Boomers, seniors and their families who wish to combine a cruise ship vacation experience along with the observance of the traditional Passover holiday in the Spring have their choice of at least three major cruise ships.
Crystal Passover Cruises
Crystal’s “Serenity” sails to Ashdod, Israel as part of its 2010 World Cruise, which features exotic destinations, fascinating cultures and many overnight calls during its 108-day trip. The voyage includes explorations of South America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean and Western Europe. The departure date is March 15 from Dubai.
Guests celebrate Passover March 30 aboard this “Modern and Ancient Marvels” adventure. Crystal promises that in keeping with Jewish tradition, a seder plate will be blessed by a rabbi, along with a “participatory recitation of the Passover Haggadah, sing-a-longs and a lavish four-course holiday feast.”
Aboard Crystal’s “Symphony,” the celebration takes place during its 12-day Mar. 30 - Apr. 11, 2010 “Vineyards and Fiords” cruise from Auckland to Sydney. To accommodate Jewish guests disembarking Crystal Symphony’s previous cruise on the first day of Passover, a ceremony and feast will also be offered on March 29.
Kosher Food Onboard Crystal Ships
Crystal says that its holiday meals "begin with gefilte fish accompanied by horseradish, followed by chicken soup with matzoh balls. Roasted chicken will be the featured entrée, complemented by carrot tzimmes, roasted artichokes, potato latkes and cranberry sauce. For dessert, a rich honey nut raisin cake served with wine sabayon, fruit sorbet with berries and coconut macaroons."
Regarding the food, a Crystal press release notes that "kosher food selections are available throughout the Passover holiday. Although Crystal Cruises does not have a separate kosher kitchen, the guest rabbis may supervise the food as it is prepared in the galley."
Celebrity Passover Cruise
Celebrity’s "Equinox" has a 12-day cruise leaving Fort Lauderdale on March 29 and heading for six exciting ports of call in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico during Passover. The line says that the return is on April 9 in the early morning, allowing enough time to return home before Shabbat. This will be the ninth year of the Equinox gourmet Kosher seder, catered by TOV Tours.
Celebrity emphasizes that. all meals will be served on its own china. Rabbi Azriel Fellner and Cantor Howard Shalowitz will lead "two meaningful Seders and our Daily Prayer Services." In the festive spirit, complimentary ceremonial Kosher wine will be served.
Rates for each cruise that include Passover for observant Jewish passengers vary, as do the cabins aboard the different ships. Contact the specific cruise line for all details.
Additional theme cruises of interest to boomers and seniors include special classical music and opera cruises.
Grace Lichtenstein - I prefer "seasoned" to "senior" but whatever term you use, I have been an outdoor adventurer for most of my adult years. I am a cycling ...
