Kosher Cruises and Vacations are the BEST!

From the tropical sun of the Caribbean to icy glaciers in Alaska, from the historic cities of the Baltics to the luxurious Greek Isles, Kosherica and JSC are committed to letting the Kosher vacationer explore the wonders of the Seven Seas in luxury and comfort. This, and its provision of Glatt Kosher, Cholov Yisrael, Pas Yisrael gourmet meals is one on the many reasons Kosherica has a sterling reputation as the leader in the Kosher cruise and tour industry. All food is prepared under the strict supervision of the MGK (Maritime Glatt Kosher) and elegantly presented on china, white linen and crystal.

In 2011, Kosherica will once again boast a cruise menu including 7- to 20-day sailings from fascinating ports of call. Luxury ships will sail everywhere from Estonia, Finland, Russia and Sweden to Alaska's majestic Glacier Bay and the cornucopia of fall colors along the coast of New England and Canada. The sights of the Roman Empire-- Italy, Croatia and Turkey, join the traditional Greek Isles and Caribbean cruise line-up. This astounding assortment of our choices are designed to please families and singles of all cruise-going ages. On board, in addition to the myriad of amenities available on a luxury liner, Kosherica’s programming includes Shabbat services, women’s Israeli dance classes, lectures, Daf Yomi, minyanim, mixers, private movie screenings and the Fun Factory Kosherica kids club for children. There is also a singles division, JSinglesCruise. The worldwide leaders in Jewish Singles Cruises, JSinglesCruise provides the ultimate Kosher cruises to destinations around the world.

Since its founding in 1996, Kosherica has hosted more Kosher cruises and Jewish cruise vacationers than all other Kosher vacation companies. All Kosherica cruises set sail on five-star ocean liners from industry leaders like Costa and Holland America.

Going on a Kosherica Glatt Kosher cruise in 2012 is also an opportunity to expand one’s horizons. A smorgasbord of shore excursions is available on every sailing. In addition to meeting people from all over the world, guests can explore exotic locales through excursions that may take them snorkeling with dolphins, helicoptering over a volcano or marveling at glaciers. Or they can spend shore time biking along a stunning coastline, exploring rain forests, shopping at duty-free shops or lounging on the beach.

Israeli Executive Chef Porat Raises the Bar on Kosher Cruises

Copenhagen…As the executive chef of the five-star Dan Acadia in Herzliya, Ariel (“Arik”) Porat is already considered one of Israel’s leading kosher chefs. But earlier this month, Arik brought his mastery aboard the new Costa Deliziosa in a cruise to the Baltics, sponsored by Kosherica, a leader in the growing popularity of kosher vacations that include resident scholars and world-class entertainment. For the more than 200 vacationers (out of 2160 passengers), the 7-day cruise was also a week-long culinary experience, as it has been on many of the Kosherica cruises that featured Arik.

Each evening, passengers in the elegant third floor hall dined on a five-course meal that included several choices of beef, poultry, and fish, much like those served in some of the finest hotels and restaurants. For Helit Edelstein of Kosherica, the logistical challenges of having a world-class chef of Porat’s reputation “is all part of the experience,” which on this particular cruise included Rabbi Stephen Riskin of Efrat and Cantor Yaakov Motzen. The “challenges” also included recruiting reputable kosher supervisors and, of course, acquiring the best meats, fish and other ingredients for the world-class chef. Ofi Fishman, Helit’s brother, and a key player in planning the menus, prides himself on the quality of the baked goods that is prepared on board as well as the quality natural and fresh ingredients.

While their acclaimed culinary delights have become almost routine, they still are busy “educating” the ship’s staff and most importantly catering to the needs of a “very sophisticated clientele” that on this particular jewish cruise came from as far away as Melbourne and from such places as Gibraltar, Tel Aviv, Montreal, Toronto, London, and New York. Kosher industry sources say that kosher cruising has increased by more than 20% in the past five years, despite the recession. While some travelers still prefer going on a cruise with the cruise ship providing “kosher airline-like meals,” the trend is towards joining the total kosher experience that companies like Kosherica offer. David Wallace of Eddie’s Travel, which partnered with Kosherica for the kosher cruises, sees a growing number of kosher travelers opting for organized kosher travel to many destinations throughout the world. He is already joining Kosherica for Sukkot programs at the Dan Caesarea and Hacienda Forest View hotels in Israel and for many winter cruises in the Caribbean.

As the kosher passengers disembarked in Copenhagen after an amazing Kosher tour that visited Tallinn, Estonia, Helsinki, Finland, St. Petersburg, Russia and Stockholm, Sweden, the talk was about “the experience” which meant the Kosherica program and, of course, the food of Arik. For more information and to reserve your spot aboard a Kosherica cruise, visit www.kosherica.com or contact 877-724-5567 or 305-695-2700.

