Kosherica has three Kosher Mediterranean cruises in the summer of 2018. I blogged about the Venice/Greek Island cruises extensively, but the Western Mediterranean Kosher cruise is 7 days of extraordinary experience. Any passenger who took it, returned home richer in culture with exposure to the roots of the renaissance, the most important hotbeds of art and culture and furthermore, a personal glance into Jewish history.
The cruise embarks in Barcelona, Spain on August 19, 2018 at 6:00pm, thus giving passengers plenty of time to immerse in the beauty of this breathtaking city. Even if one has only a few hours, try taking a ride by the UNESCO listed la Sagrada Familia, Casa Batililo, La Pedrera and whatever you can fit in. Antoni Gaudi is the mastermind behind most of the modernist masterpieces in the city, and his work is so unique there is nothing quite like it anywhere in the world. If the time allows you only a drive through Barcelona, Gaudi’s signature is prevalent all over, with his undulating lines and spiraling chimneys and fairy talelike imagination. If you haven’t the time for a guided tour, read up about the brilliant artist who didn’t just design buildings but made stunning works of art, even in a 20th century bourgeois residence. His own story is fascinating – Google and read how the flamboyant genius created his stunning works.
The Picasso museum is there of course, displaying some of the best pieces by the artist. Barcelona is so amazing that many famous film directors chose to star it in their movie, anthropomorphized as a living breathing entity.
The beautiful Epic by Norwegian Cruise lines is awaiting to dazzle you with its unparalleled entertainment that won the award of Best Cruise Ship Entertainment by Frommer’s. World class performers offering nearly unattainable orchestra tickets to new Broadway shows, as part of the cruise experience that is offered on board.
The ship has a new wave of accommodations too, beginning with cute Studios designed and priced for the solo traveler who might just meet their ‘beshert’ on the cruise. It has all the amenities and comfort but the size is smartly designed for a single person. There are the delightful spacious staterooms facing the water and the ports of call, with a sweeping private balcony. The design is brilliant, with a desk and sitting area, queen bed and curved walls. Extra beds and cots may be brought in for the kids, with room to spare. Even the smaller inside staterooms, with two single beds, which can combine to a queen bed if so wished, are beautiful though more affordable. All the above have a cleverly designed separate bathroom with shower, curved walls, vanity sinks and mirrors. The mini suite or family Haven suites come with a balcony and can comfortably accommodate six people. The bedroom has either a queen bed or two single beds with room for two more. The living room can sleep two more people and it has a choice of a tub or shower, curved walls and sitting area. The beds are separate but if combined two beds makes a comfortable queen bed.
Then, finally the ship offers the apotheosis in luxury, the private Haven, a heavenly deluxe suite with a large glass wall, framed by floor to ceiling windows, a huge balcony, a king-sized bed with a room to match, a living room with a separate dining area, all facing the ocean. The bathroom is a luxurious dream, with a whirlpool tub, separate shower and makeup area separate from the toilet. You’ll have additional beds and bedding to accommodate two more guests in comfort. There is a direct access to the Courtyard area as well.
All the staterooms have their own butler and concierge, amazing service, bed turn down while at dinner and a surprise animal made of a crisp folded towel awaiting you and it may even be hanging from the ceiling above your bed. If you appreciate talent and great service you’ll be delighted. The kids might even squeal with joy and insist on taking home the towel monkey as their new pet.
Then to the star of cruise: the Glatt Kosher gourmet meal, made from the finest ingredients to be found anywhere, prepared by expertly trained chefs, under the vigilant eyes of the Maritime Glatt Kosher mashgichim.
Dinner is an event, with endless courses of finger-licking delights. Soft lights and music, elegant menus and tables set for supreme comfort and visual pleasure. The food, as I’ve said before, is second to none, with a huge variety and so many delectable options to choose from. If you’re vegan or vegetarian they’ll accommodate. Gluten free? No problem. Just let Kosherica know ahead of the cruise and all your dietary needs will be catered to lavishly.