A fascinating destination in her own right, Westerdam has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards and features superb bar, entertainment and dining venues. During the day, rejuvenate with a spa treatment at the heavenly Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Head to the upper decks for a friendly game of Pickleball at Sea with top-deck views. Catch a performance at the World Stage or spend your evening on the dance floor at Rolling Stone Lounge.
The ms Westerdam is the third in Holland America Line’s series of Vista-class ships. As such, she embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system. Most of her staterooms have ocean views and many have private verandahs.
The theme of ms Westerdam’s art collection is Dutch heritage in the New World. Art ranges from paintings of historic Dutch ships, such as Henry Hudson’s Half Moon, to a huge Indian silver-overlaid wood palace doorway, a bone tobacco pipe carved in the shape of a woman’s head to a collection of 5,000-year-old pre-Columbian carved limestone figures from Ecuador. Contemporary pieces include an original Andy Warhol portrait and signature sculptures by Sedona artist Susanna Holt
Hong Kong, China
Embarkation Day
Ship Departs: 4:00 PM
Welcome aboard the magnificent Holland America Westerdam. Settle into your stateroom, meet fellow travelers, enjoy our opening Kosher reception, and begin an unforgettable voyage through Asia’s most fascinating destinations.
At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Participate in onboard activities, lectures, daily minyanim, gourmet Glatt Kosher dining, and explore the ship’s many facilities.
At Sea
A second day to unwind and fully enjoy the luxury of the Westerdam. Join enrichment programs, socialize with fellow guests, and take advantage of the ship’s entertainment and wellness offerings.
Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Arrival: 7:00 AM
Departure: 5:00 PM
Discover the natural beauty of Palawan, often referred to as the Philippines’ last ecological frontier. Explore tropical landscapes, local culture, and spectacular coastal scenery.
Boracay, Philippines
Arrival: 10:00 AM
Departure: 6:00 PM
Visit one of the world’s most celebrated tropical islands, renowned for its powder-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking island views.
Manila, Philippines
Arrival: 8:00 AM
Departure: 6:00 PM
Experience the vibrant capital of the Philippines, where Spanish colonial heritage, historic landmarks, modern districts, and bustling local markets create a fascinating blend of old and new.
Kabbalat Shabbat and Festive Shabbat Dinner Onboard
At Sea – Shabbat at Sea
Enjoy a beautiful Shabbat experience onboard featuring communal tefillot, inspiring Torah discussions, gourmet Shabbat meals, and the unique tranquility of Shabbat on the open ocean.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Arrival: 7:00 AM
Departure: 4:00 PM
Explore Taiwan’s vibrant southern port city, famous for its temples, waterfront promenades, modern architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan
Arrival: 8:00 AM
Departure: 5:00 PM
Discover Taiwan’s dynamic capital city, Taipei. Highlights may include Taipei 101, historic temples, bustling markets, and fascinating cultural landmarks.
Ishigaki Island, Japan
Arrival: 7:00 AM
Departure: 4:00 PM
Experience the tropical beauty of Okinawa Prefecture. Ishigaki offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, scenic viewpoints, and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Arrival: 7:00 AM
Departure: 5:30 PM
Visit Okinawa’s historic capital, where unique Ryukyu culture, traditional architecture, and beautiful coastal scenery create a memorable Japanese experience.
At Sea
Relax and enjoy another leisurely day at sea. Participate in onboard activities, educational lectures, and social gatherings while savoring our exceptional kosher hospitality.
Osaka, Japan
Arrival: 8:00 AM
Departure: 11:00 PM
A full day in one of Japan’s most exciting cities. Explore Osaka Castle, vibrant shopping districts, traditional neighborhoods, and world-famous Japanese culture.
Kabbalat Shabbat and Festive Shabbat Dinner Onboard
At Sea – Shabbat
Our final Shabbat together at sea. Enjoy inspiring services, meaningful camaraderie, exceptional cuisine, and time to reflect on an unforgettable journey.
Tokyo, Japan
Arrival: 8:00 AM
Disembark in Tokyo after an extraordinary voyage through Asia’s most captivating destinations, taking home memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
All prices are per person in a double cabin
Size: 151 sq. ft.
Sleeps up to: 2 guests
Bedding: Convertible twin beds to queen + sofa bed or upper bed in some cabins
Bathroom: Private bathroom with shower
Amenities: TV, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning
Highlights: Smartly designed and comfortable — best value option on board
Size: 171 sq. ft.
