Haifa Port Company opened a new cruise terminal at the Port of Haifa ahead of the start of the cruise season on May 14, according to a press release. 

Built with an investment of over NIS 16 million (approx. $5.5 million), the terminal was designed to simultaneously accommodate two large cruise ships. 

The annual capacity is expected to reach about one million passengers, doubling the peak year for cruise traffic in Israel, and return the country to the international cruise map after years of security instability. 

“We are preparing for the return and growth of the cruise industry after several complex years,” said Zohar Rom, VP of Cruises at the Port of Haifa.  

“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.” 

As part of the project, central complexes were established and upgraded, such as duty free, security checkpoint, check-in area and border control complex. 

A video of the new terminal is available here. 

According to the press release, the summer of 2026 will mark the gradual return of cruise tourism to Israel following a complex security period. 

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,” he added.