Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour 1 October 2026

Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour 2026

October 1-17, 2026
Optional Rome Extension
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Join this Unforgettable Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour

Dear Friends,

I’m pleased to invite you to join the Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour. 

Experience the places where biblical stories came to life and where God used the Apostle Paul and others to proclaim the Gospel. Your faith will be profoundly strengthened as you visit the lands of the bible on this amazing cruise/tour.

Whether it’s standing in Egypt where God brought the ten plagues to rescue Israel, or walking in Galilee and Jerusalem, or standing on Mars Hill and reflecting on Paul’s message to the Athenian philosophers or walking through the ancient biblical sites of Corinth, Ephesus, or Rome, I believe the Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour will bless your faith. 

You will have an opportunity to read and study the biblical accounts while touring many of the ancient cities of the bible – and get to enjoy cruising the Mediterranean on a beautiful Holland America Cruise Ship, the Oosterdam! I know the Lord will refresh your heart and revive your faith on this inspiring cruise/tour.

The experienced team at Rishon World Tours have crafted a journey of a lifetime. You will enjoy first-rate accommodations, delicious cuisine, and an amazing itinerary with an optional Rome extension. If you have any questions about the itinerary or accommodations, please email Rishon World Tours at info@rishontours.com.

You are invited to join the Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour, an opportunity to encourage and strengthen your faith!

Blessings,

Rich Jones, President

Rishon World Tours

The Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour will bring the bible to life as we sail the Mediterranean. It is often said and is certainly true, that those who travel to the places of bible history will never read their Bible the same again! 

Join us for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime and enjoy the comfort and luxury of a cruise/tour while visiting the Lands of the Bible.

October 1-2, 2026

Depart from your local airport and arrive in Athens, Greece

Fly with the Rishon Tours arranged flights for your group or book your own “multi-city” airfare to arrive at the Athens, Greece Airport (ATH) in the afternoon of your arrival date. Please note that we disembark from our cruise in Athens, Greece. If you are joining us for the optional Rome extension, your return flight will be from Rome (FCO). 

Upon arriving in Athens, we will take a bus tour of the city from the Athens Airport to our hotel in Corinth. We will stop at the Corinth Canal for some pictures and to learn about the history of this famous canal. Breakfast and dinner in Corinth are included at the hotel, lunches are on your own.

October 3, 2026

Corinth & the Oosterdam Cruise Ship

We begin our day with a tour of the ancient biblical city of Corinth, one of ancient Greece’s most important port cities. Paul spent much time in Corinth and his story comes to life when you stand at the very place where Paul stood trial for preaching the gospel. Lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

Then we’re off to the port of Piraeus to embark on Holland America’s Oosterdam cruise ship and continue our Footsteps of Paul journey. Enjoy all the meals and amenities offered on this modern and beautiful cruise ship.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 4-5, 2026

Day at Sea & Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt

October 4 – Days at sea give an opportunity to gather as a group in our own private meeting space for worship and a teaching from the bible as we prepare for the journey ahead. The rest of the day, relax and enjoy the amenities of the ship and visiting with friends as you spend a day at sea.

October 5 – Today we arrive in Alexandria, Egypt, the land of the pyramids, the Nile River, and the place where God used His servant, Moses, to free the Jews so that they could enter the Promised Land. Today you are free to explore on your own; Holland America offers a variety of excursions for you to select to enjoy the history and culture of Egypt. Venture to Giza to behold the iconic Pyramids and Sphynx and then visit the famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to admire the amazing treasures of King Tut or experience the Giza Pyramids and Sphynx followed by an enjoyable Nile River lunch cruise. Whatever excursion you select will give you a greater appreciation for ancient Egypt.

October 6-7, 2026

Day at Sea & Galilee, Israel

October 6 – Today is a day at sea. We gather on the ship for worship and a teaching from the bible as we prepare for our time in Israel. Afterward, relax and enjoy the amenities of the ship and visiting with friends as you spend a day at sea.

