When evening falls and candlelight glows, you will dine on our Glatt Kosher (Cholov Yisroel, Pas Yisroel) award winning gourmet cuisine prepared under the strict supervision of the MGK (Maritime Glatt Kosher). Under the guidance of world-renowned Master Chefs, our culinary delights are made from scratch and seasoned with fresh herbs. Our beautiful main restaurant presents soft music, exquisite settings of china and gorgeous linen with attentive yet unobtrusive service from the trained staff.

Morning may bring a delicious breakfast cuisine with a variety of hot and cold dishes and appetizing gourmet buffet display in a special dining room area reserved especially for Kosherica guests.

In the afternoon you can savor the views along with delicate finger sandwiches at our Elegant Tea.

And to ensure that you don't go to sleep hungry we invite you to our midnight nosh featuring a variety of delicious treats.

Very important! Please read the following information regarding changes to passport requirements. These changes impact U.S. Citizens and non-U.S. Citizens. For more information, please see the U.S. State Department website for passport information. Expired passports are not acceptable.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CARRYING A PASSPORT VALID FOR SIX MONTHS BEYOND THE DURATION OF YOUR TRAVEL. Kosherica cruises requires that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must disembark the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the U.S without significant delays and complications.

For more information, please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TYY at 1-888-874-7793.

For travel outside of the western hemisphere countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens must have and carry a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise.

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens: You must have and carry a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise. Please carefully verify the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation. In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card. Resident aliens not in possession of this must obtain one at the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration Service.

Visas: Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa) before entering the country. Usually there is a fee required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If your itinerary requires a visa prior to boarding, Holland America Line will send a visa information letter to your travel agent. The visa letter will have information for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Citizens of other countries should contact the nearest representative embassies or consulates for the proper information.

Non-U.S. or Canadian citizens may be required to hold a Canadian visa when traveling to Alaska or Canada. Please visit the Canadian government website at wwww1.canada.gc.ca to verify your nationality's requirements.

Schengen visa holders (applies to those EU-member citizens only): New requirements pertaining to proof of medical insurance coverage have been adopted for all Schengen visa holders. This requirement does not apply to U.S. or Canadian citizens. All guests should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, call Zierer Visa Service at 866-788-1100 or local 202-745-4470.

People with medical conditions or women who are in the last weeks of their pregnancy are asked to consult a doctor before sailing/booking a cruise. Women cannot have begun their 24th week of pregnancy at any time before or during the cruise. If you are pregnant or sailing with a guest who is pregnant they must provide a physician’s letter stating the expected due date, medical fitness to travel and the pregnancy is not high risk. Please also include your name, booking number, ship and sailing date. Infant Policy and Booking Procedures.

• Infants must be at least 6 months of age on the day of boarding.
• Infants must be at least 12 months of age on the day of boarding if the cruise has 3 or more consecutive full days at sea.
• NO EXCEPTIONS will be granted. Please note, babysitting is not available for children age 2 and under.

First time considering a Glatt Kosher cruise to Alaska? Hold on to your favorite seafaring hat, because you’re in for the experience of a lifetime. A Glatt Kosher, Chalav Yisroel, Pas Yisroel cruise has been on the bucket list of so many kosher-observant Jews. For more than 20 years, we’ve made it our business to make those dreams come true.

We know you have lots of questions, so we’re here to help answer any you might have. Call us at 877-SAIL-KOSHER, 305-695-2700 or shoot us an email [email protected] if there’s anything we can help with. In the meantime, here are some thoughts you might have on your mind:

Is the cruise Glatt Kosher? Yes, It is Glatt kosher, Chalov Yisroel and Pas Yisroel. Each Kosherica cruise has a team of mashgichim and a rav hamachshir on board to make sure every tiny food item - as well as anything going near our kosher food service - is constantly supervised.

Are they frozen airplane meals? Do I need to bring my own food? Kosherica meals are absolutely NOT airplane meals! The food is freshly prepared on a daily basis made with Glatt Kosher gourmet ingredients and served beautifully on lavish buffets with multiple food stations and multi-course dinners plated on beautiful china dishes. We spare no expense when it comes to serving you the best, real glatt kosher, chalav Yisroel and pas Yisroel dishes and cutlery.

