This exciting new cruise will depart from Rome, Italy on Norwegian’s Cruise Lines ship called the “JADE.” Enjoy fine weather on one of the largest ships sailing in the Mediterranean Sea with optional tours in ATHENS, EPHESUS, ALEXANDRIA and to the Pyramids in CAIRO, EGYPT. Best of all, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily on the ship.

THE ITINERARY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
Dec. 11 Everyone will fly overnight from their hometown to ROME, ITALY.

Dec. 12 Arrive Rome and transfer to the cruise ship in Civitavecchia. Tonight, separate dining room tables will be reserved for our group of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Dec. 13 This will be a “Fun Day at Sea” to browse through the ship’s shops and eat at a restaurant of your choice as there are 13 different dining options.

Dec. 14 Arrive in KATAKOLON, GREECE where the original Olympic games were once held. Stand on the starting line in the stadium where chariots once raced. Explore the ruins and walk through the narrow streets to the marketplace.

Dec. 15 Ship arrives in Piraeus, the port for ATHENS, GREECE, that’s filled with history as this is the “birthplace of civilization.” You can tour Athens, site of the 2004 Olympic Games and climb the Areopagus (Mars Hill), scene of Paul’s dramatic experience where he delivered his most famous Discourse of the Unknown God. See the Agora (marketplace) and the ancient Parthenon high atop the Acropolis. (See Awake 3/8/00, p. 13) There are many shops in Piraeus where your ship is docked.

Dec. 16 Arrive IZMIR, (Ephesus) where its history goes back to 3,000 B.C. This is considered the most important ancient city ever excavated in Turkey. History will come to life as you follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul down the narrow marble streets where many chariots have left their mark. (WT 3/1/93, p.8)

Dec. 17 Enjoy a “Fun Day at Sea” to relax, read, swim and enjoy the ship’s activities.

Dec. 18 A day to remember as you dock in ALEXANDRIA where your ship stays for two days. Take a full day tour to Cairo to visit the famous Egyptian Museum, the majestic Pyramids and Sphinx, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, where you can even ride a camel. For a thrilling adventure, you can also take a jeep safari into the desert.

Dec. 19 Learn the history of Alexandria as you tour this ancient biblical city, its catacombs and the museum.

Dec. 20 & 21 Your last two days are at sea to relax, read, swim and to enjoy all of the ship’s activities including a “Farewell Dinner” and a Broadway musical show.

Dec. 22 Arrive Chivitavecchia where you’ll be transferred to Rome for your flight home.