The Kosher Options Are Endless With Kosherica

THIS winter, whether you are looking to travel alone or with the family, Kosherica is the most logical, convenient and rewarding option to travel with — and the kosher options are endless.

Kicking off the winter cruise season is a December 25 Chanucah Cruise, which embarks from New York City to the Bahamas, making stops at the beaches in Orlando, the private Island of Great Stirrup Cay and then on to Nassau before heading back to NYC. This is a perfect warm getaway.

On January 8, Kosherica will lead a cruise to Asia. This 14-night cruise will explore the fascinating sites of Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

This cruise has been, until now, uncharted territory , but it is indic ative of Kosherica's innovation and ingenuity and it is what sets them apart from the rest.

January 22 marks Kosherica's annual Jewish Music Festival at sea. If you're a fan of Jewish music then there is nothing more you could ask for.

This mid-winter cruise to the Caribbean features the Jewish worlds most talented voices including Avraham Fried, Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, world-renowned Israeli Broadway sensation Dudu Fisher and more. What is more unique than the concerts and the heart-rending cantorial Shabbat tefillot is the opportunity to spend a week with the entertainers on a more up-close and personal level — an opportunity only made available on a Kosherica cruise.

If you were thinking of taking the kids along on mid-winter break this January 22 Cruise to the Caribbean aboard Royal Caribbean's, Allure of The Seas, the world's largest and most exciting cruise ship to date.

This will probably keep the kids as well as yourselves occupied to the point that you may have to fight with them to join you for the meals or for an excursion or two.

From one season to the next the Kosherica cruises and kosher tours have been known to sell-out quickly, so dial 0203 318 2725 or log onto www.kosherica.com and secure your midwinter plans.

Kosher Cruise Tips

Whether you're planning a kosher winter cruise or one next summer, we're here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Our staff is as dedicated to helping you plan your trip as we are in making sure you have fun once it begins!

With that in mind, here's a list of common questions that we get on almost every kosher holiday we take:

Air Travel
Passports will be required for any air travel from the Caribbean as of January 23, 2007. ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport.

Cruise Travel
As early as January 1st, 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Mediterranean and North Europe Cruises:
United States and Canadian citizens must have valid passports and necessary Visas. The expiration date of your passport must not occur within 6 months of the scheduled return date of travel. Naturalized U.S. citizens are advised to carry their naturalization papers. Aliens who are residents of the U.S. must carry their Alien Registration Card and passport. All others must have valid passports and necessary visas.

Please check current visa requirements with the appropriate embassies or consulates.

What clothing should I pack?
Most of the time, you'll feel comfortable in casual resort wear including light cotton clothing. Sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and hats are also appropriate for Northern Europe. Tennis shoes or low-heeled walking shoes are recommended for exploring the ports of call. While most shore excursions do not have dress codes, some tours specifically prohibit shorts and sleeveless shirts, and require ladies to wear knee-length skirts or slacks.
There is usually two formal galas to which ladies will wish to wear long gowns or cocktail-length dresses; gentlemen may choose either tuxedos or dark suits. Number of formal nights may vary depending on cruise length and itinerary. On other evenings, resort attire is the norm.


What is the climate like?
Temperatures in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean (April through October) average 14 - 31 degrees Celsius; 57 - 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, they may vary.
Temperatures in Caribbean: (November - April) average 72-85 degrees. Of course, they may vary.
Temperatures in South America: (December - March) average 71-84 degrees. Of course, they may vary.

Can I phone home?
Ship-to-shore telephone service is available 24 hours a day while the ship is at sea or in port from your stateroom. You'll find a telephone and dialing instructions in your stateroom.
If you need to be reached by people at home, have them call or fax the ship directly; or they can contact you via email through your own Internet Service Provider which you can then access via the Internet Cafe.


Is internet service available?
You can send and receive emails through your own service provider in the Internet Café for a nominal charge.

How do I plan my on-shore activities?
Naturally, you are free to explore many of the ports of call on your own, however, Costa has arranged a variety of shore excursion for you convenience. Each excursion is carefully researched by our Shore Excursion Staff to ensure your experience ashore is as enriching and enjoyable as your stay aboard. You may pre-book your excursions online by visiting www.costacruises.com and selecting . Personalize Your Cruise. . You will need to enter your booking number and your name as it appears on your reservation. The excursion selected will be debited to you onboard account . Or, if you prefer, you may purchase the shore excursion onboard at the Shore Excursion Desk. Shore Excursions are subject to availability and not available on all ships and sail dates.

What about laundry and dry cleaning services?
Complete valet services including laundry, pressing and dry cleaning, can be arranged through your stateroom steward/stewardess and billed to your shipboard account.

We hope this answers most of your questions as you plan your trip. For further information on how to get the most out of your kosher cruise, please visit our website: http://www.kosherica.com!!