October 7 – This morning our ship docks at Haifa, Israel and we begin our day with a devotional at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus gave His inspiring Sermon on the Mount. Next, we tour Capernaum where Jesus did many of His miracles, and the home of the Apostle Peter. We will also tour the Fishing Boat Museum and enjoy an included St. Peter’s fish for lunch. We end our day with a relaxing wooden boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee and reflect on the miracles which confirmed Jesus is God the Son.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 8, 2026

Jerusalem, Israel

Our second day in Israel brings us to the Holy City of Jerusalem. We begin at the Mount of Olives where we will hear a devotional teaching about Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Then we walk to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed to the Father the night He was betrayed and arrested. Afterward, we will visit the Western Wall, known as the wailing wall, followed by a tour of the City of David and an optional walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel and a devotional teaching at the Pool of Siloam. We will close our day at the Garden Tomb where it is believed Jesus Christ was crucified at Golgotha and buried nearby and rose victoriously three days later. There we will worship and partake of communion together.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 9, 2026

Limassol, Cyprus

We will arrive early at Limassol, Cyprus for a six-hour bus tour. Paul and Barnabus spent much time on Cyrus on their first missionary journey and brought the gospel to much of the island. Many will remember that Barnabus was from Cyrus. Our excursion will take us along the coastal route to include the Castle of Kolossi, built to support those making pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. We then visit the ancient city-kingdom of Curium with its well-preserved mosaics, theatre, and basilica. Afterward, we visit Paphos and the site where Paul received 39 lashes for preaching the gospel. Lunch will be on your own at the beautiful port town of Paphos where you can stroll through the marina and enjoy lunch overlooking the bay.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 10, 2026

Antalya, Turkey

Paul and Barnabus visited this city in their first missionary journey. Antalya is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast and is famous for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery. Antalya was a gateway to Asia Minor and the cities of Paul’s first missionary journey in Asia Minor. Explore on your own or join a Holland America excursion. 

October 11-12, 2026

Rhodes & Day at Sea

October 11 – Paul brought the gospel to Rhodes on his third missionary journey. This island was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes and has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. During our tour, we will visit the archeological site of Lindos. After enjoying lunch on your own in the village of Lindos, you will have the opportunity to tour the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes before returning to our cruise ship for the evening.

October 12 – Today is a day at sea. We gather as a group for worship and a message from the bible and then relax and enjoy the amenities of the ship and visiting with friends as you spend a day at sea.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 13, 2026

Ephesus

Our ship docks at the port of Kusadasi for our visit to Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia Minor and one of the most important cities of Paul’s missionary journeys. Paul’s visit there brought a great revival. It was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. This archeological site is one of the largest of most well-preserved of the ancient biblical cities. Lunch will be included today as we have an opportunity to enjoy an authentic Turkish buffet.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 14, 2026

Athens

After a good night’s rest, we disembark our cruise ship, meet our guide, and begin our day with a tour of the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon and Mars Hill where Paul debated with the Athenian philosophers in Acts 17. Next, we visit the ancient marketplace, or agora, where Paul would have walked and met the citizens of Athens. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant and time for shopping.

After a full day in Athens, we will head to the airport for an evening flight and overnight in to Rome, Italy.

Passengers not traveling to Rome, Italy will be transported to a 4-Star Hotel near the Athens Airport. They will be transported on the morning of October 15, 2026, to the Athens Airport to depart for the U.S.

Sites you’ll see include:

Optional Rome Extension

October 14, 2026

Rome - Day 1

Welcome to Rome, Italy! After our evening flight from Athens to Rome, we will be transported to our hotel for a good night’s rest. Tomorrow we are touring this ancient, beautiful city that was so significant in the history of the church and the world.

October 15, 2026

Rome - Day 2

We will begin our day with a visit to the Colosseum where thousands of people, animals, and Christians perished. We will continue our tour at the ancient Roman Forum, the center of day-to-day life in ancient Rome. We will also visit the Arch of Titus, built to commemorate the defeat of Israel by the Emperor Titus. We then visit the exterior of the Mamertine Prison, where tradition holds that Paul was imprisoned. Lunch will be on your own in a local restaurant. Out final site of the day will be the Catacombs, where thousands of Christians were buried.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 16, 2026

Rome - Day 3

Our day begins in Rome with a visit the Abbey of Three Fountains, the traditional site of Paul’s martyrdom. Here, we pause for a time of teaching on a life well-lived for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Afterward, we will take a downtown walking tour that includes the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. Next, we will visit St. Peter’s Square for an optional tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica. Enjoy some free time to explore Rome on your own. Get a good night of rest, we will be flying home in the morning.

