A kosher cruise is a regular cruise sailing enhanced with a Glatt Kosher dining program and organized religious services. You sail on the same world-class ships, visit the same ports, and enjoy the same entertainment as every other guest — with the addition of freshly prepared kosher meals and a Jewish community onboard.
How the Fresh Kosher Dining Program Works
Fresh Kosher Cruises partners with major cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian — to operate a dedicated kosher dining program on select sailings. Here's what that means:
- Dedicated venue — A specific restaurant on the ship is reserved exclusively for kosher dining during meal times.
- Fresh preparation — All meals are prepared fresh onboard each day. No frozen meals, no reheating.
- Glatt Kosher — All meats are Glatt Kosher. Dairy products include both Chalav Yisroel and Chalav Stam options.
- Mashgiach Temidi — Full-time rabbinical supervision is present in the kitchen throughout the voyage.
- Three meals daily — Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included in the kosher dining package.
It's Not a "Kosher Ship"
An important distinction: the entire ship is not kosher. The ship's main restaurants, buffets, and bars operate normally for all guests. The kosher program operates in a dedicated, supervised venue — separate from the rest of the ship's dining. This means you get the best of both worlds: the full cruise ship experience with a completely kosher dining option.
What About Religious Services?
On Fresh Kosher Dining sailings, daily minyanim (Shacharit, Mincha, Maariv) are organized onboard. A Rabbi is present for the entire voyage, and Shabbat services include Kabbalat Shabbat, full Torah reading, and Havdalah. A pre-reserved space on the ship is designated for all prayer services.
Two Types of Kosher Sailings
We offer two distinct options:
Fresh Kosher Dining
Full onboard kosher program with three freshly prepared meals daily, Mashgiach Temidi, and organized minyanim. Available on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.
Minyan Sailings
A pre-reserved space for guest-led prayer services without the fresh dining program. Frozen kosher meals can be arranged through the cruise line. Available on Royal Caribbean.
What's Included in the Cruise Fare?
Your base cruise fare (before the kosher dining add-on) already includes:
- Your stateroom
- All main dining room meals and buffet
- Broadway-style shows and entertainment
- Pools, water slides, and sports facilities
- Kids and teens programs
- Fitness center and jogging track
The Fresh Kosher Dining package is an optional add-on priced per person per day, with kids 5 and under eating free.
Where Do Kosher Cruises Go?
Our sailings cover a wide range of destinations:
- Caribbean — Year-round sailings from Florida and New York
- Alaska — Summer sailings from Seattle
- Mediterranean — Summer sailings from Rome and Barcelona
- Greek Isles — Summer sailings from Rome
Is a Kosher Cruise Right for Me?
If you've ever wanted to take a cruise but worried about finding kosher food — this is your answer. Whether you're strictly observant or simply prefer kosher meals, the Fresh Kosher Dining program lets you enjoy a full cruise vacation without compromise. And if you don't need fresh kosher dining, our Minyan Sailings offer an affordable way to cruise with a Jewish community.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Kosher Cruises