Back from Rhapsody - Review :)

[cruisin-m]

Will try and mention the things that others haven't as there seemed to be alot of people on here that covered majority of things. I'l probably majority mention the things that weren't perfect or surprised me, not because I'm a negative person, but because we all know that every cruise is perfect in its own way and that it's really hard to complain about anything in general :p

 

The Ship- The ship itself is beautiful, although it is showing a bit of wear and tear on carpets etc then majority of other ships I've been on, but I really couldn't care less about this kind of thing anyway.

 

The Food- Was amazing, yet in mine and companys completely honest opinion we thought Princess and P&O do have a higher standard in food as no lobster etc, seafood was pretty dry in the dining room, the steaks were rather ordinary, so this often left me with the pastas etc which were excellent however.

Buffet food was great and varied, just as varied was the temperature you got it at though as well, either piping hot or stone cold (hot food) pretty standard for buffets everywhere though!

Only getting 3 courses at dinner was also a big shock for a cruise ship to us :p Not that I always had the 4 courses on P&O/Princess but knowing it was there was pretty special.

 

The Entertainment- Production shows were pretty average, don't want to compare again but P&O definitely takes this category out by a long shot. On the other hand some of their guest entertainers were the best I've ever seen at sea, Phoenix the mentalist/magician was definitely the standout performance.

 

The night time entertainment was probably the biggest dissapointment of all for me, no "island night" just a "tropical/casual dancing under the stars night" which started at 10:30 and ended strictly at midnight despite the gigantic crowds they had, same thing went for the "toga night" which was extremely fun yet extremely shortlived at the same time only going for 1.5 hours.

 

Was one of the party crowd and went hard every night till the viking lounge kicked us out, while the crowd was the best, DJ Jamie was a really average dj, just put a playlist on and sat and talked with the crew or did nothing, alright music just sick of the same thing every night.

 

Another thing was their closing times! 3:00 am at the absolute latest :eek: 1:30-2 am on most nights despite being packed out, definitely not like P&O and Princess there.

 

Despite this still had a better time overall due to the crowd on this cruise!

 

The Service- Was definitely the standout thing I noticed about Royal Caribbean, dining waiters in my time dining were excellent, especially head waiter Jerry probably the funniest and happiest cruise ship staff member I've ever met.

 

Also got the oppurtunity to have dinner downstairs in traditional dining and found the waiters average and the head waiter an absolute shocker.

 

Room steward was better then any other cruise, first time with towel animals every single night and super friendly!

 

The "cruise" experience- This is an area that Royal Caribbean really dont have it all in as there was no champagne waterfall, no themed displays, no cake displays, next to no fruit carvings or models, no baked alaska and waiters parade, boring bingo, the pool barbeque was really an outdoor buffet with a few gigantic trays of not very appetising stuff. I know it's trivial stuff but these are things that I find are unique to cruising and have come to expect them now :p.

 

Bar- Rhapsody has it hands down here- $4.50 Aussie beers,$5.50 coronas and imports, $8.00 long beach iced teas and your average cocktail, special cocktail of the day was $6.25, and $5.50 house spirits. Spirits/cocktails on this ship are VERY generous, no measuring :D.

Might mention they ran out of Coronas about half way through, from about the 4th or so night couldn't get them anymore! And at the very end no lemonade or pineapple juice... bad ordering must have happened.

 

Overall- Had the absolute best holiday and wouldn't hesitate with going with Royal Carribean again, such an amazing time.

 

At the same time, sorry P&O and Princess Australia haters but I think your beloved US lines are really no better then them at all. :p

[Debsta]

Yayyy more reviews!

 

We missed you on our rollcall :confused:

 

We were still getting Coronas up until the last 2 nights :confused: (perhaps our beloved drink waiters all over the ship put a stash aside for us :D)

 

Funny you mention waiters at traditional dinner dining. Ours were all sensational. However, we had lunch (and breakfast) in the Edelweiss and I asked our waiter at dinner if the breakfast/lunch waiters were all in training for dinner as they were far from up to scratch and sooooooooooo slow? :eek: He said no (asked names but I didn't want to cause any drama), then I saw those not so up to scratch waiters working at dinner at night, still soooooooooooooooooo slow....hmmmmmm

 

I also agree re island and toga nights. It was also a pest you had to get changed after dinner to get 'tropical'.

 

The food on my one and only P&O cruise on PJ was the worst I have had to date on a cruise (but I think we just got a dud food cruise judging on the rave reviews others give of P&O food). However, it's clouded my vision of booking them over RCL/Princess et al at this point in time.....however, I never say never :p

 

Dunno, most of the nights on Princess the nightclub never ever took off and shut early on NYE!!

 

Thanks for your review. For us it was one of our standouts, in part, due to the great crowd on the ship.

[cruisin-m]

Yeah sort of snuck up on me and never got around to the roll call.

