Frequent cruisers - Will Rhapsody disappoint?

[cpayne]

We've cruised 8 times from the oldest to the newest and the smallest to the largest of ships. We prefer the newer and larger ships. However, we are trying to put together a group cruise for 10+ people so have to factor a lot of variables to find a cruise that works for everyone. RCL Rhapsody is looking like one of our top choices. My question....

 

Will we be disappointed if we have sailed on the newer and larger type ships (all cruise lines)? Not concerned that we won't have a rock wall, ice rink, etc....Just don't know if the service, the decor and entertainment will be comparable. What about the quality of the rooms? The ship is older, but has it been kept up?

 

Also, what about planned activities on board during at sea days? We have sailed RCL once and felt they did not offer as many activities (contests, games, classes, etc) while at sea. It was RCL Voyager so thought the reason may have been because there were activities such as rock climbing, roller blading, etc.....What has been your experience on non Voyager class ships with daily activities?

 

I've read the reviews on this board and still struggling. We have several friends that have been on this ship, but it was their first cruise. Your first cruise is always marvelous particularly since you have nothing to compare it to. Was hoping you frequent fellow cruise critic members could help me out!

 

All thoughts/comments appreciated......

[reggierail]

I had a wonderful cruise on the Rhapsody last October. The crew and passengers both were among the nicest of any I've sailed with. There's plenty to do on the ship and was never bored or at a loss for something to do.

 

Reggie:D

[cruizinmimi]

I've been on the Rhapsody 5x's and the most recent one being in Nov. of 04. The Rhapsody is known to be the friendliest ship at sea :) The staff and the passengers have always been so wonderful. The ship has been kept beautiful. In some of the cabins, you might find a little worn carpet in places or stains, but nothing horrible. The cabin stewards are truly wonderful. Lots of activities on board. They do have a rock-climbing wall, but no ice rink.

 

If you have children going, they have a great children program. You'll get the same shows and entertainment as you do on all rccl ships.

 

You will not go wrong or be disappointed by picking Rhapsody :D

 

Happy cruising

Linda

[Nightrider]

Yes, even though the Rhapsody was our family's first cruise, it was wonderful! Lots to do, great service and the staff is outstanding. Ship is kept up very nicely and looks great, it was put in service in 1997, so it's not ancient. We thought the Edelweiss Dining room food was great, although some thought it wasn't that good. All subjective I'm sure.

[Rondo]

We've been on a big ship, a small ship, a new beautiful ship, and another cruise line ship and although we found found differences in the Rhapsody, we still loved our cruise. We had an oceanview cabin and felt very comfortable. We didn't really use it much. We had great service everywhere and the had some of the best shows on the Rhapsody. We bonded with our tablemates and had a great time at Quest with them!! I kind of prefer this size ship over the mega ships. We keep busy at the ports so on sea days we can relax, so never really missed any of the onboard activities the mega ships have.

[DHADEN]

Looked at your profile and noticed you are from Texas. This will make a difference in your level of enjoyment. We have been on Rhapsody, (had 11 family members go together) and really loved it. About 80% of the passengers are Texans.

 

The food compared to other ships (especially in the Windjammer) was more casual (lots of tacos, nacho items, etc.) and more towards a "snack" than "gourmet".

 

The Dining room was as good as any other ship (I think all the RCI ships have basically the same menu.)

 

Hope this helps!!

EEENNNJJJOOOYYY!!!

[Sophie]

We were on the Rhapsody in December and were very impressed by the beauty of the ship and the friendliness of the crew. We enjoyed every minute of our cruise! I can't remember ever reading a bad review on the Rhapsody. You're making the right choice if you decide to sail on her!

[cpayne]

Any comments on the day to day activities offered on board during the day? The group we are going with are not lay by the pool kind of people so will be very interested in the games, contests, shows, etc....None of them have ever sailed before so they are all looking to me to find a cruise that meets everybody's likes and personalities. That's quite a task with 10+ of us!

 

Appreciate your help!

[njoyndride]

There's something for everyone. We sailed just a year ago for our daughter's wedding with a VERY diverse group of 28 and everyone had an absolute blast. I had your same concerns and it was actually really neat to watch as the group went in literally 28 different directions according to their tastes. We've sailed Rhapsody twice and she is a beautiful well kept ship and was just as wonderful the second time as the first.

[kabado]

We went to all the games during the day. We had a great time. Between the meals and the games and all the other things going, we didn't have time to read our books much.

 

We went to Family TRivia, Name that Tune, Trivia (I can't remember what it was actually called), karaoke.

 

We didn't go to many of the games at the pool, but we went to a few of them.

 

We loved Rhapsody. And it truly is the friendliest ship. Our M&M party had over 80 people signed up if I remember correctly.

[springtxbill]

A lot more games like trivia, etc. than we had when we were on the Voyager. that was one of the drawbacks we had with the Voyager. You will love the Rhapsody. Lots of normal maintenance in keeping the ship up to snuff.

[poppajoe]

As the other posters have said the Rhap is a great ship. The ship is always clean, the crew is fabulous, food is above average, and there is more to do than you could want to do. If you are not the hang out at the pool type, daily activities include lots of variety. The usual bingo igames are usually well attended with large pots up for grabs, couples massage class, name that tune contests in the Schooner, wine tasting, mixology class, line dancing classes, talent shows, Vegas type shows, Casino gaming classes, the usual pool games, (sexy legs, horse races, belly-flop contests) and many more I have probably missed.

 

There was a post from Linda (earlier in this thread - cruizinmimi) and like her, we can attest to the great times on the Rhapsody. We've have been on two Rhap cruises with Linda and her husband and really enjoyed both. (We met on the CC boards and have kept in touch all along!) HEY LINDA are you antsy about your upcoming Voyager cruise? Tell Arthur hello and I need to send you the picture of both of you from the pool get together last November.

 

My wife and I are booked for out third Rhapsody cruise in May and we are really looking forward to being aboard again!. Good luck and make the most of it!

 

poppajoe

[sross6019]

Great ship! For more info on her, go to CRUISECLUES.COM. Look to the left, scroll down to Rhapsody of the Seas, click on it, and you will find a bunch of reviews, pictures, data, etc about her. My family loves her. For us (husband, 2 teenage boys, and myself) she is the right size with just the right amount of activites to do.

[NebulaTig]

Looked at your profile and noticed you are from Texas. This will make a difference in your level of enjoyment. <snip>

 

I definitely agree with this. From the western themed nights to the western bands to the Texas themed dinners to the Texas themed midnight buffet. Also the Western entertainment at nights. You will love it.

 

People from other locations may not though...

[shmthaus]

Ok, you asked and I'm sure you are probably bored of the postings.

 

We sailed her twice and the second time we decided to "Get Out There" and we did. We weren't bored at all.

 

Sign up for your Roll Call and participate in the Meet & Mingle onboard. Whatever you do, don't keep just to your group. Meet whomever you can and participate and I guarantee that you won't be bored. As you know, Texans follow Will Rogers almost to the "T". He never met a man he didn't like. You will be surprised at whom you will know or have something in common with.

 

Chuck