Israelis to Reach Polls by Sea: Tour Operator Adjusts Cruise Schedules

The announcement of the Knesset election date on October 27 posed an unusual challenge for many Israelis who planned an autumn vacation in Europe: how to carry out the planned vacation without giving up on reaching the polls? In response, the Gordon Tourism Group is changing the schedules of river cruises in Europe and establishing a special system that readjusted the schedules in October, so that travelers can exercise their right to vote.

The move includes solutions on both sides of election day. The shortened route, which will depart on October 21 along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, will be shortened to only six nights. On the morning of October 27, passengers will take a direct flight from Cologne to Israel, which will allow them to land in the country during the day and reach the polls before they close.

For those who prefer to vote earlier and only then go on vacation, a reverse route was adapted: an additional cruise that will depart on election day itself. Passengers will be able to vote in the morning hours, board a late afternoon flight to Cologne, arrive at the ship for an overnight stay, and start the route along the rivers of Europe the next morning.

«We understood that this time election day is already included in the considerations of those planning a vacation in October, — explains Shiri Gordon, CEO of the group. — It required us to make adjustments to flights, the duration of the cruise, and the entire program. The goal was simple — not to put passengers in front of a choice between a pre-planned vacation and the right to reach the polls. They vote, board the plane, and in the evening they are already starting their vacation.»

The cruises will take place in the heart of the European autumn season and will pass along the Rhine and Moselle, between picturesque towns, vineyards, and autumn landscapes characteristic of the period — this time, with the civic duty already behind the travelers.