Kosher Food charges on Celebrity

Fern · #1 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2011, 08:57 PM

While I don't keep Kosher, I can't help but think this is a very bad idea

. From what I've read, the meals will cost about $35.00 per day, per person. Unless they've installed a Kosher kitchen (I don't think so!) these are frozen meals, reheated as necessary. I can't believe they're charging this amount. I'd like to hear what other people think.

Henry43 · #2 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2011, 09:18 PM

On my last cruise there were 61 members of an Orthodox synagogue from Fla. I heard that they had food flown in for the cruise and were charged for each meal .

Kamloops Cruiser · #3 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2011, 09:47 PM

If they are like HAL or Princess they don't charge extra for Kosher or any other
special meal.

Trip · #4 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2011, 09:50 PM

http://media.celebritycruises.com/ce...a_la_carte.pdf

The preperation is prepared on site...

Fern · #5 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2011, 06:35 PM

Thanks Trip. I couldn't find that info yesterday. Today I see that it says:

Quote:

In addition to our current selection of complimentary kosher meals, we're proud to introduce Premium Kosher Meals. High quality dishes are Glatt Kosher certified and made from scratch under the strict supervision of the O.U. and USDA. Pricing is per item and prices are subject to change.

That makes a difference! The article I read didn't say "In addition..." . I'm still unclear as to how they'll be sure everything is Glatt Kosher. Will the food still be frozen, or will it be cooked in a separate kitchen? Who'll be checking? It just seems strange... .

Trip · #6 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2011, 06:38 PM

Fern, for sure it's an exacting procedure to have this done according to Kashruth laws, but I would think, if it veered off one iota, they would be opening themselves up to lawsuits, and, a major public relations nightmare.

Kamloops Cruiser · #7 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2011, 06:46 PM

Kosher food is made on shore and sent to the ship frozen. That's why they ask you to chose your meal for the next day , the day before.
The same for any special diets you chose your meal the day before.

Fern · #8 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2011, 06:47 PM

Trip, I agree! That's why I think it must still be frozen food heated and served in the closed package.

There would be so many chances for errors if not, especially since many employees wouldn't understand the seriousness of the rules. I guess they must have themselves covered, somehow!

doopydozer, we were posting at the same time! I'm glad to have that cleared up. I just couldn't see how they could prepare Glatt Kosher food onboard! Thanks,

Trip · #9 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2011, 06:59 PM

As an aside to this post...someone my hubby knows, once booked airfare,and requested a Kosher meal. At the airport they asked if anyone would be willing to get compensated, and give up their seat.....this man, said he would, till they looked at the manifest..They refused his offer, stating a special meal was made for him....live and learn, huh?

Henry43 · #10 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2011, 09:40 PM

We keep kosher at home but not out of the home .

Parrot Mom · #11 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2011, 09:40 PM

Glatt Kosher compared to plain Kosher is in another category and I don't see how unless the ship has a special kitchen can accomodate those cruisers.. Yet, in the Jewish newspapers I do see Kosher cruises offered occasionally. One of the secrets of flying I'm told is that many non-Jewish people ask for Kosher meals as they are much different than the regular meals offered to fliers with others getting a choice of vegetarian meals...there must be a list of special meals that can be ordered. I know at one time I did request a kosher meal...but that was years ago.Now, if the main stream cruise lines offered Passover menus..do you know how much work it would save for the Jewish woman that "does" Passover with changing dishes, pots and pans, etc..lol

PapaBear · #12 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2011, 03:36 PM

My wife and I were on a Celebrity cruise in December 2010. We were seated at a table, and it turned out that one of the couples were Jewish. She mentioned that they kept Kosher in their home. I asked how did this affect their dining on the ship. The answer was "We avoid pork dishes."
Other than this, they ordered dinners from the regular menu.

I lived in Jerusalem, Israel for 10-years (as a Christian). So I am very familiar with all sorts of Kosher. I was able to buy pork chops to cook at home. Also in restaurants in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Jaffa. Also, shellfish in a cafe in Jaffa. But we also bought groceries in a huge supermarket (Mega) where every item in the store is Kosher.

PapaBear

Henry43 · #13 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parrot Mom

Glatt Kosher compared to plain Kosher is in another category and I don't see how unless the ship has a special kitchen can accomodate those cruisers.. Yet, in the Jewish newspapers I do see Kosher cruises offered occasionally. One of the secrets of flying I'm told is that many non-Jewish people ask for Kosher meals as they are much different than the regular meals offered to fliers with others getting a choice of vegetarian meals...there must be a list of special meals that can be ordered. I know at one time I did request a kosher meal...but that was years ago.Now, if the main stream cruise lines offered Passover menus..do you know how much work it would save for the Jewish woman that "does" Passover with changing dishes, pots and pans, etc..lol

I know people who are black hat orthodox .They eat in restaurants that are kosher but open 7 days a week. To me that makes no sense .

Rev22:17 · #14 (**permalink**) March 14th, 2011, 05:43 PM

Henry,

Quote:

Originally Posted by You

I know people who are black hat orthodox .They eat in restaurants that are kosher but open 7 days a week. To me that makes no sense .

It reminds me of a warrant officer with whom I served. Tom was a deacon at the local Southern Baptist Church. Catching him "bending an elbow" at a "hail and farewell" for the ship's officers, I said, "Tom, I thought you Southern Baptists didn't drink."

"No, Norm, you misunderstand," he replied. "A Southern Baptist is not a person who doesn't drink. A Southern Baptist is a person who does not drink in front of other Southern Baptists."

Norm.

Paul Motter · #15 (**permalink**) March 14th, 2011, 07:33 PM

When I lived in NY City I taught computer classes at school where many Talmudic took classes. I recall I went with them to the West Side one day and they were so happy to be near the Kosher Pizza restaurant (they all know it) near Hell's Kitchen.

Just reminiscing...

Henry43 · #16 (**permalink**) March 14th, 2011, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Motter

When I lived in NY City I taught computer classes at school where many Talmudic took classes. I recall I went with them to the West Side one day and they were so happy to be near the Kosher Pizza restaurant (they all know it) near Hell's Kitchen.

Just reminiscing...

This past Friday I was in Brooklyn and had kosher pizza for the first time since I moved from there .There is a distinctive taste difference .

Fern · #17 (**permalink**) March 15th, 2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev22:17

Henry,

It reminds me of a warrant officer with whom I served. Tom was a deacon at the local Southern Baptist Church. Catching him "bending an elbow" at a "hail and farewell" for the ship's officers, I said, "Tom, I thought you Southern Baptists didn't drink."

"No, Norm, you misunderstand," he replied. "A Southern Baptist is not a person who doesn't drink. A Southern Baptist is a person who does not drink in front of other Southern Baptists."

Norm.

Good one, Norm!