Sleeps up to: 2 guests
Bedding: Convertible twin beds to queen + sofa bed or upper bed in some cabins
Bathroom: Private bathroom with shower (some with bathtub)
Amenities: Large picture window, TV, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning
Highlights: Comfortable cabin with natural light and ocean views
Size: 249 sq. ft. (including balcony)
Sleeps up to: 2 guests
Bedding: Convertible twin beds to queen + sofa bed or upper bed in some cabins
Bathroom: Private bathroom with shower (some with bathtub)
Amenities: Private veranda, sitting area, TV, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning
Highlights: Enjoy ocean views and fresh air from your own private balcony
If guest cancels their reservation the following cancellation fees apply:
I am writing to you to express my thanks for all that this trip turned out to be.
Organizing and running Kosher tours is not an easy task and your company achieved a degree of professionalism and excellence which will be hard to meet.
The hotels were first class and well located in every city. The eating arrangements were superb and displayed the attention to detail which your company did so well.
Dear David and Chana,
I hope you are taking a well deserved rest after a busy time leading up to Pesach and then during the chag as well.
I want to thank you for the wonderful way in which you accomodated myself and my family. You certainly looked after us very nicely, both with regard to our rooms as well as to the area allocated to us for our seder. This certainly enhanced our chag experience.
As well I want to commend you on the interesting and varied program you organised and the pleasant atmosphere that was obvious everywhere. This was in no small way enhanced by your friendliness and responsiveness to any request made of you
I wish you continued success in all your endeavours.
I look forward to spending chag with you again in the future.
Warm regards,
We’re getting ready to takeoff back to NY and reviewing pix of our adventure – it was a pleasure to meet all of you – you enhanced our maiden voyage to Hawaii with your openness, friendliness, love of Torah, and all around warmth.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom (and minimal jet lag) and a Happy Chanukah!
Thank you Kosher travelers for a job well done!
L’Hitraot! Til we meet again!
Abe and Michaelle Zerykier
Hawai Dec 2022
Many thanks for the special efforts on my behalf. The meals in Dublin were outstanding… All the hotels were very beautiful and well located.
Aloha fellow travellers!It was a true honor getting to know each and everyone of you! Was a great tour to Hawaii!
With admiration and love, Caroline and Jay
Schechter, Miami Beach
Hawaii December 2022
Thank u to David and Chana , David and Bonnie , Rabbi and Ruchama Muskin , Rabbi and Jordana Topp…. It was truly an awesome trip to Dubai April 2023 and we met wonderful people . Everyone was so warm and friendly and we truly enjoyed meeting u all . Looking forward to seeing u all In Yerushalayim eyr hakodesh
The Kosher Travelers – a wonderfully integrated group of 35 guests included participants from age 17 up to 74 — fearlessly climbed to beautiful vistas and geological marvels of this unique country. We visited waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes, and lava generated dreamscape rock formations.
Sailing out in a motorized rubber dinghy to see the largest glacier in Europe which Icelanders talk about as if it were an old friend or a venerable relative, we toasted our arrival with a shot of Floki – a local whisky, on the rocks – in this case a chunk of 500-year-old glacier ice.
Our fantastic knowledgeable guide, Yossi Ben Ami, was so enamored of the history and geology of everyplace we visited, that his enthusiasm became contagious. The waterfalls were lacy elegant streams falling from on high or thundering torrents rivaling the legendary Sambatyon River which rages six days a week and rests on Shabbos.
Our delicious meals were always beautifully presented usually in our own private dining room. For Shabbat we were treated to delicious meals at the Chabad house in Rejkavik, Iceland’s capital city. Rebbetzin Mushky and Rabbi Avi Feldman were most gracious hosts.
We flew up to Akureyri, known as the Northern capital of Iceland. A delightful small town, which boasts the northern most botanical garden in the world, traffic lights which feature a heart-shaped red light, and an airport runway in the middle of a fjord and a protected nature preserve know as the Black Castle where huge lava formations suggest birds, cathedrals, or whatever your imagination can conjure up.
On our last day we visited the Sky Lagoon – a heavenly Oceanside thermal spa. While there, after luxuriating in the relaxing warmth you can go in for the ‘Ritual’ treatment which starts with a dunk in rather cold water then continues with a salt/mineral scrub, a sauna and other delights.
The hotels were all well-located and comfortable. The other tour members from around the United States, Europe and Israel were a fun-loving, intelligent, cosmopolitan, amiable group.
Kosher Travelers has many other imaginative invigorating trips planned. Don’t leave home without them. Contact the company at koshertravelers.com.
Helen Weiss Pincus, New Jersey
Iceland August 2022
I was also at Kosher Travelers in Rhodes. Great program. David and Chana Walles came over to each of us personally and introduced themselves on first day- they were extremely welcoming and accommodating. Food great and plentiful. Staff amazing. Good camp and entertainment. Beautiful hotel with nice grounds and stunning trails in the area. Very well organized luxury program. I would definitely book with Kosher Travelers again.
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