 

Lucky you with the coronas! hahaha you must have being one of the favourites :p

 

I did manage to get them until a bit later at some of the bars but the dining room didn't have them from about the 4th night... devastated:rolleyes:

 

Yeah definitely don't mean the tradtional waiters weren't up to scratch, some of them seemed fantastic, just these specific ones weren't. Then again it was their final cruise with Rhapsody so I guess they couldn't really care less. We just really noticed it coming from my time upstairs where every single waiter would greet you on the way in and it just seemed overall a lot more chummy upstairs and extremely quicker compared to this one table.

 

Toga night was one of the best ship parties I've done it was just over way too quickly :confused:

 

Well I guess Princess does attract the oldest demographic out of them all, so a lot of their cruises especially ones to NZ are very very quiet so i've heard from friends.

 

Definitely have to agree with this ship having the best crowd onboard, that's really what made it all so great and one of the best cruises overall. :D

[tassie cruiser]

Having cruised P&O, Princess and now RCCL.. This is my opinion only::::

 

RCCL (Rhapsody) best food..yummmmm

P&O - Best entertainment including shows, pooldeck,nightlife etc.... by far..

RCCL - Friendliest staff, always called you by name etc...couldnt have been more helpful and friendly.

 

RCCL - easiest at tendering and disembarking at end of cruise.

P&O - best teen club activities

P&O - largest cabins, followed by Princess, then Rhapsody

RCCL - nicest looking ship, inside areas, with so much glass, beautiful atrium area,

RCCL - The worst for shopping :D everything was "sold out"

RCCL - Best prices for duty free

RCCL - best value for money with drinks

RCCL - best casino :p

 

As mentioned above, Rhapsody did not utilise the top deck re island night etc... On our NYE cruise, there was nothing happening on top deck what-so-ever (like a ghost town) till just before 11, then party started with DJ (music thru speakers, quality not real flash, music being not the best, like John Farnham etc... Not real NYE party music) then finished at about 1am then moved to Viking, then everything shut by 3am :eek:. On P&O the top deck was decked out with streamers, live bands etc.....and Island night on P&O there were palm trees, decorations everywhere and started early and bars, night clubs went much later.P&O had activities on top deck all the time. Princess and Rhapsody did occasionally. Bingo on Rhapsody was a shocker..... P&O and Princess much better in that area, also with horse racing..

 

This was my opinion only...... In saying the above I would and will cruise on any of the lines.. Any cruise is a great cruise...And all the cruises we have done have been the best...Each one different. If we could roll all the good things into one that would be perfect, but everyone likes different things, so could never make everyone completely happy...As Debsta said the company on a cruise is what makes it so special..

We are cruising on Pacific Pearl at Easter, I know it will be very different from the beautiful Rhapsody, but looking forward to as we are going with friends we made on last years cruise. This NYE we will be on Diamond Princess, sooo looking forward to that as well.....

Fiona :)

[cazz0069]

Having cruised P&O, Princess and now RCCL.. This is my opinion only::::

 

RCCL (Rhapsody) best food..yummmmm

P&O - Best entertainment including shows, pooldeck,nightlife etc.... by far..

RCCL - Friendliest staff, always called you by name etc...couldnt have been more helpful and friendly.

 

RCCL - easiest at tendering and disembarking at end of cruise.

P&O - best teen club activities

P&O - largest cabins, followed by Princess, then Rhapsody

RCCL - nicest looking ship, inside areas, with so much glass, beautiful atrium area,

RCCL - The worst for shopping :D everything was "sold out"

RCCL - Best prices for duty free

RCCL - best value for money with drinks

RCCL - best casino :p

 

As mentioned above, Rhapsody did not utilise the top deck re island night etc... On our NYE cruise, there was nothing happening on top deck what-so-ever (like a ghost town) till just before 11, then party started with DJ (music thru speakers, quality not real flash, music being not the best, like John Farnham etc... Not real NYE party music) then finished at about 1am then moved to Viking, then everything shut by 3am :eek:. On P&O the top deck was decked out with streamers, live bands etc.....and Island night on P&O there were palm trees, decorations everywhere and started early and bars, night clubs went much later.P&O had activities on top deck all the time. Princess and Rhapsody did occasionally. Bingo on Rhapsody was a shocker..... P&O and Princess much better in that area, also with horse racing..

 

This was my opinion only...... In saying the above I would and will cruise on any of the lines.. Any cruise is a great cruise...And all the cruises we have done have been the best...Each one different. If we could roll all the good things into one that would be perfect, but everyone likes different things, so could never make everyone completely happy...As Debsta said the company on a cruise is what makes it so special..

We are cruising on Pacific Pearl at Easter, I know it will be very different from the beautiful Rhapsody, but looking forward to as we are going with friends we made on last years cruise. This NYE we will be on Diamond Princess, sooo looking forward to that as well.....

Fiona :)

 

 

Thanks for the review!!!

