There’s a particular kind of anticipation that comes with stepping onto a cruise ship knowing you’ll be gone for five nights. As I boarded the Crown Iris in Haifa, the energy was a mixture of relief, curiosity, and pure excitement. The thought of waking up in Rhodes and then drifting on to Larnaca felt almost unreal — two destinations that carry with them centuries of history, sun-soaked coastlines, and a rhythm of life that slows you down the moment you arrive.
The ship itself became part of the journey right away. The decks buzzed with fellow travelers exploring their cabins, peeking into restaurants, and heading straight to the pool for those first golden rays. From the open deck, Haifa slowly slipped away into the horizon, its hills dotted with white buildings and its busy port fading into distance. The sea spread out wide and calm, and it was easy to imagine how ancient sailors must have felt setting out from these very waters, guided by little more than stars and instinct.
Rhodes promised to be the first highlight, with its medieval Old Town, cobblestone streets, and echoes of the Knights of St. John still present in every fortress wall. I could almost picture myself wandering the alleys, camera in hand, chasing the play of light and shadow against stone. Then comes Larnaca — a different atmosphere altogether, more laid-back, with its palm-lined promenade and cafés spilling onto the waterfront. The idea of sipping strong Cypriot coffee as the sea sparkles just a few steps away is exactly the kind of moment that makes a trip like this linger in memory.
On board, though, the voyage itself feels like a destination. Evenings stretched into long dinners where conversations flowed as easily as the wine, while the sea outside reminded us that we were in constant motion. There’s a kind of magic in waking up, drawing the cabin curtains, and finding that the world outside has completely changed overnight. Five nights isn’t long, but it’s enough to give life a different rhythm — one measured not by meetings or deadlines, but by sunsets, port arrivals, and the slow sway of the ship beneath your feet.