Sites you’ll see include:

October 17, 2026

Rome - Day 4

Depart for Home

We will transfer to the airport in the morning to depart for the U.S. and enjoy the memories of a trip of a lifetime!

 

Cruise/Tour Pricing per Person (based on double occupancy)
Starting at
Inside Staterooms
$3,995
Inside Cabin: Category L
$4,062
Inside Cabin: Category K
Starting at
Ocean View Staterooms (Picture window)
$4,337
Ocean View Cabin: Category D
$4,369
Ocean View Cabin: Category C
Starting at
Veranda Staterooms
$5,085
Veranda Cabin: Category VC
$5,140
Veranda Cabin: Category VB
$5,195
Veranda Cabin: Category VA
Starting at
Signature Suite Staterooms
$6,427
Signature Suite: Category SY
$6,647
Signature Suite: Category SS
Starting at
Neptune Staterooms
$8,399
Neptune Suite: Category SA
Optional International Airfare per Person
Starting at
International Airfare
*$1,500
Optional International Airfare per Person
Optional Rome Extension per Person (based on double occupancy)
Starting at
Rome Extension
$965
Optional Rome Extension per Person
$135
Rome Extension Single Supplement Fee
Additional Single Supplement Fee (for solo travelers)
Starting at
Room Type
$2,094
Inside Cabin: Category L
$2,114
Inside Cabin: Category K
$2,364
Ocean View Cabin: Category D
$2,394
Ocean View Cabin: Category c
$3,044
Veranda Cabin: Category VC
$3,094
Veranda Cabin: Category VB
$3,144
Veranda Cabin: Category VB
$4,244
Signature Cabin: Category SY
$4,444
Signature Cabin: Category SS
$6,044
Neptune Cabin: Category SA
Optional Travel Insurance
Starting at
Travel Insurance
Per Quote
Allianz Group Advantage Plan*
Per Quote
Allianz Classic Plan** with cancel anytime
*
Pricing varies by state
**
Pricing varies by state and age of applicant, cancel at any time - up to 80% of trip cost, must be purchased within 14 days of deposit.
Included in Cruise/Tour 

11 night cruise on Holland America’s Oosterdam (includes cruise, meals on the ship, select shore excursions, port charges & cruise taxes, onboard tip charges), 1 night lodging at 4 star hotel in Corinth, including city taxes, 1 breakfasts, 1 dinners in Corinth, English speaking tour guides, Services of air conditioned deluxe motor coach, All excursions, guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, 1 lunch in Ephesus and 1 lunch in Galilee, Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff, Baggage handling at hotels (one piece), Airport transfers.

NOT Included:

Airline tickets from your local airport, lunches when not on cruise ship, unless specified in the itinerary, Optional credit card payments (+3%), optional drink packages on ship, specialty restaurants on ship, optional wi-fi and other amenities onboard ship, personal expenses, Optional travel insurance (see travel insurance costs on reservation form).

Included in Optional Rome Extension

3 nights lodging at 4-star hotel including city taxes, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, English speaking tour guides, Services of air-conditioned deluxe motor coach, all guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff, Baggage handling at hotels (one piece), Airport transfers.

NOT Included:

International Airfare, 2 lunches, personal expenses, Optional credit card payments (+3%), Optional travel insurance (see travel insurance costs on reservation form).

*International Airfare Prices are based on the best-priced airfare available at the time of booking and are subject to change.

Additional Cruise/Tour Options

Please review the following options. You will be able to select your options during the online booking process. Feel free to contact us if you should have any questions.

Optional Rome Extension

Optional Rome Extension: cost $965 per person (based on double occupancy)

Included with Rome extension:
Three nights at a 4-star hotel in Rome, Italy, 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts at hotel, guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff, Baggage handling at hotels (one piece), Airport transfers.

NOT Included with Rome extension:
Airline tickets from your local airport, 2 lunches, optional credit card payments (+3%), personal expenses, optional travel insurance (see travel insurance costs on reservation form).

