#20: Departing on a Cruise Three Days Before Shabbat (Part 2)

1. Contemporary poskim (both Ashkenazic and Sephardic) disagree as to whether the prohibition of embarking on a sea voyage within three days of Shabbat applies today. Some hold that it does, at least with respect to vacation cruises (Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchatah 30:66; Star-K; R. Hershel Schachter), and some claim that many today still experience sea-sickness (Star-K). Others maintain that one can be more lenient today since the ships today are sturdier and the trip is calmer than in previous times (Menuchat Ahava 1:1:2; Hilchot Shabbat B’Shabbat 1:2, n.8).
2. Numerous other halachic issues may arise as well when embarking on a cruise, including electronic equipment on Shabbat, Kashrut concerns, Jewish staff, and issues of dress. It is recommended to discuss the issues with one’s rabbinic authority before embarking on a cruise. For additional information and sources about cruises and Shabbat, see https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/5804/dont-miss-the-boat-halachic-guidelines-of-kosher-cruises-2/#17 and https://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Taking_a_cruise_over_Shabbat.  

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.