upgrade of the passenger experience. We expect international companies to resume operations from Israel after the war period."
Looking ahead: Israel returns to the cruise map
The new terminal at Haifa Port marks the beginning of a new era in the Israeli cruise industry. With advanced infrastructure, high absorption capacity and anticipation of the return of international companies, the port is repositioning itself as a significant maritime tourism center in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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The building looks like a warehouse from the Mandate era. Just a simple renovated building. Not really fancy and not really modern.
I watched the video.
Impressive, huge, spacious, truly impressive.
Why the hell isn't there one chair?
One comes to rest. So that tired older vacationers can sit and rest until their turn comes.
Everything is done standing up.
It's true that even if it's short, and the process flows quickly, there are still those of us who need to sit down, to rest.
think about it