AACI’s Marvelous Mediterranean Kosher Cruise
November 6-16, 2026
Our Amazing Ports of Call: ◆ Morrocco: Casablanca, Tangiers ◆ Spain: Cardiz, Malaga, Barcelona ◆ Italy: Savona ◆ Gibraltar
Bon Voyage and welcome to AACI’s 2026 Marvelous Mediterranean Kosher Cruise.
Explore the World NOW with AACI – join us on the magnificent Costa Fascinosa a city at sea with lovely cabins, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and Jacuzzi’s, gym, spa, casino with Jewish content, shops, bars and amazing entertainment throughout and so much more! We will enjoy delicious freshly prepared Glatt Kosher cuisine with two magical Shabbats overlooking the sea in our elegant and exclusive section of the dining room. Ship facilities:
- Balcony Cabins
- 9 swimming pools and hot tubs
- 6 restaurants and snack bars
- 12 bars & lounges (Enjoy unlimited drink package, alcohol included!)
Price includes: Unlimited drinks* Gratuities* WhatsApp*
It is our pleasure to have Rabbi Ken and Kaila Lasky Spiro as our Scholars-in-residence. Ken is an internationally acclaimed historian, author, and captivating lecturer who brings Jewish history especially Spanish Jewish History to life with rare clarity, wit, and intellectual depth. He is a Senior Lecturer at Aish HaTorah, a bestselling author of WorldPerfect, Crash Course in Jewish History, Destiny, He is a leading voice in illuminating the unfolding story and destiny of the Jewish people. Kaila Lasky Spiro who is a dynamic, charismatic motivational speaker and Jewish educator.
Read more about our scholars here.
The cruise is an opportunity to not only explore new locations, dine on delicious and beautifully prepared meals but also, make new friends, get acquainted with old ones and take-home memories of places visited before returning home.
Costa Fascinosa
| DAY | DATE | PORT | ARRIVE | DEPART |
| 1 | Fri, Nov 6, 2026 | Barcelona | 20:00 | |
| 2 | Sat, Nov 7, 2026 | Day @ Sea | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| 3 | Sun, Nov 8, 2026 | Gibraltar | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 4 | Mon, Nov 9, 2026 | Tangier | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 5 | Tues, Nov 10, 2026 | Casablanca | 07:00 | 21:00 |
| 6 | Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | Cadiz | 09:30 | 19:00 |
| 7 | Thurs, Nov 12, 2026 | Malaga | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| 8 | Fri, Nov 13, 2026 | Day @ Sea | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| 9 | Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | Marseille | 08;00 | 17:00 |
| 10 | Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | Savona | 08:00 | 16:30 |
| 11 | Mon, Nov 16, 2026 | Barcelona | 14:00 |
Subject to change
Optional Land Tours with a Jewish Flavor Coming Soon
BARCELONA – DAY 1 & DAY 11
Barcelona is a vibrant Mediterranean city located in northeastern Spain, serving as the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Serra de Collserola hills, it enjoys a mild climate, beautiful beaches, and a picturesque waterfront. Its strategic coastal location helped make it one of Europe’s most important ports and commercial centers.
History
Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Barcelona developed into a major medieval trading city and later became one of Spain’s leading centers of industry, culture, and commerce. The city has preserved many layers of its past, from Roman walls and medieval streets to the remarkable modernist architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited destinations and a symbol of Catalan culture and identity.
What Is Barcelona Famous For & Sites to See
Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, especially the works of Antoni Gaudí. His masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, has become the city’s most recognizable landmark. Barcelona is also famous for its Gothic Quarter, Mediterranean beaches, Park Güell, a whimsical hilltop park filled with colorful mosaics, unusual buildings, and panoramic views over Barcelona, Barri Gòtic, The atmospheric medieval heart of Barcelona. Wander through narrow alleys, hidden squares, ancient Roman remains, and centuries-old buildings, Casa Batlló, One of Gaudí’s most imaginative creations, often compared to a dragon because of its colorful roof and organic shapes, world-class museums, and the celebrated football club FC Barcelona. The city’s unique blend of history, art, and seaside lifestyle attracts millions of visitors each year.
Jewish History
Barcelona was home to one of the most important Jewish communities in medieval Spain. Jews lived in the city’s Jewish Quarter, known as “El Call,” from at least the 9th century and played significant roles in commerce, scholarship, medicine, and public life. One of the community’s most famous figures was the renowned scholar Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet, who lived in Barcelona during the 13th century.
