We are Reform Jews that are more Jew-ish. Daniel eat anything, but chooses to eat kosher during Pesach. Jess is the same, with the caveat of her allergies/sensitivities.

Jewish Holidays

We chose to not cruise during Pesach as we don't want to restrict ourselves when on a cruise. It has nothing related to questioning how DCL would accommodate the dietary restrictions.

We refuse to sail around the High Holy Days because it is important to us that we be with family and attend services. This has nothing to do with DCL and just our own decision.

We generally don't travel in December mostly due to it being an incredibly busy time for Jess's job. There is also a family birthday that often coincides with Hanukkah, our family tries to meet up on a weekend to celebrate both.

Shabbat/Candles

There is no space set aside for spiritual activities on any ship. In general, there also isn't a spiritual leader onboard unless they are on their own vacation. Because we don't sail during certain holidays, I can't say if they do anything for them. We did sail on a Merry Time cruise, but there was nothing related to Hanukkah.

Candles are prohibited items. I have a battery operated yahrzeit candle that I pack if that date occurs during our cruise. Amazon has a number of options for shabbat and battery or USB hanukkiah.

The folks we've met on cruises have all been wonderful and open to others doing their own thing. I'm sure if you gave the dining team advanced notice, they would have a challah for you! Some of your tablemates may want to learn about the prayers.

Kashrut

Before you cruise, after booking, there is a section on the Already Booked > My Reservations screen for Special Requests. This is where you find Dietary Preferences.

You'll notice that Kosher is an option but needs to be made 35 days ahead of sailing. You'll want to confirm it with your dining team and with any specialty dining that you are going to. We've found that sometimes this section doesn't always get to the dining team and it rarely, if ever, gets to specialty dining.