Kosherica takes care of all your culinary needs on the cruise. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all provided in abundance, as well as afternoon tea and late night snack. While onboard you should have no need for any additional food. In fact, expanding waistlines are the more common concern after being on a kosher cruise with us!

What if I have special food requirements or food allergies? Here at Kosherica, Glatt Kosher, Chalav Yisroel and Pas Yisroel are just the beginning. We are very accommodating with allergies and do our best to provide alternatives to those with special needs. Please be in touch with us to discuss your specific requests.

Will there be a minyan? Yes. Kosherica provides minyanim three times a day. A Torah is brought onto the ship for Torah readings. There is also a Daf Yomi shiur and fascinating guest lectures to help you connect with your spiritual side.

How does Shabbat work on a ship? Shabbat on a Kosherica cruise is a unique and uplifting experience. Our experienced team has thought of every possible concern, from Shabbat minyan and Shabbat meals to locking doors, flushing toilets, and Shabbat elevator. From sunset to nightfall, Shabbat with Kosherica is a day of rest like no other on the planet. Kosherica’s lavish glatt kosher, chalav Yisroel and pas Yisroel five-course Friday night dinners and Kiddush lunches provide all the gefilte fish, Moroccan salmon, lox, herring, chicken soup, cholent, kugel and kishka you could wish for, topped with fresh salads, fresh fruit, meats and decadent desserts. Spend your day learning, reading, playing games, making friends and marveling at the serene seascapes and spectacular coastlines.

Use a carry-on bag. Keep your travel documents, identification, medication, jewelry, camera, film, cash and other valuables with you at all times.

Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets in your checked luggage. (Remember that checked luggage might not be accessible at all times.) Keep these items close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry or otherwise keep with you important items such as perishables, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables, securities, financial instruments, records or other valuable or business documents, laptop computers, cellular telephones, cameras, or other video or electronic equipment, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs, scooters, binoculars, film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes or CDs.

The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example places of worship, may not allow tank tops or short pants. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening.

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and sports shirt or sweater for men and skirt or trousers and sweater or blouse for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen usually wear a suit and tie or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

Kosherica cautions against the use of garment bags with hanger hooks protruding from the top. We also suggest that you consider placing articles in clear plastic bags inside your luggage to minimize handling by airport security screeners. Pack shoes on top of other contents in your luggage to expedite the screening process. Finally, make sure that you label the inside of your carry-on and checked luggage with your name and contact information. Bear in mind that the screening process for any point of embarkation is similar to that at an airport. As such, all weapons and dangerous devices are prohibited and may result in denied boarding. For complete, updated information regarding travel, please check the official website of the Transportation Security Administration.

Please Note: Firearms, explosives, fireworks and illegal drugs of any kind are prohibited without exception. Important: Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets in your checked luggage. (Remember that checked luggage might not be accessible at all times.) Keep these items close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry or otherwise keep with you important items such as perishables, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables, securities, financial instruments, records or other valuable or business documents, laptop computers, cellular telephones, cameras, or other video or electronic equipment, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs, scooters, binoculars, film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes or CDs.

The day of the cruise we highly recommend bringing a carry-on that contains your jewelry, medication, travel documents, money and a change of clothing. You can use this same carry-on when you leave the cruise.

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. Always bring great cameras!

Informal nights - sport jackets for men and casual attire or skirts for women.

Formal nights - jacket and tie are suggested for men, cocktail dress or gown are suggested for women.

Please note: Your daily program will contain a notice of the dress for each evening. Jeans, t-shirts, hats, shorts, tank tops, swimwear and workout attire are not permitted in the dining room at any time. Not sure what to wear? While on ship, contact the cruise director or other cruise staff at the Front Desk and they will gladly offer advice.

If you're a fitness fan or just like to stroll around the decks be sure to pack your exercise clothes. There are aerobics classes on the ships, treadmills, exercise bikes and other equipment in the fitness center on board each ship. The free Passport to Fitness program has the added fun of a reward at the end of the cruise for participating in on board activities. Be sure to bring your running or aerobics shoes, swimsuit and a cover-up (for lounging, if not for warming up).

Be sure to take toiletries and prescriptions for both medication and eye glasses to aid in replacement in the unlikely event they become misplaced A travel alarm clock (although wake-up calls are offered on all cruise lines) Binoculars if you enjoy bird watching or would like a closer look at wildlife and glaciers Your camera film is available just about everywhere you will visit

All cruise lines and ships have laundry service, dry cleaning and pressing service.

