Hanukkah on the Fantasy

[firsttimecruisin]

Our cruise will take place over Hanukkah (early December). I saw that the boat is decorated for Christmas starting in November, but I am curious if they do anything to celebrate Hanukkah on to ship for anyone who celebrates? I know we can't bring a menorah and light our own candles, but would love it if there was a menorah lighting each night in one area. I know most people wouldn't participate, but we definitely would

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Our cruise will take place over Hanukkah (early December). I saw that the boat is decorated for Christmas starting in November, but I am curious if they do anything to celebrate Hanukkah on to ship for anyone who celebrates? I know we can't bring a menorah and light our own candles, but would love it if there was a menorah lighting each night in one area. I know most people wouldn't participate, but we definitely would

I checked a past Navigator, and there were Hanukkah services in Cabanas on at least the first night of one of the Christmas cruises in 2014.

Of course, whether they had them every night would depend on which particular week you cruise.

 

[firsttimecruisin]

Thanks! I think 5 of the 7 nights of the cruise are over Hanukkah, so it's promising to hear that at least one night it could be recognized. Thanks!

 

[pgroom48]

I'm curious why you couldn't bring a menorah that uses lights instead of candles? My office uses them since we can't have an open flame. Perhaps not the most authentic but would it work?

 

[firsttimecruisin]

Ive thought about bringing the electrical one but its bulky and breakable (each light is glass). Plus I love the actual candle lighting part I also need to figure out if we will do presents with the kids while we are onboard or just let them pick out a souvenir and make that their gift!

 

[roxy84]

We cruised on the Dream for Hanukkah in 2012. There was a Rabbi on board and there was a quick family friendly service every night. The fun part was they had real candles for lighting! Was told this is the only time they light candles on board - not sure if they still do or not. There was about 10 or so families the first night as well as a few crew members. The kids got something (not sure what it was as we don't have kids) and there was food available. They also had an electrical menorah on the guest services counter for the cruise. As for your room - you can get vinyl stick on/gel menorahs which would be travel friendly.

 

[kiford]

Ive thought about bringing the electrical one but its bulky and breakable (each light is glass). Plus I love the actual candle lighting part I also need to figure out if we will do presents with the kids while we are onboard or just let them pick out a souvenir and make that their gift!

If you want to keep your packing to a minimum, you could give them a card as a gift that tells them that they can pick their own souvenir. That way they also won't see it in the suitcase and keeps it a bit of a surprise for them.