The Jewish community flourished until the anti-Jewish riots of 1391, when much of the community was destroyed and many Jews were killed or forced to convert. Following the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, Jewish life disappeared from Barcelona for centuries. Today, visitors can explore remnants of the medieval Jewish Quarter, including ancient streets, archaeological remains, and a small museum dedicated to preserving the memory of Barcelona’s rich Jewish heritage.
DAY AT SEA – DAY 2
Shabbat services and lectures with our Scholar-in-residences, Rabbi Ken and Kaila LaskySpiro.
take time to relax and enjoy the ships amenities. Rabbi Ken Spiro is an internationally acclaimed speaker whose fast-paced, humorous, and intellectually powerful presentations captivate audiences from the first moment. Renowned for his ability to make complex ideas clear, compelling, and unforgettable. He delivers talks that educate, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.
GIBRALTAR – DAY 3
Gibraltar is a small British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where Europe meets Africa. Covering just 6.8 square kilometers (2.6 square miles), it is dominated by the famous Rock of Gibraltar, a massive limestone ridge overlooking the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. Its strategic location controls one of the world’s busiest maritime passages linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
History
Gibraltar has been strategically important for thousands of years. It was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans and later became part of the Moorish territories that ruled much of Spain from the 8th century. In 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession, Anglo-Dutch forces captured Gibraltar. Under the Treaty of Utrecht, Spain formally ceded Gibraltar to Britain in 1713. Since then, it has remained under British sovereignty and has played a significant military and naval role throughout modern history.
What Is Gibraltar Famous For?
Gibraltar is best known for the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, its spectacular views of both Europe and Africa, and its unique blend of British and Mediterranean cultures. It is also famous for the Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys living freely in Europe. Visitors are drawn to its extensive network of military tunnels, duty-free shopping, nature reserves, and historic sites. The territory’s strategic location and multicultural population make it one of the most distinctive destinations in the Mediterranean.
Jewish History
Gibraltar has one of the oldest and most vibrant Jewish communities in the British world. Jews, many of Sephardic origin, began settling there in significant numbers during the 18th century, particularly from neighboring Morocco. Their commercial skills and international trading connections contributed greatly to Gibraltar’s economic development.
The Jewish community flourished under British rule and became an integral part of Gibraltar’s social and economic life. Remarkably, Jews have held prominent positions in public affairs, including serving as mayors and government officials. Today, although the community is small, Gibraltar maintains several active synagogues and kosher facilities, making it one of the most visibly Jewish communities in Europe. The historic Great Synagogue of Gibraltar is among the oldest synagogues in continuous use in the British Commonwealth and remains a focal point of Jewish life in the territory.
TANGIER – DAY 4
Tangier is a historic port city in northern Morocco, situated at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Located across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, Tangier occupies a strategic position linking Africa and Europe. Its hillsides overlook busy shipping lanes, and its location has made it a crossroads of cultures, trade, and migration for centuries.
History
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in North Africa, Tangier has been influenced by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, British, and French rulers. Throughout its long history, it served as an important trading center and gateway between continents. In the 20th century, Tangier became an International Zone administered by several European powers, attracting diplomats, artists, writers, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Since Morocco’s independence in 1956, Tangier has developed into a major commercial and industrial center while retaining its cosmopolitan character.
What Is Tangier Famous For?
Tangier is famous for its unique blend of African, Arab, European, and Mediterranean influences. Visitors are drawn to its bustling medina, historic kasbah, colorful markets, scenic waterfront, and spectacular views across the Strait of Gibraltar. The city has long inspired artists and writers, including Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, and
Henri Matisse. Today, Tangier is known for its vibrant culture, growing economy, and role as a gateway between Europe and Africa.
Jewish History
Tangier was home to a significant Jewish community for many centuries and became an important center of Sephardic Jewish life after the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. Many Sephardic refugees settled in the city, bringing with them their traditions, language, and commercial networks. Jewish merchants played a major role in international trade, helping connect Morocco with Europe and the wider Mediterranean world.
During the era of the International Zone (1923–1956), Tangier’s Jewish community flourished and became one of the most prosperous and cosmopolitan in Morocco. The city was home to numerous synagogues, Jewish schools, charitable organizations, and cultural institutions. Although most of Tangier’s Jews emigrated during the mid-20th century—primarily to Israel, France, Spain, and Canada—the city’s Jewish heritage remains visible through preserved synagogues, cemeteries, and historic neighborhoods. The restored Moshe Nahon Synagogue now serves as a museum and cultural center dedicated to preserving the rich history of Tangier’s Jewish community.
