Passover /Hanukkah

[canadanewsman]

With Passover beginning April 14, 2014, I asked about a First Night Seder. Here is the response from Princess. You might want to check individual ships once you get onboard.

We respect our passengers' religious beliefs and invite them to practice on their own or with their fellow passengers. Passengers who wish to lead religious services may volunteer by contacting the Passenger Services desk or a member of the Cruise Staff. In some cases, our shipboard staff will lead services. However, Princess Cruises does not place clergy on board our vessels.

Clergy traveling as Passengers onboard our vessels are welcome to conduct services while sailing. They should leave their name, cabin number, and services offered at the Passenger Services Desk and they will be contacted by a member of the Cruise Director's Staff. Approval of services will be made based on schedule suitability, appropriate onboard supplies, etc. Please bring your Letter of Celebret or Letter of Good Standing with you to provide to the onboard staff.

Please note that during Passover, there will be a Seder service (including Passover meal) held onboard. For Hanukkah, services are available and will be passenger-led with wine, Challah bread, prayers and an electric Menorah (no candles or live flames) provided by Princess. Supplies are present and available for anyone who wants to lead the service at 5:30 pm on Friday evenings

[Cruisin' Chick]

We were on the Island Princess during Hanukkah in 2005. I saw an item about the menorah lighting for the first night in the Vista Lounge. When we got there, there were plenty of passengers. The retired rabbi who was going to lead the festivities invited everyone to bring their menorahs to the tables in front of them -- I was surprised by the many ones families brought (we left ours at home but I'd found a sticky foam menorah kit at Michaels, so that was in our cabin attached to our TV). Then the rabbi invited the "kinder" to come up front and help him with the candles (and we're talking about non-electric candles). We've gone on two holiday sailings since then, but Hanukkah didn't fall during those.

 

I would suggest that anyone who wants to celebrate to put in a request for any food products and wine that they'll need (but come prepared with whatever items you can bring).

[caribill]

 

Please note that during Passover, there will be a Seder service (including Passover meal) held onboard.

 

No hint who will lead it.

 

By the way, there will be matzoh available in the dining room and in the buffet. However many on the dining staff will have no idea what you are asking for, so you may need to ask a headwaiter in the dining room or a supervisor at the buffet to get it.

[Arlened236]

We were on the Grand Princess last year during Passover. There was a wonderful Rabbi from Charlotte who led a Seder, on the first 2 nights . It was an amazing dinner attended by over 40 people. Matzoh was available each night in the MDR and our friends ordered (frozen) Passover kosher meals for lunch and dinner.

Our friends has their TA contact Princess prior to the cruise to make sure the kosher Passover food would be available for them. This was a 15 day RT SF TO

Hawaii cruise.