|
|
May 23, 2003/Iyar 21 5763, Vol. 55, No. 39
Kosher cruise caters to observant Jews
JAMES L. JANOFF
Jewish Standard, New Jersey
If Matthew Shollar never eats a frozen kosher meal again, he will be content.
With a wife and six children in tow, he knows the nightmare of worrying about eating while on vacation. On one trip, his food was inedible because it was defrosted prematurely.
Shollar, a 35-year-old Pennsylvania rabbi who has an extensive background in Internet, marketing and travel ventures, knew that there had to be a better way for observant Jews to travel.
Shollar is chief executive officer of Chosen Voyage, whose literature invites the reader to "think outside the Catskills."
For several weeks this fall and early next year, Shollar and his investors will charter the entire Windstar Wind Surf, the world's largest sailing vessel, for kosher travelers. The ship offers 31 ocean-view suites and 123 deluxe ocean-view staterooms.
"We are taking a very new and exciting approach to kosher travel," he says. "Chosen Voyage will present some of the best travel experiences in the world to an audience that has not had the ability to enjoy upscale travel without compromises."
Chosen Voyage will feature Shabbat at sea under full sail in the middle of the azure Caribbean. The Wind Surf provides many options for observance, including two pools for separate swimming and a dedicated bet midrash for prayers and learning. All cabins are equipped with locks that do not need to be opened electronically on Shabbat.
"We will even clean the milk and meat dishes on separate decks to avoid any mistakes," Shollar says.
Through research and focus groups, Shollar and company found that observant consumers tend to travel many times a year and have higher-than-average household incomes. Therefore, he wanted a ship that could offer the finest amenities and facilities like separate meat and dairy kitchens.
"Windstar constantly ranks highest in the Cond‚ Nast Traveler survey," Shollar adds. "Besides, our guests will feast on the highest quality and selection of foods."
Be prepared to nosh till you drop as Shollar will choose from more than 800 award-winning recipes made by Windstar chefs and adapt them to the laws of kashrut.
Overeat? Not to worry. The Wind Surf features a complete fitness center and workout studio, two hot tubs and two saltwater pools. The ship will be out of service 24 hours before a voyage for kashering.
"We're even bringing aboard our own pastry chef," he says.
The first voyage out, a Chabad cruise Dec. 1-7 that will take open bookings, will begin at Fort Lauderdale and goes on to Salt Cay, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and San Juan. On this voyage only, passengers will spend a full day at Half Moon Cay, enjoy separate beaches for men and women, both separate and private couples' watersports activities, and onshore kosher beach barbecues.
Other voyages will leave from San Juan and go to Virgin Gorda, Marigot, St. Martin, Nevis, St. Barthelemy and Dominica, and return to San Juan.
Matthew Shollar is a man with a mission. He works a 12- to 14-hour day and has little time for other interests.
"The Wind Surf accommodates 300 guests, which is the perfect size for what we need," he says.
The ship boasts three restaurants, a patisserie, poolside grill, a casino and a business facility with Internet capability.
Shollar feels his travelers deserve the ultimate religious experience. He buys new china and silverware; he rents a portable ark; he provides Torahs and books for the ship's learning centers; orders more than 1,100 bottles of assorted kosher wines for tastings; and plans a complete Judaica exhibition.
The ship can be fully chartered, or partly chartered with open bookings, and, Shollar says, there will also be open booking weeks. He hopes to arrange two simultaneous cruises next Passover.
Chosen Voyage cruises are priced in line with standard Windstar cruises. Five seven-day sailings are planned for December and January. Cruises begin at $1,999 per person and climb to $4,099 for suites. Visit www.chosenvoyage.com.
|