CASABLANCA – DAY 5
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and its principal economic and commercial hub. Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, approximately 90 kilometers south of Rabat, the city boasts one of the largest artificial ports in the world. Its strategic position on major shipping routes has helped make Casablanca the country’s financial center and one of the most important cities in North Africa.
History
Although the area has ancient origins, modern Casablanca began to develop significantly in the 18th century under Moroccan rule.
During the French Protectorate period (1912–1956), the city expanded rapidly, becoming a major port, industrial center, and showcase of modern urban planning. Following Morocco’s independence in 1956, Casablanca continued to grow and today serves as the country’s economic engine, combining modern skyscrapers with traditional Moroccan culture.
What Is Casablanca Famous For?
Casablanca is best known for the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, dramatically situated on the Atlantic shoreline. The city is also famous for its Art Deco architecture, bustling business districts, vibrant markets, and seaside Corniche. Internationally, Casablanca gained legendary status through the classic film Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, although the movie was filmed entirely in Hollywood.
Jewish History
Casablanca has been one of the most important centers of Jewish life in Morocco. While a Jewish presence existed earlier, the community grew dramatically during the 19th and early 20th centuries as Jews moved to the rapidly expanding city from other parts of Morocco. By the mid-20th century, Casablanca was home to the largest Jewish community in Morocco and one of the largest in the Arab world.
Jewish residents played a significant role in commerce, banking, industry, education, and public life. At its peak, the community numbered more than 70,000 people and supported numerous synagogues, schools, charitable institutions, and cultural organizations. Following the establishment of Israel and Morocco’s independence, many Jews emigrated to Israel, France, Canada, and elsewhere.
Today, Casablanca remains the center of Morocco’s remaining Jewish community. The city is home to active synagogues, Jewish schools, kosher facilities, and community organizations. Notable sites include the Beth-El Synagogue, renowned for its beautiful architecture, and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only Jewish museum in the Arab world dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Moroccan Jewry.
CÁDIZ – DAY 6
Cádiz is a historic coastal city in the autonomous region of Andalusia in southwestern Spain. Situated on a narrow peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, it is almost surrounded by water and connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land. Its strategic location at the entrance to the Bay of Cádiz made it an important maritime center for trade, exploration, and defense throughout history.
History
Cádiz is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BCE as Gadir, it later came under Carthaginian, Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish rule. Following the Christian reconquest in the 13th century, the city grew into a major port. During the Age of Exploration, Cádiz became a key gateway for trade with the Americas and flourished as one of Spain’s wealthiest cities. In 1812, while much of Spain was occupied during the Peninsular War, Cádiz became the birthplace of Spain’s first liberal constitution.
What Is Cádiz Famous For?
Cádiz is famous for its rich maritime history, elegant old town, golden beaches, and lively cultural traditions. Visitors are drawn to its narrow streets, historic fortifications, picturesque plazas, and the impressive Cádiz Cathedral with its distinctive golden dome. The city is also renowned for the annual Carnival of Cádiz, one of Spain’s most colorful and celebrated carnivals, known for its music, satire, and elaborate costumes.
Jewish History
Like many cities in medieval Spain, Cádiz had a Jewish presence dating back many centuries. Under both Muslim and Christian rule, Jews participated in commerce, crafts, medicine, and intellectual life. Due to Cádiz’s role as an important port, Jewish merchants helped connect Spain with trading networks across the Mediterranean and North Africa.
The Jewish community suffered during periods of increasing persecution in the late Middle Ages, particularly following the anti-Jewish violence that swept parts of Spain in 1391. The community effectively came to an end with the expulsion of Spain’s Jews under the Alhambra Decree. Many Sephardic Jews who left Spain maintained memories and traditions linked to Andalusian cities such as Cádiz.
In more recent times, interest in Cádiz’s Jewish heritage has grown as part of Spain’s efforts to preserve and recognize its Sephardic past. While few physical remnants of the medieval Jewish community survive, the city’s history forms part of the broader story of Sephardic Jewry in Andalusia and the Iberian Peninsula.
MÁLAGA – DAY 7
Málaga is a major coastal city in southern Spain, located in the autonomous region of Andalusia along the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea.
