Freed-Hardeman University Seminar at Sea
"Scripture in Context: Exploring the History, Archeology and Culture Behind the bible.”
Norwegian Star- January 5-15, 2026 (10-Day Cruise)
Itinerary
Departure Details
Departure Port: Tampa, Florida
Group Leader: Dr. Jonathan Moore
Phone: 606-224-3374
cruise itinerary overview
Monday, January 5: Embark from Tampa, Florida 4:00 pm
Tuesday, January 6: At Sea
Wednesday, January 7: At Sea
Thursday, January 8: Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Friday, January 9: Oranjestad, Aruba
Saturday, January 10: Willemstad, Curacao
Sunday, January 11: At Sea
Monday, January 12: Falmouth, Jamaica
Tuesday, January 13: George Town, Grand Cayman
Wednesday, January 14: At Sea
Thursday, January 15: Tampa, Florida, 7:00 AM Disembark
Lectures/Seminar Days
Jan 6: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM or 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Jan 7: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM or 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Jan 8: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Evening Session)
Jan 11 (Sunday): 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM or 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Jan 14: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM or 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lecture Topics and Subtopics
Foundations in Time: The Bible’s Historical Framework
Subtopics:
Dating the Patriarchs: Myth, Legend, or History?
Ancient Chronologies: Synchronizing the Bible with the Ancient Near East.
The Exodus Debate: Archaeological Evidence and Historical Controversies.
The Bible in the Context of the Neo-Assyrian and Babylonian Empires.
In the Shadow of Kings: The Bible and Ancient Empires
Subtopics:
Egypt in the Bible: Pharaohs and Their Interactions with Israel.
The Rise and Fall of Jerusalem: From David to the Babylonian Captivity.
Persia’s Role in Biblical History: The Rebuilding of the Temple.
Rome and the Gospels: Political Power in the Time of Jesus.
The Bible Beneath the Dust: Archaeological Finds That Illuminate Scripture
Subtopics:
Dead Sea Scrolls: The Oldest Biblical Manuscripts.
Ancient Cities Unearthed: Jericho, Hazor, and Nineveh.
Inscriptions and Seals: Evidence of Biblical Names and Events.
The Herodian Temple and Its Cultural Significance.
Everyday Life in the Biblical World: Material Culture and Daily Practices
Subtopics:
Houses, Pottery, and Trade: A Glimpse into Ancient Israelite Life.
Worship and Sacrifice: Altars, Temples, and Ritual Objects.
Diet and Agriculture: What Did Biblical People Eat and Grow?
Family and Community: Roles of Men, Women, and Children.
The Bible and the Written Word: From Oral Tradition to Manuscripts
Subtopics:
How the Bible Was Written: From Stone Tablets to Papyrus Scrolls.
Scribes and Literacy in the Ancient World.
Codices and Canon: The Formation of the Bible We Know Today.
The Role of Translation: From the Septuagint to Modern Versions.
Echoes of the Past: How History and Culture Shape Biblical Interpretation
Subtopics:
Cultural Norms in Biblical Stories: Understanding Honor, Shame, and
Hospitality.
Ancient Warfare and Biblical Battles: The Rules of Combat.
Parables and Symbols: Hidden Meanings in Material Culture.
Reading the Bible Today: Lessons from History for Modern Faith.
Pricing
double occupancy pricing
Balcony Room: $3,416.56 (for 2 people)
Oceanview Room: $2,228.56 (for 2 people)
Interior Room: $1,933.46 (for 2 people)
Payment Details
Deposit: $150 per person
Final Payment Due: At time of booking.
If mailing a check, it must be postmarked by August 18, 2025 and sent via certified (priority) mail.
Amenity Package
Group Amenities: OCEANVIEW, BALCONY & CLUB BALCONY SUITES-RECEIVE ALL AMENITIES FROM PACKAGE A OR B
INSIDE STATEROOMS: Receive two amenities from package A or B
This package (A) includes:
- More at Sea Beverage Package (guests 1 and 2 only) *additional $270 per person
- More at Sea Specialty Dining (guests 1 and 2 only)
*Balcony rooms receive 4 specialty dining (4 different nights) for $80 per person
*Oceanview & Inside rooms receive 2 specialty dining (2 different nights) $40 per person
- $50 excursion credit per cabin, per port
- More at Sea WiFi Package (150 minutes)
This package (B) includes:
- Package of 10 photos per cabin
- $100 onboard credit
- $50 excursion credit per cabin, per port
- More at Sea WiFi package (150 minutes)
how do i register?
To Register, Contact :
