Keeping kosher on Norwegian Cruise Line

I hope to do a whole series of these type posts, where in each post I will highlight one cruise line and their kosher offerings. I have chosen Norwegian to be the first as they recently revamped their entire kosher menu, and now easily has the best out of any of the major lines.


Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Kosher Caterer: Borenstein Caterers under the OU (note this is a recent change and there may still be some food on the ship from Sterling Caterers, under the OK)

Meals offered:
All meals come double wrapped and frozen. Kosher meals can only be ordered in the main dining room, and not in the buffet or via room service.

NCL recently completely revamped their kosher meal offerings, so I cannot speak from first-hand experience on this new program. I called NCL and spoke with them about it, and I have summarized my conversation here.

Rather than using only plastic utensils and paper plates, this new program can come with real plates and utensils for you to use, but for a fee. The person I spoke with was unaware of what that fee was.

Breakfast/lunch is the same every day. There are various options available and they do not change day to day.

Dinner goes on a 7-day rotation. Unfortunately, you will need to select all meals for the entire cruise on your first day on the ship. Unlike the previous program where you could order unlimited food, you no longer can in this program. You do however get to order 1 appetizer, 1 main, 2 sides and 1 dessert for each meal, so this should be plenty of food.

Here is a copy of the menu currently offered by NCL:


Notice needed for Kosher meals: NCL requires a minimum of 30 days notice in order to provide kosher food. Passover meals are provided with special groups only, however Matzo are available throughout Passover.

How are the warmed: No information available

Special food for Shabbat: Kosher wine is provided fleet wide, available by the bottle or glass. Brand information currently not available. Challah is available under the new 7-day menu.

Passover/Pesach: For Pesach information please see: Spending Passover/Pesach on a cruise ship

Prayer services: Nothing is provided by NCL however, a private room is made available upon request.

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