Passover Cruises

Several cruise lines are offering Passover seders for guests this spring. Passover starts on 19th April 2008 and opens with a traditional many course meal called a seder, which features ‘symbolic’ foods such as oil and lamb and is used to retell the story of Exodus.

Passover is important because members of the Jewish faith commemorate their religious origins by a variety of special observations including not eating bread or other leavened foods, during the eight days of the festival.

Several of the big cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Celebrity and Holland America are preparing seders and stocking matzohs for cruises that take place during Passover week and on other ships, a cantor or rabbi will actually be sailing to lead the celebrations. Most ships offer kosher-style meals or pre-packaged kosher meals upon request. Carnival Cruise Line provides a room and special meals for Jewish guests to make seder but has 0nly a limited supply of kosher meals available in the main dining rooms so guests are should request kosher meals in advance.