Kosher Summer River Cruises 2022 In Europe

CRUISE KOSHER WITH US

 

OUR KOSHER RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION

 

DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

JUNE 8th and JULY 6th DEPARTURES

 

EXCLUSIVE KOSHER CRUISES

 

WE CREATE UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS IN TIME MEMORIES THAT CARRY YOU THROUGH A LIFETIME ENHANCING AND ENRICHING OUR JEWISH LIVES

 

The Danube River runs over 2,800 kilometers (or 1,800 miles).

 

As Europe’s second largest river, it runs through more countries than any other river in the world. Its grace and beauty have birthed a colorful history, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, the rebuilding of Eastern Europe, and the diverse, fascinating history of the Jewish people.

 

Join our extended family of tens of thousands of satisfied cruise customers throughout the decades. Our Kosher Cruise is an experience you will not want to miss. You’ll savor these memories for a lifetime.

 

The Danube River is the soul of Central Europe.

 

Sailing through Spectacular Scenery of four divers countries, the Danube cruises are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

 

While crossing along these culture-rich banks, you will visit old country villages, Mystery Castles and medieval Fortresses. Your journey will take you back to the rich and fascinating history of some of the most important cities in Europe wile your luxury ship indulges you with rich flavors of the area.

 

We invite you to join us for a journey of a lifetime

ALL-INCLUSIVE KOSHER CRUISE

 

As a leading cruise operator with more than 30 years of experience operating full charter ships in rivers worldwide and servicing thousands of satisfied passengers, we love introducing our river cruises to new customers. 5 years ago, we approached the religious Jewish community in Israel and offered them all-inclusive, Kosher cruise vacation packages. The phenomenal success of these vacations inspired us to put together an exceptional team of Rabbis and Mashgichim to help us further develop our Kosher Cruises.

 

Whether it’s in our hotels, ocean ships or river cruises, our customers feel safe knowing we offer the strict Kosher supervision they can trust.

 

As the only company experienced with both operating river cruises and providing Kosher tours we are uniquely positioned to combine those two areas of expertise into one great product.

 

The obvious advantage of a Kosher river cruise is the ship’s size.

 

Operating a small 5* vessel with a maximum of 140-160 guests allows us to offer a customized itinerary and a personal atmosphere.

 

A RIVER CRUISE:

THE PERFECT LUXURY VACATION

 

After more than 30 years of operating river cruises around the globe, we can confidently say a river cruise is THE perfect vacation for anyone seeking a unique experience.

 

Onboard our five-star ships are professional crew members that are at your service throughout your stay. Our dedicated team members greet you in the morning as you step out of your cabin to enjoy a delicious breakfast, and when you return to your cabinfrom an excursion, waiting for you with a hot/cold drink or a wet towel.

 

Professional guides are an important part of any successful tour.

 

Our guides specialize in European cities and Jewish culture, and are truly passionate about their work.

 

OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE KOSHER PACKAGE

 

Our River Cruises are all-inclusive.

 

There are no added costs or hidden fees.

 

As you arrive onboard our crew members will assist with your luggage, check-in and help you settle into your cabin.

 

All of our cruises include shore excursions, exploring both Jewish history and local sites.

 

Onboard you will enjoy lectures from professional guides and live music shows from local bands.

 

We offer the highest quality and luxury standard of cuisine. Our Master Chefs and their cooking teams create unforgettable dining experiences. We offer fine dining experiences on all of our river ships with the best kosher chefs. Kosher wine will be served with meals. WIFI Internet is available on board.

 

WELCOME ABOARD OUR SHIP:

MS RIVER VOYAGER 5*****

 

The amazing MS River Voyager sets a new standard for luxury on the rivers of Europe. Ship features deluxe larger Staterooms - mostly with French balconies, elegant dining room and its special Captain’s Lounge with its retractable Ceiling which allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

You can also find onboard reception, gift shop, fitness center and Massage room. This Deluxe river ship also features an intimate and relaxing cruising experience, with no more than 168 passengers on board.

 

GOLDEN TOURS INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN A PERFECT RIVER CRUISE VACATION

 

 

OUR KOSHER INCLUSIVE PACKAGE:

River Cruise Package includes:

 

 

Not included in the package price: 

 

 

YOU ARE THE BEST PART OF OUR SUCCESS

 

We are so honored and feel so fortunate to get a vote of confidence from so many of our returning guests. We make it our business to make sure you know that you are the most important person on our cruise .Our staff really sees you. They will remember your drink order from day one, take the time to get to know your interests so that they could recommend that special hidden bistro that nobody else knows and even help you surprise your better half for your anniversary.

