royal caribbean shore excursions ephesus

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Exploring Ephesus on a Cruise Excursion

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An Ephesus cruise excursion is easily the highlight of a Mediterranean cruise itinerary , especially for lovers of antiquity. The fourth largest city in the eastern Roman Empire during the 2nd century BC, the city’s amenities included a library and medical school. I certainly enjoyed my one day in Ephesus while on a Mediterranean cruise.

Today, visitors to Ephesus marvel at the ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage site . And it’s a very popular excursion when Mediterranean cruises call on Kusadasi, Turkey. If you’re curious about visiting Ephesus from a cruise ship, read on!

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What to expect on an Ephesus cruise excursion

Standing at the top of the hill in Ephesus, near the Magnesia Gate (south entrance), I look around to see artifacts scattered on the ground as if someone forgot to put the giant pieces of a puzzle together. Considering the numerous earthquakes that have occurred in the area through the centuries, there’s a strong likelihood that this puzzle will never be completed.

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I’ve visited numerous antiquity sites around the world including Rome , Pompeii, the Pyramids and even Anasazi cliff dwellings in the Southwestern U.S. Although these sites always impress me, none compare to Ephesus, in my opinion.

I explored the ancient Roman city on an Ephesus cruise excursion with Royal Prince Cruise ( check itineraries here ) when the ship docked in Kusadasi, Turkey. Along with approximately 20 other cruise guests, I boarded a small bus right after breakfast for the 45-minute ride to the Magnesia Gate and the beginning of an early morning tour.

Did you know that Ephesus has been rebuilt at numerous times and not all in the same location? More surprisingly, the ancient city once fronted the Agean Sea before the Cayster (Kucuk Menderes) River began filling up with silt. Those are just two of the facts that I learned from tour guide, Regina, on the ride to Site #3, the Ephesus of Roman and early Christian times.

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Will you be cruising in the Mediterranean? Before booking an excursion, check out our Mediterranean shore excursion reviews.

Start your Ephesus tour at the Magnesia Gate

Be sure to use the clean bathrooms at the Magnesia Gate before you enter Ephesus. Cost to use them is 50E. The next facilities are located at the end of your 3 to 4-hour tour.

After entering the gate, our group circled around Regina near the edge of an empty field littered with archaeological artifacts as she began her explanations.

“Approximately 90% of Ephesus has yet to be uncovered,” Regina told us.

My mind reeled with the possibilities of what was located beneath the very ground where I stood.

As we walked along the main trail, Regina described how the city was organized into sections for commercial, political, and educational uses. Yes, city planning existed long ago, a reminder that modern-day man is not solely responsible for the advances in civilization despite our big egos that let us think so.

Beginning our descent down the hill along Curetes Way, more of Ephesus revealed itself, with many well-defined structures to explore. The imposing Library of Clesus stood at the bottom of the hill and was easily the most impressive structure of the archaeological site.

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Purchase a separate ticket to see the Terrace Houses

Our tickets included admission to the Terrace Houses where archaeologists are painstakingly reconstructing the homes of wealthy Ephesians—tile by mosaic tile. Protected by a canvas roof, the site is still being restored while visitors view the progress from plexiglass walkways suspended over the homes.

Purchasing a ticket to visit Ephesus does not include entrance to the Terrace Houses, House of Mary, Archaeological Museum of Ephesus or Basilica of St. John, all of which require separate tickets.

By the time our tour ended (near the public restrooms), the crowds had increased and the temperature was soaring. Time was allowed for browsing the stores that line the road on the way to the amphitheater. You’ll find trinkets, souvenirs and persistent shopkeepers and hawkers. I recommend saving any major shopping, like jewelry, for Kusadasi.

The air-conditioned bus was a welcome relief. On the ride back to the Royal Princess, one of Regina’s comments kept playing in my mind. “Approximately 90% of Ephesus has yet to be uncovered.” Think of the possibilities.

