~RECENTLY COMPLETED IN 2013~
Eastern Caribbean Kosher Cruise
NICKELODEON WILL BE ON THIS CRUISE!
The Music Festival at Sea is Back and better than ever!
We will depart from New York on this 9 night adventure. Enjoy some of the greatest Jewish entertainers of our day such as Dudu Fisher, Avraham Fried, Yaakov Motzen, Colin Schachat, Lipa Schmeltzer and Simon Cohen. Our music cruise will explore destinations like San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, St. Maarten and the Dominican Republic.
Eastern Caribbean Kosher Cruise
aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines: Gem
January 18-27, 2013 (9 Nights - Kosher Cruise)
Jewish Music Festival Cruise
NICKELODEON WILL BE ON THIS CRUISE!
Featuring World Renowned Scholars, Cantors and Singers: (see below).
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Rabbi Yosef (YY) Yitzchak Jacobson |
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Dudu Fisher |
Avraham Fried |
Yaakov Motzen |
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Colin Schachat |
Lipa Schmeltzer |
Simon Cohen |
Itinerary
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Fri., Jan. 18 | New York | Departs | 4:00 pm |
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Sat., Jan. 19 | At Sea | ||
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Sun., Jan. 20 | At Sea | ||
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Mon., Jan. 21 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 3:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
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Tues., Jan. 22 | Philipsburg, St. Maarten | 8:00 am | 6:00 pm |
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Wed., Jan. 23 | St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
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Thurs., Jan. 24 | Samana, Dominican Republic | 8:00 am | 4:00 pm |
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Fri., Jan. 25 | At Sea | ||
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Sat., Jan. 26 | At Sea | ||
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Sun., Jan. 27 | New York | 10:00 am | Arrives |
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The Music Festival at Sea is Back and better than ever!
We will depart from New York on this 9 night adventure. Enjoy some of the greatest Jewish entertainers of our day such as Dudu Fisher, Avraham Fried, Yaakov Motzen, Colin Schachat, Lipa Schmeltzer and Simon Cohen. Our music cruise will explore destinations like San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, St. Maarten and the Dominican Republic.
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C R U I S E S H I P I N F O R M A T I O N
Norwegian Gem
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Norwegian Gem This sparkling cruise ship is the perfect choice for cruising the Bahamas & Florida, Caribbean, Mediterranean and in 2011, Bermuda. From a chic, four-lane bowling alley to tons of dining choices and Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Gem has it all. Chill out by the pool, get lucky in the casino, unwind at the spa, and make the kids happy with our water slides, Wii games and lots more. Accommodations range from luxury multi-room Villas to romantic suites to spacious and affordable staterooms.
Gross Tonnage: 93,530 grt.(One registered ton equals 100 cubic feet)
Length: 965 ft
Draft: 28 ft
Maximum speed: 25 knots
Passenger capacity: 2,394(double occupancy)
NICKELODEON WILL BE ON THIS CRUISE!- FAMILY FUN!!!
Norwegian Gem Each cruise will feature the following:
- A number of events just on the first day! See the characters dance and sing while Team Nick lets you know what is going on for the rest of the week! ·
- Team Nick makes surprise appearances throughout the cruise bringing action to you. Look for those familiar faces for interactive games and maybe even some slime! ·
- Dora's Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more.
- In addition, there are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. Story Time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.
SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (YY) Jacobson is one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world today, lecturing to audiences on six continents and in forty states, and serving as a teacher and mentor to thousands across the globe. He is considered to be one of the most mesmerizing and passionate communicators of Torah taught today. Rabbi Jacobson serves as the spiritual leader of congregation Bais Shmuel in Brooklyn, and is the dean of www.TheYeshiva.net, teaching via the web one of the largest Torah classes in the world today, with thousands of students globally. He is the first rabbi to have given the keynote address to the US military chaplains, and the 34,000 employees of the National Security Agency.
CANTORS AND SINGERS
Dudu Fisher is known throughout the world for his stirring performance as Jean
Valjean in the hit show "Les Miserables," but his career began in his native country, Israel.
After three years of service in the Israel Defense Forces, Fisher studied at the Tel Aviv
Academy of Music and studied privately with some of the great cantors of the previous
generation. He was only 22 when he was invited to become the cantor of the Great
Synagogue of Tel Aviv. Fisher also traveled throughout the world, bringing traditional
Chassidic, Yiddish, and Cantorial music to new audiences.
Playing the lead in "Les Miserables" was a turning point in his career. It was the longest
running show in Israel and catapulted him to stardom. In 1988 he was invited to
London to take part in a royal command performance hosted by the Queen of England,
a special version of "Les Miz" featuring artists from around the world.
As an observant Jew, Fisher was the first actor on Broadway and the West End to be
excused from performing on Friday nights, Saturday matinees, and all Jewish holidays.