Surrounded by mountains and facing a natural harbor, it enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Its coastal position has made it an important port city for centuries.
History
Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians around the 8th century BCE as Malaka. It later came under Carthaginian, Roman, and Moorish rule, each leaving a strong cultural and architectural legacy. Under Islamic rule (8th–15th centuries), Málaga flourished as a trading and agricultural center. In 1487, it was captured by the Catholic Monarchs during the Reconquista and became part of unified Spain. In modern times, Málaga transformed into a key industrial and tourism hub of southern Spain.
What Is Málaga Famous For?
Málaga is famous as the birthplace of the artist Pablo Picasso, whose legacy is celebrated at the Picasso Museum Málaga. The city is also known for its historic landmarks such as the Alcazaba of Málaga and the unfinished Renaissance cathedral often called “La Manquita.” Today, Málaga is a vibrant cultural destination with museums, festivals, beaches, and a growing technology sector.
Jewish History
Málaga had a Jewish community dating back to at least the Roman and early medieval periods. Under Muslim rule, Jews were generally able to participate in commerce, scholarship, and urban life, contributing to the city’s prosperity during the medieval period. Like many cities in Andalusia, Málaga’s Jewish population experienced both periods of relative stability and episodes of persecution depending on the ruling authorities.
The community was severely affected by the anti-Jewish violence of 1391 and ultimately ended with the Alhambra Decree, when Jews were expelled from Spain or forced to convert. Many Sephardic Jews from Málaga and surrounding areas went on to establish communities throughout the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire.
Today, there are few visible remnants of medieval Jewish Málaga, but the city’s Sephardic heritage is remembered as part of Andalusia’s broader Jewish history. In recent years, Spain has increasingly recognized and reconnected with its Sephardic past, bringing renewed interest in cities like Málaga and their historical Jewish communities.
DAY AT SEA – DAY 8
Our second Shabbat at sea with Shabbat services and lectures with our Scholars-in-residence, Rabbi Ken & Kaila LaskySpiro.
MARSEILLE – DAY 9
Marseille is a major port city in southern France, located on the Mediterranean coast in the Provence region. It sits along a rugged shoreline of coves and limestone cliffs known as the Calanques. As France’s oldest city and largest Mediterranean port, Marseille has long been a gateway between Europe, North Africa, and the wider Mediterranean world.
History
Marseille was founded around 600 BCE by Greek sailors from Phocaea and was originally called Massalia. It quickly became an important trading hub in the ancient Mediterranean. Later, it came under Roman rule and continued to flourish as a commercial center. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Marseille grew in importance as a maritime city and played a major role in French colonial trade and naval power. In modern times, it has developed into a diverse, multicultural metropolis and remains one of Europe’s busiest ports.
What Is Marseille Famous For?
Marseille is famous for its vibrant port culture, historic Old Port (Vieux-Port), and dramatic coastal scenery. The city is known for landmarks such as the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which dominates the skyline, and for its distinctive cuisine, especially the traditional fish stew bouillabaisse. Marseille is also known for its multicultural atmosphere, lively markets, football club Olympique de Marseille, and its role as a cultural bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean.
Jewish History
Marseille has one of the oldest Jewish presences in France, with evidence of Jewish settlement dating back to Roman times. Throughout the Middle Ages, Jews lived and worked in the city as merchants, physicians, and scholars, contributing to its commercial life. Like many Jewish communities in Europe, they experienced periods of both tolerance and persecution.
Following the expulsion of Jews from France in 1394, Jewish life largely disappeared from Marseille for several centuries. It was only in the modern era, particularly from the 19th century onward, that Jewish communities re-established themselves in the city. This growth accelerated in the 20th century with immigration from North Africa, especially after the mid-1900s.
Today, Marseille has one of the largest Jewish populations in France, with numerous synagogues, kosher shops, schools, and cultural institutions. The community is diverse, reflecting both Ashkenazi and Sephardic heritage, and plays an active role in the city’s religious and cultural life.
SAVONA – DAY 10
Savona is a coastal city in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, located along the Ligurian Sea. It sits between Genoa and the French border, forming part of the scenic Italian Riviera. The city has a natural harbor that has supported maritime activity for centuries, surrounded by hills that descend toward the sea.