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Tips for visiting Ephesus from a cruise ship:

• Bring 50E to use the bathroom before entering the site, if you enter from the Magnesia Gate.
• Bring sun protection: sunscreen , hat and water. It’s hot during August!
• Find shady spots to rest while the tour guide talks to conserve energy in the heat.
• Book the earliest excursion possible to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
• Watch your step as ground is uneven and the marble is slippery
• Don’t pet the stray cats and dogs that are everywhere. They have not been inoculated.
• Know the exchange rate, if you’re planning to purchase souvenirs.
• Attending a concert excursion at the amphitheater doesn’t guarantee a visit to the rest of Ephesus.

Read our tips for surviving a summer Mediterranean Cruise . It’s going to be hot!

Thinking about booking a Royal Princess Cruise in the Mediterranean? Read all of the articles from my cruise on Royal Princess from Venice to Istanbul.

More Mediterranean cruise excursions with an emphasis on archaeology:

• Explore Selinunte Archaeological Park on cruise excursion from Trapani, Sicily.
• Visit the ancient city of Nora when your ship calls on Cagliari, Sardinia.
• Experience Greek and Roman history on a Syracuse shore excursion in Sicily.

Disclosure: Princess Cruise lines provided this travel experience. As always, the opinions are my own. 

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Small group ephesus tour for royal caribbean & cruise passengers.

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Shore Excursion Benefits

This tour offers the following benefits to cruise passengers: Cruise Friendly Refund Policy Shore Excursions with this benefit will offer a full refund if any of the following occur: - Your cruise ship arrives late, and you miss your Shore Excursion as a result. - Your cruise ship changes its date of arrival and it is not possible to reschedule. - Your cruise ship skips port. - Your cruise is canceled by the cruise line. - You cancel prior to the Cancellation Deadline on your confirmation voucher. In the event of a refund claim for one of these reasons, Project Expedition will verify the cruise ship’s actual itinerary before processing a refund. To be eligible for a refund, you must submit your claim in writing no later than 14 days after the scheduled date of the Shore Excursion. Back to Ship Guarantee Project Expedition guarantees that you will get back to your ship on time, provided that all of the following requirements apply: - The Shore Excursion you booked offers the Back to Ship Guarantee. - Your Shore Excursion is scheduled to end no less than 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of your cruise ship. It is your responsibility to confirm your ship’s departure time prior to booking, in addition to re-confirming the ship’s itinerary on the day of the Shore Excursion. - You have not changed or deviated from the original itinerary of the Shore Excursion that you booked on Project Expedition. - The delay in returning to the ship was due to no fault or action of your own. In the event that you are not returned back to your cruise ship before it departs, Project Expedition will cover up to USD $500 per person towards transportation and/or accommodation necessary to travel to the next port of call. Receipts are required for reimbursement.

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Kusadasi (Ephesus, Turkey)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-08-19 19:53

Port Kusadasi cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Kusadasi, Ephesus, Turkey. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Kusadasi is a cruise port and resort town on Turkey's central Aegean Sea coast, and located south of Izmir . Kusadasi is also a major ferry port and serves as seaport for Ephesus (ancient Greek city in Turkey's in Ä°zmir Province).

From the cruise ship pier in Kusadasi's harbour the town looks very attractive and passengers can walk to the promenade cafes and shops and then climb to Kale district where, inside the old city walls, there's a mosque, a bazaar and some fine traditional houses. Across the causeway linking it to mainland is Pigeon Island (Guvercin Adasi) where there is a little Genoese fortress. There are pretty beaches in the region - the small Town Beach is 500 m beyond the causeway to Guvercin Adasi but the better Paradise and Ladies Beaches are to the south and you'll need a taxi to get there; also have in mind they're often crowded.

The first to settle in Kusadasi were the Aeolians from northern Greece. A harbor was established here by the Genoese and Venetians when the Ephesus harbor became silted up. Even now for cruisers it's mainly a city that is the gateway to Ephesus, one of world's largest and most important ancient archaeological and religious sites. From Kusadasi, you can also visit Didyma, Priene and Miletus.

In 2019, the cruise port handled around 200,000 tourists (passengers and crew). Port Kusadasi is managed by Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH) - currently ranked world's largest cruise port terminal operator with lease agreements in the regions of Europe-Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia-Pacific.