On board our ships, U.S. dollars is the only currency accepted. We also accept U.S. traveler’s checks. A currency exchange service will be available for selected itineraries, such as our European and World Cruise programs. In most ports of call you may easily exchange your US dollars into the local currency at banks, airports and major hotels. In many countries, you can use your ATM card to obtain local currency. Most locations will accept major credit cards and some will even accept U.S. dollars. If you choose to use U.S. dollars, carry smaller denominations - ones, fives, tens and twenties.

Please note: Foreign currencies cannot be accepted or exchanged by the Front Office.

We recommend that you contact your cellphone provider to check what plans they have for international or roaming or even for on-board use. If you choose not to purchase a plan, we highly recommend that you turn off your phone while on board to avoid incurring roaming charges.

How do I plan my on-shore activities? Naturally, you are free to explore many of the ports of call on your own, however, a variety of shore excursion are arranged 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 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 on board 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.

Can we get off the ship in Alaska? Absolutely. There are several port days on the cruise itinerary. Each port day gives you more than a few hours to get off the ship and experience the different parts of Alaska. You can book helicopter tours, glacier walks, rafting trips, salmon fishing, nature trails, panoramic train rides and many other excursions (arranged directly with the ship for a separate fee). You can also walk around the port on your own and explore local shops and museums, or just enjoy the exquisite views and fresh Alaska air.

Can I get off in the Caribbean? Yes! Enjoy the warm weather and explore shore excursions or just find a private beach that is recommended by well known websites or onboard specialists. There are great recommended shopping places, interesting boat tours, swimming with dolphins, bus tours. Again, just consult with a specialist about best places to explore.

Can I get off in Europe? You sure can. Kosherica has private Jewish interest tours for all Jewish locations. If you choose to go it alone then do your homework and find incredible spots to explore! You can venture to some of the most iconic and famous places in the world. Museums, shopping, historic sites, synagogues, canal tours and much more are at your finger tips!

How long is an Alaska cruise? Most of our cruises to Alaska are 7 days long. They begin on Sunday and return the following Sunday. Check out our upcoming Alaska itineraries for further details.

How long is a Caribbean cruise? Most of our cruises to the Caribbean are 7 days long. They begin on Sunday and return the following Sunday. Check out our upcoming Caribbean itineraries for further details.

How long is Panama Canal cruise? Most of our cruises to Panama canal are 10-14 days long. hey begin on Sunday and return the following Sunday. Check out our upcoming Alaska itineraries for further details.

How long is European cruise? Most of our cruises to Europe are 7-14 days long. They begin on Sunday and return the following Sunday. Check out our upcoming European itineraries for further details.

Last Minute Tips

• Reconfirm your airline reservation and flight departure time 24 hours prior to leaving home. If, on the day of sailing, you find that your flight will be delayed beyond your ship’s departure time, please contact Costa Cruises.
• A lot of luggage looks the same. Attach a colored ribbon to each of your bags to make them easier to find.
• When packing clothing attire, keep in mind that most of the time you’ll feel comfortable in casual resort wear including light cotton clothing or swimwear and a beach robe for covering up indoors. Tennis or low-heeled walking shoes are recommended for exploring ports of call. For Northern Europe sailings, sweaters, lightweight jackets and raincoats are appropriate. On formal nights, ladies may wear evening gowns or cocktail-length dresses; gentlemen may choose dark suits or tuxedos. On other evenings, gentlemen generally wear sport coats and slacks, while ladies wear resort attire. There are laundry and valet services available onboard for a nominal fee, so don’t bring more than you need.
• When you arrive at the cruise terminal, keep your cruise documents handy in your carry-on bag. When checking in, you will need to present your cruise documents, along with your proof of citizenship and completed Passenger Declaration Form to the Costa reception desk.
• Soon after you have boarded the ship is a good time to book your favorite spa treatment as the most popular ones fill up fast.
• If you plan to arrive a few hours before the ship’s departure, you will find a delicious Welcome Aboard Buffet waiting for you.
• When in port, remember that other countries may be more conservative than your own. When leaving the ship, dressing with casual elegance will show respect for other cultures.