 

Some of our guests have been choosing us over and over again for decades, and the reason for that is simple: We always judge ourselves by our guest’s smiles.

MAGNIFICENT DANUBE KOSHER CRUISE ITINERARY

FROM: BUDAPEST

TO: PASSAU

7 NIGHTS CRUISE

 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1: Budapest

Transportation will be provided from Budapest Airport to our ship, where you will have time to check in and settle into your cabins. Tonight, we will meet for our welcome dinner with the Captain and our onboard crew. We will dock in Budapest overnight.

 

Day 2: Budapest

 

Discover the magical city of Budapest with a guided bus & walking tour. Hungary’s capital is often referred to as the “Paris of the East” and is a favorite among travelers worldwide. The tour will give you a sense of Budapest’s colorful history alongside insights into the vital role the city’s division by the Danube river has played in society over the centuries; One side is known as “Buda” and the other as “Pest”.

 

Our first stop is the famous Neolog Synagogue, also known as the Dohanny Synagogue, Europe’s largest synagogue. Designed in oriental style, it can seat some 3,000 people. This location is also home to the Heroes Temple, Jewish Memorial, museum, and graveyard. Built on the site of Herzl’s home, it is no surprise that the 13-year old Theodor celebrated his Bar Mitzvah here.

 

Our next stop is the Jewish Museum and other famous monuments located on Andrássy Út street, including the exquisitely designed Opera House, Hero’s Square, the underground market and St. Stephen’s Church. Lastly, we’ll visit the Parliament, which strikingly resembles the British Parliament building, with its nearly 20 km of corridors! Return to the ship for lunch

 

This afternoon we’ll cross the famous chain bridge and visit the historic Buda Castle and coronation of the Matthias church, where the famous Sisi and her husband were crowned as Hungarian rulers. Take in the unforgettable views of the city from the fabulous Fisherman’s Bastion before We’ll meet for dinner followed by a live band show as our ship sets sail to Bratislava.

 

Days 3+4: Bratislava

 

Scenery cruise from Budapest

 

As our ship sails out of the heart of Budapest on the picturesque Danube River we’ll pass under several stunning bridges, enjoying views of the magnificent architecture lining the riverbanks on both the ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ sides of the city. The Banks of the Danube in Budapest are UNESCO-listed historical landmarks, recognized for their well-preserved, stunning beauty.

 

We will reach Bratislava during lunch and later travel by coach to visit Chatam Sofer’s burial site. Sofer was a widely influential posek and leader of the prestigious Pressburg Yeshiva.

 

Hundreds of students and extended family members who are influential in the Jewish community ensure Sofer’s teachings and writings continue to inspire today. A visit to his burial place is an uplifting way to greet Shabbat in Bratislava. We will Return to the ship to prepare for Shabbat. Our cantor will lead Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv prayers.

 

On Shabbat morning, we will visit the local Jewish community in Bratislava’s Heydukova Street Synagogue, Bratislava’s only Synagogue and one of only four active synagogues in Slovakia.

 

While three other synagogues survived the Holocaust, they were demolished in the 1960s. Bratislava’s Synagogue also houses the Bratislava Jewish Community Museum, a Slovak National Cultural Monument. It is also home to the prestigious Pressburg Yeshiva. Following morning services, a community leader will take us on a private tour of the museum, located on the upper level of the Synagogue. We will learn about the Jewish community of Bratislava, which pre-World War II accounted for 12% of the population. We’ll explore the captivating collection of Judaica and religious artifacts, many of which were formerly hidden and later collected and preserved by members of the Jewish community. We’ll return to the ship for a Shabbat meal. After Shabbat dinner, we will have some time to rest before enjoying a lecture, tea and cakes. Following the lecture, we will have Seudah Shlishit with our cantor leading us in song.

 

We will pray and do Havdalah. Our ship will continue sailing as soon as Shabbat ends

 

Day 5: Vienna

 

Our morning begins with a visit to the first district and a bus tour of the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s circular boulevard, which boasts some of the city’s most spectacular sights: The Parliament Building, City Hall, Opera House, palaces, museums and parks.