Kusadasi cruise terminal

As cruise port, Kusadasi has 8 dedicated berths (ship docking structures) and handles around 600 cruise ship calls annually. The UNESCO site Ephesus is visited as a shore shore excursion option (ranging between 4-10 hours). Bus travel time from the cruise terminal is just 20 min. As a tourism destination,  Ephesus is visited by 1,5+ million travelers annually.

Kusadasi tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Didyma Ruins (ancient Greek city)

Priene Ruins (ancient Greek city)

Miletus Ruins (ancient Greek city)

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Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Quick Comparison Chart

T rying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

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Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

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Kids programming

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

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Private Biblical Ephesus

• Retrace the footsteps of St. Paul and the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, exploring Biblical history with a professionally trained guide.
• Experience the Great Theater where Paul preached, and marvel at the remains of The Church of Mary.
• Visit the hauntingly beautiful and sacred Basilica of St. John, and see the sole remaining pillar of The Temple of Artemis.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, adding a taste of local culture to your unique historical journey.
• Haggle for treasures in Kusadasi's shopping area, or opt out to be returned directly to the pier according to your preference.

On the Kusadasi pier, you will meet your professionally qualified guide and begin your private shore tour to Ephesus. Ephesus is the only ancient city that finds reference in both the New Testament and the Book of Revelation, that St. Paul visited. Skip-the-line tickets are included for sites to ensure a seamless experience.

Just before we journey to ancient Ephesus, you will ascend a gorgeous seaside route. Upon arriving at Ephesus, proceed through the Magnesia Gate as instructed by your guide to enter the historic site. Explore many landmarks such as the Great Theatre, which was rebuilt in the Roman era after being created in the Greek era and is still renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the Odeon, the Library of Celsius, the Thermal Baths of Scholastica.

The Tomb of St. Luke is located close to the north gate. It's believed to be the base of an old temple that was subsequently transformed into a church. There is a theory this was the tomb of St. Luke because of a bull's head carved in the doorjamb, which was an old sign for the saint. He may not have physically visited Ephesus, but his influence undoubtedly did. You will go to the former harbor area before departing the city. You can view the ruins of the old Christian cathedral known as The Church of Mary, which was devoted to the Virgin Mary.

Following your exploration of all the intriguing Biblical monuments, your private shore trip to Ephesus includes lunch at a local restaurant where you may savor a variety of local specialties. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood from 550 B.C. to 401 A.D., and all that is left of it is a single pillar that you will pass after lunch.

After lunch, you will pass the one lone pillar that is all that remains of The Temple of Artemis (550 B. C. - 401 A. D.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The final stop is at the Basilica of St. John. It is generally agreed that he died in the area of Ephesus of natural causes around 100 A.D. and was buried on Ayasuluk hill under a simple marker. In the 4th century, a modest Christian church was built over the grave. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian had an impressive domed basilica built to replace the earlier church. The church, known as the Church of St. John the Theologian, was one of the most sacred sites in the Middle Ages, and thousands made the pilgrimage here. With the decline in the importance of Ephesus and the destruction from Arab raids in the 11th century, the basilica fell into ruins and was even converted into a mosque around 1330 A. D. After further destruction, the building became a source of building materials until restoration began in the last century. If the cathedral could be rebuilt, it would be the seventh-largest in the world.

The Basilica of St. John serves as the last destination. He was buried atop Ayasuluk hill beneath a plain monument, and it is generally agreed that he passed away in the Ephesus region about 100 A.D. from natural causes. Over the tomb, a small Christian church was constructed in the fourth century. Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of an imposing basilica with a dome in the sixth century to replace the previous church. Thousands of people came to this church, also known as the Church of St. John the Theologian, since it was one of the most revered locations throughout the Middle Ages.

You will pass what appears to be the hillside prison where Paul may have been imprisoned during the theater riots as you make the journey back to town. When the group returns to the town of Kusadasi, if time permits, they can choose to conclude their trip in the shopping district, where they can either attend a shopping and explanation about Turkish carpets, or they can browse the stores that sell jewelry, carpets, leather products, and copper items, or both. Turkish retailers anticipate haggling, and you can frequently negotiate a 10%-15% price reduction. If guests decide not to partake in the optional carpet shopping, they will be returned straight to the dock upon informing their guide.

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