Sites you’ll see on the optional Rome extension include Colosseum, Arch of Titus, Roman Forum, Mamertine Prison exterior, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Abbey of the Three Fountains, Palatine Hill, Catacombs and St. Peter’s Square.

Rishon Tours offers group flights for this Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour. Please select airfare or seat upgrades during online booking.

 Economy flights – *$1,500

If you book your own flights, please book your “multi-city” flights to depart from your airport on October 1, 2027, to arrive in Athens, Greece (ATH) in the afternoon on October 2, 2027. The cruise/tour ends in Athens, Greece. If you select the optional Rome extension, you will want to book your return flight from Rome, Italy (FCO) for the morning at the end of the cruise/tour on October 17, 2027. If you do not select the Rome extension, you will want to book your return flight from Athens, Greece (ATH) for late morning or early afternoon on October 14, 2027.

Please send your flight itinerary to info@rishontours.com and we will make arrangements for you for transfers from the Athens airport to our hotel and a transfer to the Rome, Italy airport at the end of the cruise/tour.

*Prices are based on the best-priced airfare available at the time of booking and are subject to change.

The Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour pricing is based on double occupancy. If you are traveling solo or do not have a roommate, a “single supplement” fee will be added to your account in the booking process.

The single supplement fee is based on the cabin accommodations you select: 

INSIDE cabin category L – $2,094

INSIDE cabin category K – $2,114

OUTSIDE cabin category D – $2,364

OUTSIDE cabin category C – $2,394

VERANDA cabins category VC – $3,044

VERANDA cabins category VB – $3,094

VERANDA cabins category VA – $3,144

SIGNATURE cabin category SY – $4,244

SIGNATURE cabin category SS – $4,444

NEPTUNE cabin category SA – $6,044

Rome Extension – $135

Travel insurance is highly recommended. Please see “Should I Purchase Travel Insurance” on the Resources page for a great article on the importance of purchasing travel insurance.

An Allianz group travel insurance policy is available to purchase in the booking process. Pricing is based on the overall trip cost (including cost of flights). Please see the chart below for group travel insurance pricing. Please click on the link below to download the policy details according to your state of residence. 

Individual travel insurance policies are also available, such as the “Classic Plan – with Cancel Anytime” provision. Rates must be quoted as they are based on age and state of residency. Please indicate if you would like a quote during the online booking process.

Allianz Classic Plan -with Cancel Anytime provision must be purchased within 14 days of initial deposit.

Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour... Sailing aboard the Holland America Cruise ship the Oosterdam

Cabin Categories aboard the HOLLAND OOSTERDAM

Our Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour cruise is aboard the HOLLAND AMERICA OOSTERDAM. 

Inside Cabins: Our Most Affordable Option

Inside cabin category is priced per person, based on double occupancy.

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option features two twin beds or a queen-size bed. 

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
  • Luxurious bathrobes
  • Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
  • Generous storage
  • Fresh fruit upon request
  • Safe
  • Ice service
  • Shoeshine
  • TV with On Demand movies, programming

Ocean View Cabins: A Room with a View

Ocean View cabin category is priced per person, based on double occupancy.

Expansive views make Ocean View Staterooms the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces with everything a modern traveler needs.

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
  • Luxurious bathrobes
  • Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
  • Generous storage
  • Fresh fruit upon request
  • Safe
  • Ice service
  • TV with On Demand movies, programming

Veranda Cabins: A Front Row Seat for Beautiful Scenery

Veranda category is priced per person, based on double occupancy.

Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
  • Luxurious bathrobes
  • Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
  • Generous storage
  • Fresh fruit upon request
  • Safe
  • Ice service
  • TV with On Demand movies, programming

Signature Suites: Upgrade Your View With Special Services and Amenities

Signature category is priced per person, based on double occupancy.

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private veranda. It’s a room that’s so much more than a room—it’s an experience.

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
  • Luxurious bathrobes
  • Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
  • Generous storage
  • Fresh fruit upon request
  • Safe
  • Ice service
  • TV with On Demand movies, programming
  • Binoculars
  • Whirlpool bath

Neptune Suites: Your Escape at Sea

Neptune category is priced  per person, based on double occupancy.

