Kosher Cruiser

Although I have never been on a cruise ship during Passover, many cruise lines do make accommodations. I have spoken to several cruise lines to learn about their Passover accommodations. Although none of these cruise lines' Sedarim appears to work for an Orthodox Jew, I am providing a summary of my findings here. Several lines do offer kosher for Passover food however. Offerings by cruise line Carnival will offer Kosher for Passover food provided by their kosher caterer, upon request, which must be received 60 days in advance. A Sedar is only offered on board if a rabbi contacts the cruise line to lead it on a volunteer basis.  (read more at: Keeping kosher on Carnival ) Celebrity stated there is a Sedar on board. The person I spoke with was unaware of who leads it or if they have only 1 or 2 Sedars. No information available on Passover food as well.  (read more at: Keeping kosher on Celebrity ) Costa makes no kosher food accommodations and makes no spe...

I discussed previously the items concerning when embarking or disembarking the ship on Shabbos . Once you are on board your issues are far from over. The doors to your stateroom, just like any hotel door, are operated by a key card, which uses electronics and therefore cannot be used on Shabbos. You can also not specifically ask a non-Jew to open them for you on Shabbos (however you may be able to hint at it). One big advantage, which you don’t have with a hotel, is your stateroom attendant has a relationship with you, and they get to know you over the course of the vacation. The best thing to do is   explain to your stateroom attendant before Shabbos the situation (they all know about it, so they won’t be confused). Then when they see you coming on Shabbos they will know to open the door for you without even being asked. If they do not see you, and you can find them, they will gladly drop everything and help you out. I have heard of other people going to Guest Servic...

Continuing in my series of posts focusing on kosher food by cruise line , this time I am focusing on Princess Cruises. Unfortunately the representative I spoke with did not have as much information as other cruise lines I spoke to. Cruise Line:   Princess Cruises Kosher Caterer: Customer service representative told me that caterer and who certifies is not available as it changes depending on boat, however all meat is Glatt kosher. Meals offered: All meals come double wrapped and frozen Meat: • Pot roast • Roasted chicken • Veal • Salisbury steak Pareve: • Veggie chilli • Filet of Sole Notice needed for Kosher meals: Requires as much notice as possible, but not minimum required. How are the warmed: No information available Special food for Shabbat: No information available Passover/Pesach:  For Pesach information please see:  Spending Passover/Pesach on a cruise ship Prayer services: Sedar is provided on the shi...