During his long career, Fisher has recorded over twenty albums, and he's recently filmed
an Emmy-nominated PBS special in the valley of Beit She'an, Israel. From the Opera
House in Sydney, Australia, to Madison Square Garden in New York, from Singapore to
Sao Paulo, Dudu Fisher spends most of the year traveling around the globe bringing joy
to millions of people.
Avraham Fried is a legend in the world of Jewish music. He's been
entertaining Jewish audiences for thirty years, in numerous concerts and
venues. His music integrates a wide range of musical styles, combining them
with Jewish lyrics and themes, to create unforgettable melodies that become
all-time favorites.
Fried is incredibly prolific, and has produced thirty CDs, the latest of which are
"Yankel, Yankel" and "Live in Israel," which is offered as both a DVD and a double
CD. Fried lives with his wife and their six children in Brooklyn, New York.Cantor Yaakov Motzen, born in Tel Aviv, is a fifth-generation cantor who
began his career at age six as a soloist with the choir of Cantor Shlomo Ravitz.
Cantor Motzen attended the Kol Torah, Be'er Yakov, and Ponevitz Yeshivot,
and studied music and vocal technique with Yosef Goland. He also studied
chazzanut with Cantor Yitschak Eshel. While serving in the Israeli army, he
devotedly performed before wounded soldiers after the Yom Kippur War. He
became vice president of the Nachala Organization, which is dedicated to
entertaining wounded soldiers.
Cantor Motzen held major positions in Givatayim, Haifa, and Ramat Gan, and
has performed numerous times on Kol Yisrael Radio and television. He came
to Montreal in 1978 and held the position of cantor first in the Shomrim
Laboker-Bet Yehudah-Shaarei Tefillah, then in the Adath Israel Congregation.
After 18 years in Montreal, Cantor Motzen became cantor of the largest
Orthodox shul in Toronto, the Shaarei Shomayim Congregation. Today he
serves as the chief cantor at "The Shul" in Bal Harbour, Florida.
Colin Schachat was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he received his schooling and University education. In Johannesburg he studied with world-renowned operatic coach, Sarie Lamprecht, and subsequently graduated from the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute.Over the years, Colin has studied with various internationally-renowned vocal instructors and repertoire coaches, both stylistic and linguistic, in New York, London and Tel Aviv.
From a young age, he participated in major professional musical productions and in 1984 he was invited to participate in the World Chassidic Song Festival held in Israel. In South Africa he was a featured soloist in concerts encompassing Cantorial, Yiddish, Chassidic, Israeli and Operatic music. Colin has an extensive classical repertoire and has performed in innumerable concerts around the world with piano and orchestral accompaniment.
Colin frequently performs in Israel, Canada, the USA, South Africa and Eastern Europe. He also appears regularly on radio and television.
Colin is married with four sons, holds BA.LLB degrees and works in the financial services industry.
Lipa Schmeltzer: So, you're plotzing to know what I'm all about?
Wanna glimpse inside,
just to check me out?
Wanna shmooze the details,
and get the scoop?
Wanna spread Lipa gossip
throughout your group?
Wanna sneak a peek, spy, pry, and snoop,
To consider yourself 'in the Lipa loop'?
I'll give you a heads-up - here's the Lipa spin:
If you're outta the action, and wanna get in,
Just listen to my 8 great CD releases;
With each one, you'll notice, the thrill just increases.
Some songs are blockbusters, smash hits and showstoppers,
Some lyrics are bestsellers, epic chart-toppers;
Born March 17, 1978 -
But some say I still haven't 'grown up,' to date.
As number eleven out of a full dozen,
Mein getreye mishpucha vel ich keinmal farluzzen.
My song styles tend to 'drey yeddem ah kup'
- My critics turn thumbs down, my fans say 'thumbs up!'
Worldwide, I'm best known for unique compositions;
With tracks that are mind-blowing music renditions.
For all my successes, 'ich dank nar dem Boreh,'
And for all my messes. 'ich dank de kol koreh!'
Simon Cohen was born and grew up in London surrounded by cantorial and classical music. Today he is one of the leading international young cantors both in concert and in Synagogue being invited to perform with the most prestigious orchestras to excite and warm the hearts of thousands. Coming from such a rich musical background, his repertoire spans across the board, including performing in Italian, English, Hebrew, French and singing the traditional Cantorial classics, Opera, Israeli, Yiddish and even some Broadway!
He was influenced by his grandfather Rabbi and Chazan Eliezer Spector z"l and under the direction of his Father, Stanley Cohen y"la. He began his singing career in Shul (Synagogue) as a child soprano and created those magical moments where the beauty and purity of a child's voice met with Prayer. Today he creates the same magical moments in Synagogue at Services or Wedding ceremonies with his own outstanding choir or on stage with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in front of thousands.