Neptune guests enjoy an impressive stateroom with a spacious private veranda with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. Plus, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
  • Premium bathrobes, slippers
  • Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
  • Generous storage
  • Fresh fruit upon request
  • Safe
  • Ice service
  • TV with On Demand movies, programming
  • One-Touch concierge service
  • Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
  • In-suite coffee, espresso
  • Complimentary laundry
  • Pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres served in suite
  • High tea in suite on request
  • Binoculars
  • Exclusive tote bag

Cruise/Tour Important Information

Please review the following frequently asked questions (FAQs). Feel free to contact us if you should have any questions.

Cancellation in writing must be received by Rishon World Tours 91 days prior to departure for refund of deposit minus service fees. Airline penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on the airline policy at the time of ticket issue.
91+ Days Prior: $100 Per Person Service Fee
90-61 Days Prior: 25% of tour cost lost
60-46 Days Prior: 40% of tour cost lost
45-31 Days Prior: 65% of tour cost lost
30-8 Days Prior: 85% of tour cost lost
7 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost lost
Group airfare is non-refundable after ticketing
Travel insurance is non-refundable

Rest assured that tips for drivers, guides, and hotel staff are included in your tour price. Even the daily gratuity charge onboard the Holland America Cruise ship, the Oosterdam, is included.

However, if you opt to dine onboard at a specialty restaurant, or order drinks or other extras, tips may be added to your ship account which you need to pay before disembarking at the end of the cruise portion of the journey.

In addition, some travelers want to give extra tips to a beloved guide or driver and that would certainly be welcome.

Covid-19 vaccinations are not required to board the cruise ship and will not be required for any other part of the cruise/tour. You will not be asked to provide evidence of vaccination. 

Visitors to Greece, Turkey, or Rome will not need to obtain visas to enter any of these countries as a tourist as you are staying less than 90 days. 

The amount of cash you will need will vary depending on your appetite for shopping. It’s a trip of a lifetime and you’ll no doubt want to bring home some mementos of the journey. Most shops and stores will accept credit cards and the exchange rate should be favorable. 

However, you might want to bring cash for any meals that are not included on the tour such as lunches when we are on excursions or are touring before and after the cruise. Typical lunches could be $15-20 per person.

Walking will be part of the cruise/tour and we encourage each traveler to be able to walk at least a mile and be able to climb stairs when needed. 

Tour participation is available to all travelers, however, and will not be withheld if the tour operator can furnish the requirements that an individual may need.

Because most of our Tour sightseeing schedules require tour members to walk 1-2 miles at a time using a moderate pace and sometimes navigate uneven terrain, we cannot accept persons who cannot do so and instead require special assistance. Should any Tour Member’s participation somehow materially add to the tour operator’s cost, the Tour Member will be expected to pay any additional costs. The Tour Director retains the right to require any non-sufficiently mobile persons to stay behind when deemed necessary.

The climate of the Mediterranean during the fall months is often excellent. This is a great time of year to take a Lands of the Bible Mediterranean Cruise/Tour, as it will not be nearly as warm as during the summer months.

Below is a checklist to help you pack to make your travel experience exceptional. When we embark on the cruise portion of our journey, your luggage will be delivered to your cabin at an unspecified time on the day of departure, so it’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes, toiletries, and any medications you may need in your carry-on bag to bring with you.

Dining Dress Code

On a typical cruise, there are usually two evenings you are invited to dress up for a formal dinner. These are optional, but we encourage you to participate as they are a fun way to experience a cruise. We suggest a semi-formal dress or skirt and blouse for women and a suit for men. The remaining dinners on the ship are informal, although if you dine in the restaurants, we suggest—blouse and pants for women and a collared shirt with trousers for men. Remember that buffet areas will also be available if you prefer.

