As Crystal Serenity sails to Ashdod, Israel and Crystal Symphony cruises New Zealand.  In keeping with Jewish tradition, there will be a seder plate blessed by a rabbi, along with a participatory recitation of the Passover Haggadah, sing-a-longs and a lavish four-course holiday feast. 

Crystal Serenity guests will celebrate Passover March 30, on the "Modern & Ancient Marvels" voyage of the World Cruise from Dubai to Athens, while Crystal Symphony guests celebrate April 1, at the start of their "Vineyards and Fiords" cruise from Auckland to Sydney.  To accommodate Jewish guests disembarking Crystal Symphony's previous cruise on the first day of Passover, a ceremony and feast will also be offered on March 29. 

The celebration, which typically draws more than 100 participants, is executed authentically and in Crystal's signature six-star fashion.  Says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations, "Our guests relish the warm environment of friendship and extended family created during holiday celebrations on board."

The holiday meal will begin with gefilte fish accompanied by horseradish, followed by chicken soup with matzoh balls.  Roasted chicken will be the featured entrée, complemented by carrot tzimmes, roasted artichokes, potato latkes and cranberry sauce.  For dessert, a rich honey nut raisin cake served with wine sabayon, fruit sorbet with berries and coconut macaroons.

In addition to the March 29 and 30 dinners, kosher food selections are available throughout the Passover holiday.  Although Crystal Cruises does not have a separate kosher kitchen, the guest rabbis may supervise the food as it is prepared in the galley.  In keeping with kosher standards for food service, Crystal Cruises will sterilize plates, silverware and glassware upon guests' arrival and guests may utilize the same dishware throughout the cruise. 

Crystal Symphony's 12-day voyages sail between Sydney and Auckland on March 18 and March 30, while Crystal Serenity sails from Dubai to Athens on March 15 on a 19-day cruise.  Two-for-one cruise fares respectively start at $6,530 and $12,425 per person, double occupancy.

ITIENRARY	DAYS	DATE	PRICE	PORT TAXES	ACTION
Dubai to Athens	19 Days	03/15	$12,425	$425
Sydney to Auckland	12 Days	03/18	$6,530	$305