 

After the bus tour, we’ll continue by foot to the elegant Kärntner Strasse and Graben pedestrian areas and visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

 

Our tour continues to its Jewish part. During the middle ages, Vienna was home to a thriving Jewish community, one of the largest and most important in Europe. Famous Rabbis taught and worked here, making Vienna an influential center of Jewish culture and knowledge. This lively and creative environment ended violently in 1420-21, with the expulsion and murder of the Viennese Jews. The ruins of the then-destroyed synagogue, excavated under the Judenplatz in 1995, bears witness to the life and destruction of that medieval community. The Museum at Judenplatz opened in 2000 as a branch of the Jewish Museum of Vienna. The city also unveiled the solemn Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial in Judenplatz; A reinforced concrete cube designed by British artist Rachel Whiteread, resembling a library with its volumes turned inside out. Our museum tour includes an animated virtual tour about Jewish life that allows us to walk through a reconstruction of the city virtually. It also showcases the Jewish festivals and customs of  the time, making for a lively depiction of life in this medieval Jewish community. New information, including scientific and architectural findings, continue to shed more light on medieval Jewish Vienna. Return to the ship for lunch.

 

This afternoon we will visit Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg family, most notably Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi. Boasting 1441 rooms, this breathtaking palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Vienna. The history of the palace and its vast gardens, which spans over 300 years, exhibits the changing tastes, interests and aspirations of the Habsburg monarchs. Today it is mostly back to its original condition and is quite a sight to see!

 

This evening, join us for an optional excursion to a concert in Vienna. As the German name suggests, the “Kursalon Palace’’ was initially conceived as a spa resort. Over time, this magnificent building in the heart of Vienna has grown into a vibrant hotspot for classical music. In the very place where Johann Strauss used to direct his orchestra from the first violin position, Vienna’s classical music scene can once again be experienced in all of its essence and glory. Accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and enchanting ballet soloists, this classical concert is an experience you don’t want to miss!

 

Day 6: Durnstein & Melk

 

This Morning we dock in Dürnstein, on the stunning Danube Riverbank. Surrounded by luscious vineyards, this charming small town is known as the Pearl of the Wachau Valley. Marvel at the ancient 12th-century castle, famous for the King of England’s imprisonment, Richard the Lion-Hearted. Visit the town’s center to get a fantastic view of the surrounding valley and castle ruins. Return to the ship for lunch as we sail to Melk.

 

Scenery cruise along The Wachau Valley

 

Nestled between Krems and Melk, the picturesque Wachau valley was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its agricultural and architectural landscape. The remarkablypreserved medieval scenery has evolved organically over time, while the architecture brilliantly showcases the development of the region and its people over many centuries. The Wachau has inspired romantic legends for centuries, and its castles are full of tales of love and heartbreak, dating back to medieval days. Considered one of Austria’s most important wine regions, terraced vineyards along this part of the Danube produce fruity Rieslings and Grüne Veltliners, two of Austria’s most popular white wines.

 

This afternoon we’ll visit Melk. This charming city is located at the Northwestern tip of Austria, at the confluence of the Danube and Melk rivers in the luscious UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley. It’s famous for the Baroque-style Benedictine Monastery, known as the Melk Abbey, one of Austria’s great cultural highlights and Europe’s largest abbey. Its sheer physical dominance attests to the spiritual and cultural importance that it has held throughout the ages. We’ll also tour the Monastery’s stunning library, which dates back to the 12th century. We will visit a subcamp of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp, which dates back to the end of WWII, as well as other important historical sites including the old post office building, the Coloman fountain, the “House on the Rock” (which was built in the 15th century and is the oldest building in the city), and the municipal square. We will Return to the ship for dinner. After dinner we’ll enjoy a live show with a local band. Tonight our ship sails to Linz.

 

Day 7: Linz

 

After lunch our tour of Linz begins. This beautiful city is the second-most populated in Austria, first settled by Romans during the first century AD. Today Linz iz one of Austria’s most thriving cultural centers, specifically known for its antiques and arts scene. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through Linz as we discover the great sites of this city, including the main square, which is one of the loveliest squares in all of Europe, lined with Rococo and Baroque architecture.