Packing Checklist

  • Casual and comfortable clothes including pants, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses
  • Light sweater or jacket
  • Semi-formal clothes or dress clothes for 1-2 formal evenings
  • Bathing suit and a cover-up or wrap if you would like to use the pools on the ship
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Toiletries, in a sealed, clear bag inside your luggage
  • Medications in their original containers
  • Small bag or backpack for port days
  • Passport with separate photocopy

Packing Tips

Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your luggage. Mark your luggage and carry-on bag with your name and address so you can distinguish them easily. We recommend you also put identification information—name, address and phone number—INSIDE your luggage in case the luggage tags are lost in transit. We suggest keeping your essential toiletries and a one-day change of clothes in your carry-on.  You keep a color copy of the information page of your passport inside your luggage in case your passport is lost.

Many excursions at port stops are included with your cruise/tour. 

There will also be port stops where you will be able to explore on your own or book an optional excursion from the cruise line.

If you would like to arrive a day or more early to explore on your own, Rishon Tours would be happy to make the arrangements for you. Please send us an email at info@rishontours.com and we’ll work with you to customize your pre-trip experience. 

If you would like to stay in Rome an extra day or more to explore on your own, we would be more than willing to make the arrangements, book your hotel, etc. Just let us know by email at info@rishontours.com. We are here to serve you.

The short answer is yes. If you need to cancel your reservation and would like to transfer your reservation to a different cruise or tour with Rishon Tours, we will do our best to accommodate your request. 

Let’s explore how to effectively use your cell phone internationally, ensuring you stay connected and make the most of your travel experience.

Check with Your Service Provider

Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to contact your service provider to inquire about international roaming plans. Many mobile carriers offer special packages tailored to international travelers. These plans usually include data, call, and text allowances for a fixed fee. Make sure to understand the details, costs, and coverage of the plan before making a decision.

Unlocking Your Phone

If you have a locked phone, you might not be able to use a local SIM card while traveling. Unlocking your phone is the process of removing carrier restrictions, allowing you to use SIM cards from different providers. Contact your service provider to inquire about unlocking options or consider third-party services.

Purchase a Local SIM Card

One of the most cost-effective ways to stay connected while abroad is to purchase a local SIM card. This allows you to have a local phone number, access local networks, and enjoy cheaper rates for calls, texts, and data. Ensure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a SIM card, and don’t forget to save or transfer important contacts and data before switching.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Utilizing Wi-Fi is an excellent way to reduce data usage and stay connected for free. Most hotels, cafes, and public spaces offer Wi-Fi hotspots that allow you to make calls, send messages, and browse the internet. Remember to exercise caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added security.

Messaging and Calling Apps

Take advantage of messaging and calling apps, such as WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype, to send messages, make calls, and share media with your contacts. These apps use internet-based communication, allowing you to avoid expensive international roaming charges. Ensure that the people you want to connect with also have the same app installed.

Data Usage Tips

Using data while traveling can quickly consume your phone’s battery and incur high charges. To minimize data usage, consider the following tips:

Disable automatic updates for apps.

Turn off push notifications for email and social media apps.

Download maps and travel guides before leaving your accommodation and use them offline.

Use offline navigation apps like Google Maps Offline, Maps.me, or CityMaps2Go.

Conclusion:

Staying connected while traveling internationally doesn’t have to be stressful or costly. By planning ahead, understanding your mobile carrier’s international plans, unlocking your phone, and utilizing local SIM cards, Wi-Fi, messaging apps, and data-saving techniques, you can make the most of your cell phone without breaking the bank. Remember, staying connected is important, but don’t forget to take some time to unplug and enjoy the destination you’re exploring. Safe travels!

Traveling to other parts of the world on a Lands of the Bible Cruise/Tour is an exceptional travel experience that offers you both fun and the opportunity to become spiritually inspired. While you’re traveling with Rishon Tours, we want to make your journey as carefree as possible by covering most of the tips and gratuities on your cruise/tour. This includes the daily gratuity charge onboard the ship – this is covered by your tour cost. Please note, however, that extras onboard the ship such as specialty restaurants and not-included drinks will result in additional gratuity charges which will be added to your ship bill, and you will need to pay these additional gratuity charges before disembarking.

Tips to porters, hotel bellman, drivers and your tour guides, however, are all included. If you visit various restaurants apart from the cruise/tour, however, remember to acknowledge and reward excellent service.

In most parts of the world, the general guideline for restaurant service workers is 10-12% of the bill and 15% to acknowledge excellent service.