Haifa Port opens new cruise terminal as Israel’s tourism sector eyes recoverynewsline24

The new terminal, built at an investment of more than NIS 16 million, is expected to begin operating with the opening of the cruise season on May 14.

Haifa Port inaugurated a new cruise terminal this month as Israel’s maritime tourism sector prepared for a gradual return to activity following years of security disruption, the port announced.

The new terminal, built at an investment of more than NIS 16 million, is expected to begin operating with the opening of the cruise season on May 14. The port said the project was part of its effort to strengthen Haifa’s position as Israel’s main maritime gateway for cruise tourism.

The terminal is designed to handle two largecruise ships at the same time, serving both outbound cruises from Haifa and incoming tourism. According to Haifa Port, the upgraded facility will have capacity for up to one million passengers a year, double the number recorded during Israel’s peak year for cruise traffic.

As part of the project, the port expanded and established several central passenger areas, including a duty-free shop covering some 600 square meters, a security screening area of about 1,300 square meters, a check-in area of about 1,000 square meters, and a border control area of about 1,200 square meters with 28 stations. Electrical and communications infrastructure at the terminal was also upgraded.

Work on the terminal began before Operation Rising Lion and continued during the conflict while the port maintained regular activity, according to the statement.

The port said the summer 2026 season marked a step toward renewed growth in Israel’s cruise industry, following a complex security period that sharply affected tourism.

International cruise companies expected to gradually return to Haifa

The Israeli cruise company Mano Maritime is expected to operate from Haifa this summer. Haifa Port officials said they expect international cruise companies that previously visited the port to return gradually in the coming years. About 30 international cruise companies called at Haifa Port in 2023, which the port described as Israel’s peak year for cruise tourism.

“Haifa Port and its owners are committed to continuing to advance cruise tourism in Israel, precisely during a challenging security period,” said Capt. Sumit Chauhan, president of Haifa Port. “This investment reflects our optimism about the future, our long-term commitment to the Israeli economy and the North, and our belief that cruise tourism will continue to grow and connect Israel to the world.”

Zohar Rom, vice president of cruises at Haifa Port, said the port was preparing for the return and growth of Israel’s cruise sector after several difficult years.

“The new terminal will allow the reception of two large ships simultaneously and a capacity of about one million passengers a year, alongside a significant upgrade to the passenger experience and infrastructure at an international standard,” Rom said. “We expect international cruise companies to return to operating from Israel after the war period and are preparing accordingly.”