Frequently Asked Questions

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BEFORE YOU BOARD

What does the price of my Kosher cruise include?

Your cruise fare includes premium accommodations, three fresh, gourmet meals per day plus snacks, daily Minyanim, lectures, and Shabbat programming, plus full access to all the amenities and activities onboard. Your fare will also include government taxes and port charges. Depending on the cruise line, gratuities may be included. Jewish related excursions at certain ports of call will be available for an additional fee.

Why do the cabins have different prices?

Prices can vary depending on the position of the cabin and the deck on which they are located (on the inside or outside of the ship). The presence of a balcony in addition to a window, as well as the size of a cabin, can affect the price. The Suite categories are the most spacious and equipped with extra comforts.

Is airfare included in the price, and how do I book flights?

Prices do not include airfare. Air and ground transportation are the responsibility of the passenger. The cruise lines offer flight packages and transfers however we recommend you also research airfare yourself.

What forms of ID are required for embarking?
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify all travel documents and obtain and have available valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation and family legal documents required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If you do not hold proper visa documents, you could be denied entry and ship boarding - without compensation. Note: the required documentation needed for your specific cruise differs for US and international citizens, minors, and is dependant on the cruise destination.

What is the minimum age requirement for an infant to sail on a cruise?
Typically, children must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise. For cruises through Europe, infants must be 12 months old.

Once I reserve a cruise how long until I receive my cruise documents?

You will receive a confirmation and invoice within a few days of booking. Your formal documentation from the cruise line will be sent to you at least two weeks prior to sailing.

Can I access my reservation online before the cruise?

Yes. Once you receive your confirmation number you can log in to the cruise line’s website to review detailed information, manage your reservation, and check in.

How do I learn about excursions and when should I book them?

Once you receive your confirmation number, we advise you to review all excursions online and book them as they become available. Often, excursions get sold out in advance of sailing. You may also book excursions once you receive your cruise documentation or onboard at the dedicated tour desk, which is open every day.

Can I check in before I board?

Guests are requested to complete Online Check-in no later than 3 days prior to the cruise. If you have not completed Online Check-in in advance, you will be required to complete this process at the pier two hours prior to the published sailing time.

How early do I need to arrive at the ship on the day of the cruise?
We recommend arriving at least two hours prior to sailing if you have completed Online Check-in in advance. You must be onboard 60 minutes before the cruise departs.

When is payment due?

A deposit is due when you book your cruise. Full payment is due 90 days prior to sailing. Please refer to the Destinations page for specific details regarding your cruise.

What if I need to cancel my plans?

Cancellation fees apply to cancelled bookings. Please refer to the Destinations page for relevant fees. We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance which includes cancellation insurance. Please ensure that you are fully covered and check with your insurance provider that the dates of travel and cost of the trip are correct (including air travel where relevant).

Do you provide Travel Insurance?

In the event that you have not yet arranged insurance please let us know and we can secure the appropriate insurance with one of the leading US & International travel insurance providers.

ONCE ONBOARD

What type of entertainment and activities are onboard?

As part of our unique programming, we offer Shiurim and lectures as a complement to all the ship’s amenities and activities which include, but are not limited to, live music and shows, casino, spa, fitness center, pools, bars and lounges, libraries, and shopping.

What are the onboard dress codes?
You will need several types of clothing on your cruise: casual shipboard attire or day wear, eveningwear, and Shabbat wear. Each cruise features at least two formal nights. The main dining room is more formal than other areas of the ship on casual nights. Sweaters are recommended for the dining room and evenings. Beachwear is also recommended for warmer climate itineraries. Bring sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for deck sports and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to exercise, pack appropriate fitness attire. Also, remember to bring sun protection.

When should I book spa and beauty salon appointments?

You may only book spa and beauty treatments once you are onboard. We recommend you secure your appointments for the entire cruise as close to boarding as possible since appointment times fill up quickly.

How do I reserve golf tee times on sailings with golf courses at port?
Golf excursions may be reserved online or onboard your cruise. It is important to note that golf courses and prices are subject to change.

Can I smoke onboard?
There are designated smoking areas located throughout the ships. Each cruise line has their own smoking policies and most do not allow smoking in any stateroom or on any stateroom veranda.

Is there laundry service onboard?

The ships offer complete valet service, including laundry, pressing and dry cleaning for a reasonable fee.

What if I need medical attention?

The ships have well-equipped infirmaries offering efficient service and fully qualified staff however, we strongly advise you to bring adequate supplies of all your medications.

Are there safe deposit boxes in the staterooms?

Yes, all cabins are equipped with a safe.

What currency is used onboard?

All cruises departing from the US accept US currency; cruises departing from Europe use Euros. However, money is not needed onboard ships since you will be given an electronic key card that can be used for all purchases that will be charged directly to your onboard account. You may want to have the appropriate currency for all countries you visit, so we recommend you review your itinerary in advance of your sailing.

Will I need an electrical converter/adapter?
All staterooms are equipped with standard 110/220VAC outlets that will accommodate most personal electrical appliances that you bring with you.

Will my cell phone work onboard?

Most cruise lines offer advanced roaming networks onboard allowing you to make and receive calls while at sea using your own mobile phone and telephone number.
For questions about your service or about billing, please contact your home network customer service. You may also make calls from landlines onboard for a fee.

Is there Internet access onboard?
All of the ships we sail on have Internet Cafes, with access available for a fee.
Wireless access points are often located in several areas around the ship. In order to take advantage of the wireless service, guests must bring their own laptop.

What activities will be available for my child(ren) onboard?
Youth Activities are directed and organized by a special staff of youth counselors.
Depending on the cruise line and sailing, activities may include: Theme Parties, Indoor and Outdoor Games, Sports and Pool Activities, Talent Shows, Arts & Crafts, Dancing and Musical Games, Play Stations, Ship Tours, and Movies. Note: Generally, children participating in supervised activities without a parent must be toilet trained and diaper/pull-up free.

Are there Babysitting services onboard?
Parents can arrange for a private, in-stateroom Babysitter for a nominal fee.

KOSHER CRUISING

What Kosher supervision do you use?

We use independent Kosher supervision by esteemed Rabbis, all of whom bring onboard a team of Mashgichim. All of our food is Glatt Kosher and Cholov Yisroel. Please refer to the Kosher Dining page for more detailed information.

Do you have a Sefer Torah onboard?

Yes, we bring a Sefer Torah onboard each cruise and set up a dedicated Shul for daily Minyanim. Please bring your own Siddur and Tallit.

Will there be a traditional Shabbat at sea?

Absolutely. We proudly offer moving services, traditional Shabbat meals, and Oneg Shabbat with snacks and lectures. We also make every effort to accommodate you with Shabbat elevators.

Do we eat meals with the other passengers onboard?

Breakfast and lunch are served in a dedicated room on the ship reserved exclusively for our group. For dinners, our group sits together in our own designated area of the main dining room. We will inform you on the ship of meal times for weekdays and Shabbat and other information relevant to meals.

Is there Kosher wine and alcoholic beverages onboard?

Kiddush wine and grape juice will be available on Friday night and Shabbat morning. At other times, Kosher wines can be readily purchased from the wine steward. Should you choose to bring your own alcohol onboard, you will be subject to the individual ship’s corkage fees.