Simon's voice has developed into a beautiful and powerful, flexible lyric tenor voice with a brilliant and exciting tone, across a wide dynamic spectrum. In both Synagogue and on stage his voice reveals instinctive musical sensitivity as well as a deep understanding of the text.
Simon studied at the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute under the world renowned Cantor Naftali Herstik, Cantor Chaim Feifal and pianist composer Raymond Goldstein. He made Aliyah and married in 1995 and is presently living in Raanana with his wife Nechamah and 3 children.
He continues to be in great demand and officiates as Chazzan across Europe, United States and prestigious Synagogues in Israel. Simon continues to perform with leading Orchestra's including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dr Mordechai Sobol and Eli Jaffe.
Simon officiates at numerous Wedding Ceremonies, Chuppot, Shabbatot Chazzanut and Bar Mitsvot as well as concerts in Israel, London, New York, Miami, Canada, Budapest and places as far out as Istanbul.
Major Cruise Questions
What is included in the price of my cruise?
Virtually everything, with the exception of certain items of a personal nature, for which there is a fair and reasonable charge. Your cruise fare includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, standard meals, services and onboard entertainment.What's not included
Items that are of a personal nature, for which there is a fair and reasonable charge. Not included in the cruise fare are items that are of a personal nature including gratuities, shore excursions, airfare, telephone calls, faxes, spa treatments, salon services, photographs, laundry and valet service as well as wine, liquor and other beverages.Will I need a passport or visa?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and for complying with Customs and Immigration requirements. Guests with out proper travel documents will not be allowed to board the vessel. If for some reason you must leave the ship mid-cruise, you will be denied re-entry into the U.S. unless you possess a valid U.S. passport and no refund of cruise fare will be given to any guest failing to bring such documentation. Costa Cruise Lines encourages all guests to obtain passports as soon as possible to avoid backlogs. For more information, please visit the U.S State department website at www.travel.state.gov.Cruising Tips
Air Travel
Passports will be required for any air travel from the Caribbean as of January 23, 2007. ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport.Cruise Travel
As early as January 1st, 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.Mediterranean and North Europe Cruises:
United States and Canadian citizens must have valid passports and necessary Visas. The expiration date of your passport must not occur within 6 months of the scheduled return date of travel. Naturalized U.S. citizens are advised to carry their naturalization papers. Aliens who are residents of the U.S. must carry their Alien Registration Card and passport. All others must have valid passports and necessary visas.Please check current visa requirements with the appropriate embassies or consulates.
What clothing should I pack?
Most of the time, you'll feel comfortable in casual resort wear including light cotton clothing. Sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and hats are also appropriate for Northern Europe. 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.There is usually two formal galas to which ladies will wish to wear long gowns or cocktail-length dresses; gentlemen may choose either tuxedos or dark suits. Number of formal nights may vary depending on cruise length and itinerary. On other evenings, resort attire is the norm.
What is the climate like?
Temperatures in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean (April through October) average 14 - 31 degrees Celsius; 57 - 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, they may vary.Temperatures in Caribbean: (November - April) average 72-85 degrees. Of course, they may vary.
Temperatures in South America: (December - March) average 71-84 degrees. Of course, they may vary.
Can I phone home?
Ship-to-shore telephone service is available 24 hours a day while the ship is at sea or in port from your stateroom. You'll find a telephone and dialing instructions in your stateroom.If you need to be reached by people at home, have them call or fax the ship directly; or they can contact you via email through your own Internet Service Provider which you can then access via the Internet Café.
Is internet service available?
You can send and receive emails through your own service provider in the Internet Café for a nominal charge.How do I plan my on-shore activities?
Naturally, you are free to explore many of the ports of call on your own, however, Costa has arranged a variety of shore excursion 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 visiting www.costacruises.com and 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 onboard 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.What about laundry and dry cleaning services?
Complete valet services including laundry, pressing and dry cleaning, can be arranged through your stateroom steward/stewardess and billed to your shipboard account.Travel Documents
You are responsible for obtaining all travel documents as well as compliance with Customs and Immigration requirements. You will be required to comply with all government imposed security measures, which may change without notice.
Visa Requirements:
All passengers are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and for complying with Customs and Immigration requirements.
Please check current VISA requirements with the appropriate embassies or consulates prior to departing on your cruise vacation. Kosherica is providing this application for your convenience.
Kosherica is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided herein. Please contact www.visahq.com with any questions.
Guests without proper travel documents will not be allowed to board the vessel. If for some reason you must leave the ship mid-cruise, you will be denied re-entry into the U.S. unless you possess a valid U.S. passport and no refund of cruise fare will be given to any guest failing to bring such documentation. Kosherica encourages all guests to obtain passports as soon as possible to avoid backlogs. For more information, please visit the U.S State department website at www.travel.state.gov.
Disclaimer: Cruise Kosher suggests the top Kosher Cruise Agents and is not responsible for bookings made with those companies.