 

After lunch you are welcome to enjoy the last part of our scenic cruise towards Passau as we sail through the impressive Upper Austrian Danube. Crossing through picturesque landscapes, we will pass the extremely narrow and the world famous Schlögener Schlinge, the Danube river’s loop, located halfway between Passau and Linz. As we enter Passau and the colorful confluence of the three rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz emerge before us, we say goodbye to one of Europe’s most exciting rivers. Join us tonight for a farewell dinner with our captain and crew.

 

Day 8: Passau - disembarkation

 

After breakfast transportation will be provided from the ship to the nearest airport

 

KASHRUT

 

KASHRUT ROTENBERG

RABBI NACHEMIA ROTENBERG, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

 

Our Kosher team includes a cruise manager, Rav Mashgiach and two extra Mashgichim who will be present in our 2 kitchens on board all day, making sure that the strictest Kosher supervision is observed. Our Praying Rabbi is in charge of our onboard Synagogue (with our Sefer Torah) and will conduct the Havdalah and Shabat prayers. He will also be our Cantor for Shabat.

 

Our entertainment crew includes a lecturer and a band, alongside our amazing, professional guides.

 

RABBI NACHEMIA ROTENBERG

 

Rav Nechemia Rotenberg was born and raised in Jerusalem.

 

He attended the Ponevitz Yeshiva in Bnei Brak earning his teaching certification by the Chief Rabbanit and studied under Rav Mordechai Eliyahu z”l at the Kol Yaakov Beit Midrash.

 

In 2002, Rotenberg was invited to serve as the Rabbi of theVienna community and head of “Zahut Beit Midrash”. In this capacity, he was asked by many around the world to supervise Badatz Kashrut in the Austrian region and served as the Kashrut supervisor by the OU. Prior to arriving in Austria, Rav Nechemia had a weekly radio program in Israel about Kashrut, discussing various Kashrut related issues.

 

His primary scope of responsibility over the past decade has been supervising Kashrut in hotels and worldwide cruises, which requires a broad-scope knowledge of industrial chefs, how kitchens are kashered, and many food products from all over the world.

 

Over the past few years, Rav Rotenberg has been busy assembling the list of kosher products for the Viennese community, including hundreds of food items sold in major outlets throughout the continent.

 

This knowledge is seminal in enabling hotels to use local products rather than importing products from Israel or the United States.

 

Throughout the year, Rav Rotenberg works at ensuring the highest level of shechita of meats and fowl throughout Europe, at reasonable prices. He personally sends his own representatives to supervise shechita and ensure that these meats and fowl arrive at the hotels.

 

SHALOM BRODT,

MASHGIACH

 

“I wholeheartedly believe that the Kashrut level must fully comply with the strictest requirements of our passengers. And I make every effort to do so.” Shalom Brodt, Mashgiach

 

Israeli-born, Shalom received his education at Yeshivat Nechalim.

 

After completing his military service, he studied with Rav Daniel Shiloh, Rabbi of Kedumim and was awarded his certification as a Mashgiach. For almost two decades he has worked as a Mashgiach at large events halls catering to “Talmidei Yeshiva” and with Gordon Cruise, meeting the strict Kashrut needs of thousands of passengers traveling throughout the world.

 

Meat and fowls are all Glatt Kosher. The Kosher meat is sourced from Europe. It is certified Kosher Mehadrin, Bishul Yisrael, Pat Yisrael and Chalav Yisrael.

 

Shalom personally supervises the strict separation in the kitchen, ensuring that utensils are carefully labeled, and there are no deviations from the designated menu. Shalom is on the kitchen premises from early morning till late evening. He is in close contact with his Rav to continually verify Halachic inquiries.

 

As Mashgiach, Shalom aims to ensure that all meals meet the highest standard of Kashrut and dining experience expected by our passengers.

 

NATI BLOCH,

CRUISE MANAGER

 

Israeli-born to an American family, Nati Bloch has been in the cruise business since his discharge from an elite IDF combat unit. He previously studied at Midrashiat Noam in Pardes Chana and the Nokdim Mechina program.

 

Since 2012 Nati has been working in the Kosher cruise industry where, as a national religious Jew, he was determined to pioneer Kosher cruises to the broader Kosher marketplace.

 

Thanks to his manifold connections and tenacity, he was awarded the Norwegian Cruise Lines International prize for Kosher Cruises in 2019.

 

His years in yeshiva enriched his knowledge of Kashrut as did the many tours he had led and his ability to deal with diverse, manifold challenges. Today, Nati Bloch serves in a variety of roles as head of cruises, operations, and training.