History
Savona has ancient origins, with Ligurian tribes inhabiting the area before it became a Roman settlement. During the Middle Ages, it developed into an important maritime republic and often competed with nearby Genoa for control of trade in the region. In the Renaissance period, Savona came under Genoese dominance, but it remained a significant port and strategic coastal town. One of its most notable historical figures is Pope Sixtus IV, who was born in the Savona area and influenced Renaissance politics and art.
In modern times, Savona developed industrially and expanded its port facilities, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming an important center for shipping and manufacturing in northern Italy.
What Is Savona Famous For?
Savona is best known for its maritime heritage, historic architecture, and its connection to the powerful Della Rovere family, including Pope Sixtus IV and Pope Julius II. Key landmarks include the Priamar Fortress and the city’s well-preserved medieval old town.
The city is also known for its beaches, cruise port, and relaxed Ligurian coastal lifestyle. Today, Savona is a quieter alternative to nearby Genoa, offering visitors a mix of history, sea views, and Italian Riviera charm.
Jewish History
Savona had a small but notable Jewish presence beginning in the medieval period, as Jewish merchants and moneylenders moved through Liguria’s trading networks. Like many towns in northern Italy, Jewish residents often faced restrictions on residence and occupation, but they contributed to local commerce and regional trade.
During the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, Jews in Savona experienced increasing pressure as church and civic authorities-imposed limitations, and many communities across Liguria were affected by expulsions and restrictions similar to those elsewhere in Italy. Over time, the Jewish population in Savona remained small compared to larger nearby centers such as Genoa.
Today, there is little visible Jewish infrastructure remaining in Savona itself, but the city forms part of the broader history of Jewish life in Liguria, where Jewish communities played an important role in Mediterranean trade and banking networks across Italy and southern Europe.
BARCELONA – DAY 11
Today we say farewell to our cruise ship and make our way home.
Cabin Categories – Prices for AACI members:
| Cabin Category | Per person in Double Cabin | Single Cabin |
| INSIDE CABIN | €2690 | €3980 |
| OUTSIDE CABIN | €2890 | €4150 |
| BALCONY CABIN | €3390 | €4840 |
Please indicate your preferred deck choice at the time of booking. While specific deck assignments cannot be guaranteed, we will make every effort to accommodate your preference with the cruise line.
Price Includes:
- Cruise Accommodations: 10 nights aboard the Costa Fascinosa.
- Premium Kosher Dining: Glatt Kosher culinary service, Full board, beginning with lunch on embarkation day (November 6) through lunch on departure day (November 16).
- Professional Onboard Support: Staffed and escorted by the AACI team*.
- Enrichment & Lectures: AACI exclusive Scholar-in-Residences, Rabbi Ken & Kalia Lasky Spiro.
- Shipboard Amenities & Entertainment: Unlimited access to standard onboard entertainment, shows, fitness center, and swimming pools etc.
- Port taxes and fees
Exclusive for AACI – Included:
- Beverage Package: Unlimited beverage package, including selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Unlimited onboard WhatsApp package.
- All shipboard gratuities,
Price Excludes:
- Flights
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel and meals
- Ground transfers
- Shore excursions / land tours.
- Personal expenses (e.g., spa treatments, boutique shopping, laundry services).
- Cell package
Payment Schedule
- 50% due at time of booking
- Remaining 50% due July 5, 2026
Should the security situation result in flight cancellations that prevent travelers from joining the tour, we are committed to working with the local suppliers to provide either a refund or a travel credit. Please understand, however, that because of late-stage commitments, there are instances where a refund may unfortunately no longer be available; in such cases where a refund cannot be secured, the standard cancellation schedule will apply.
Booking & Deposit Policy:
A deposit of €500 per person is required to secure your reservation/cabin category pending tour confirmation. Once the tour is confirmed, the standard payment and cancellation terms will apply, and the deposit will be credited toward your final balance. The €500 pp deposit will be fully refunded if the tour is not confirmed
Should you choose to cancel before the tour is officially confirmed, the €500 deposit will be retained as a credit toward any future AACI Kosher overseas tour or flights with Diesenhaus, valid for two years
Cancellation Policy
- Up to June 19, 2026, 20% of the total trip cost
- From June 20 to July 19, 2026: 30% of the total trip cost.
- From July 20 to August 18, 2026: 50% of the total trip cost.
- From August 19 to September 17, 2026: 75% of the total trip cost.
- From September 18, 2026, onward: 100% of the total trip cost.
For further information, please email; info@aaci.org.il