By: Marcia Abramson
Oceania Cruises has joined the two oldest kosher cruise operators in America to sponsor a series of deluxe kosher cruises aboard the m/v Regatta which was formerly one of the Renaissance "R" ships. I am familiar with this luxurious 684-passenger ship, having enjoyed some delightful sojourns through majestic old world European cities. The completely renovated m/v Regatta has become a sparkling new ship with many upscale additions and currently the only dedicated kosher kitchen at sea. Michael Kong of Kosher Cruise Enterprises (KCE) endorses the philosophy of Oceania that, "Destinations are key to cruising on a fabulous ship - from nearby Central America and the Caribbean, to the grand ports of Europe including London, England; Barcelona, Spain; and St. Petersburg, Russia. As of this date five itineraries are being offered in 2004. They are:
n
Jan. 16-27, "Costa Rica and the Mexican Riviera," including Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, ending in Los Angeles, California
n
March 8-15, "Exotic Caribbean," starting in Dominica, then on to Antigua, St. Barts, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, ending in Miami, Fla.
n
June 29-July 13, "Scandinavia and Europe," starting in London to Bruges, Belgium; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Copenhagen, Denmark; Gadansk, Poland; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia, ending in Stockholm, Sweden.
n
Aug. 24-Sept. 5, "Grand Europe," starting in London, U.K.; then Guernsey, U.K.; Cornwall, U.K.; Cork, Ireland; Paris, France; Saint-Malo, France; Bilbao, Spain; La Corufia, Spain, ending in Lisbon, Portugal.
n
Oct. 22-Nov. 3, "Grand Mediterranean," starting in Istanbul, Turkey; Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Naples, Italy; Florence, Italy; Monte Carlo, France; Provence, France, ending in Barcelona, Spain. These are all exciting venues that I have enjoyed over the last few years and can assure you a wonderful experience if world conditions permit departures to these fascinating ports of call. Rates include delicious freshly prepared kosher cuisine, all activities and entertainment onboard. There are Captain's cocktail parties with kosher canaps, Jewish interest shore excursions, and special programs and lectures for the Sabbath, and all gratuities to cruise personnel and port charges. KCE passengers will also enjoy entertaining and informative talks by world-renowned lecturers, including Professor Shalom Paul, chair of the Dead Sea Scroll Foundation and head of the Bible Department of Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Incidentally, Professor Paul has led delegations and tours for the UJA, Israel Bond missions and the United States Congress. From my own experience on these elegant intimate comparatively small ships, the m/v Regatta and the other Oceania ship, the m/v Insignia, must be truly great cruise ships with modern staterooms, suites, theaters, libraries, card rooms and casinos. When I sailed with my daughter, Jill Wasser, on the former Renaissance "R" Ships, it was delightful to have breakfast on our stateroom's balcony as we traversed the calm blue Mediterranean waters. Somehow, the Nova Scotia salmon, cream cheese and bagels even tasted better in the sea air. Jill never missed a workout in the health club armed with her CD player and headset. I found the swimming pool, the Jacuzzis, Spa and lounge chairs on deck more to my liking. Of course, Jill never missed a chance to use the internet to stay in touch with her husband, Stuart, and children, Bradley and Maris Wasser, while she was away from home. You can get more information on these cruises from your local travel professional, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) or visit www.jewisheyes.com.Copyright © by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
