LOS ANGELES — Crystal Cruises Chairman, President and CEO Edie Rodriguez will join passengers on the luxury cruise line’s first trip back to the Holy Land since 2012, as part of the 2017 ‘President’s Cruise’ aboard Crystal Symphony.

The sailing departs Nov. 4 from Rome and features the Arabian Peninsula, with calls to Limassol, Cyprus; Haifa and Ashdod, Israel; a transit of the Suez Canal; Aqaba, Jordan; and Salalah and Muscat, Oman. Rodriguez and her husband Tom will join guests for festive receptions and parties on the 18-day voyage, as well as specially planned experiences ashore.

“It is always a privilege to sail with members of the Crystal family and something to which I look forward each year,” says Rodriguez. “I am especially eager to experience this particular itinerary with our guests, and have the opportunity to explore Jordan.”

Highlights include: the Rose City of Petra, where a special President’s shore excursion will take place; an overnight stay in Muscat in time for the Sultan’s extravagant birthday celebrations; adventurous archaeological expeditions; rock climbing; Indian Ocean scuba dives in Salalah; ‘Sky Tea’ at the opulent Burj Al Arab; and sunset at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

All-inclusive cruise-only fares for the ‘Holy Land & Suez Canal’ voyage start at US$4,750 per person.