 

What you have written Fiona is also very honest and objective, thank you too! :)

[BrusselsGirl07]

I had to laught at your comment that only 3 courses at dinner was a shock for you, as after our first 2 cruises on Celebrity with 5 course meals, it was a shock for us as well!! We were on the Rhapsody the past 2 Christmasses, and our table on both were making our own 4 course meals up!! A soup, a salad, a main course and dessert!!! Some nights people had 5 courses, including 2 of the mains if they could not decide!!! Sometimes there would be something we would all want to try, so our waiter would bring 2 plates of it to put in the middle and share. Aaahhh, make me want to be on a cruise again - oh hang on, I will be on one next week!!! Lucky me!!

[cruisin-m]

Having cruised P&O, Princess and now RCCL.. This is my opinion only::::

 

RCCL (Rhapsody) best food..yummmmm

P&O - Best entertainment including shows, pooldeck,nightlife etc.... by far..

RCCL - Friendliest staff, always called you by name etc...couldnt have been more helpful and friendly.

 

RCCL - easiest at tendering and disembarking at end of cruise.

P&O - best teen club activities

P&O - largest cabins, followed by Princess, then Rhapsody

RCCL - nicest looking ship, inside areas, with so much glass, beautiful atrium area,

RCCL - The worst for shopping :D everything was "sold out"

RCCL - Best prices for duty free

RCCL - best value for money with drinks

RCCL - best casino :p

 

As mentioned above, Rhapsody did not utilise the top deck re island night etc... On our NYE cruise, there was nothing happening on top deck what-so-ever (like a ghost town) till just before 11, then party started with DJ (music thru speakers, quality not real flash, music being not the best, like John Farnham etc... Not real NYE party music) then finished at about 1am then moved to Viking, then everything shut by 3am :eek:. On P&O the top deck was decked out with streamers, live bands etc.....and Island night on P&O there were palm trees, decorations everywhere and started early and bars, night clubs went much later.P&O had activities on top deck all the time. Princess and Rhapsody did occasionally. Bingo on Rhapsody was a shocker..... P&O and Princess much better in that area, also with horse racing..

 

This was my opinion only...... In saying the above I would and will cruise on any of the lines.. Any cruise is a great cruise...And all the cruises we have done have been the best...Each one different. If we could roll all the good things into one that would be perfect, but everyone likes different things, so could never make everyone completely happy...As Debsta said the company on a cruise is what makes it so special..

We are cruising on Pacific Pearl at Easter, I know it will be very different from the beautiful Rhapsody, but looking forward to as we are going with friends we made on last years cruise. This NYE we will be on Diamond Princess, sooo looking forward to that as well.....

Fiona :)

 

 

Would have to say I share the exact same opinion, just maybe not with the food but everyone has their own personal tastes when it comes to food.

 

Have to especially agree with the service and staff calling you by name all the time, even from the start, this really surprised me at how they managed to remember so many names and preferences.

 

 

 

As for getting 5 courses on Celebrity... wow :eek:!

I thought P&O/Princess were really taking it to a new level with 4, clearly not haha.

3 is more than enough, it's just funny how you get used to having the extras on other lines then get surprised when they don't have it on another:p

[Debsta]

Having cruised P&O, Princess and now RCCL.. This is my opinion only::::

 

RCCL (Rhapsody) best food..yummmmm

P&O - Best entertainment including shows, pooldeck,nightlife etc.... by far..

RCCL - Friendliest staff, always called you by name etc...couldnt have been more helpful and friendly.

 

RCCL - easiest at tendering and disembarking at end of cruise.

P&O - best teen club activities

P&O - largest cabins, followed by Princess, then Rhapsody

RCCL - nicest looking ship, inside areas, with so much glass, beautiful atrium area,

RCCL - The worst for shopping everything was "sold out"

RCCL - Best prices for duty free

RCCL - best value for money with drinks

RCCL - best casino

 

As mentioned above, Rhapsody did not utilise the top deck re island night etc... On our NYE cruise, there was nothing happening on top deck what-so-ever (like a ghost town) till just before 11, then party started with DJ (music thru speakers, quality not real flash, music being not the best, like John Farnham etc... Not real NYE party music) then finished at about 1am then moved to Viking, then everything shut by 3am . On P&O the top deck was decked out with streamers, live bands etc.....and Island night on P&O there were palm trees, decorations everywhere and started early and bars, night clubs went much later.P&O had activities on top deck all the time. Princess and Rhapsody did occasionally. Bingo on Rhapsody was a shocker..... P&O and Princess much better in that area, also with horse racing..

 

This was my opinion only...... In saying the above I would and will cruise on any of the lines.. Any cruise is a great cruise...And all the cruises we have done have been the best...Each one different. If we could roll all the good things into one that would be perfect, but everyone likes different things, so could never make everyone completely happy...As Debsta said the company on a cruise is what makes it so special..

We are cruising on Pacific Pearl at Easter, I know it will be very different from the beautiful Rhapsody, but looking forward to as we are going with friends we made on last years cruise. This NYE we will be on Diamond Princess, sooo looking forward to that as well.....

Fiona

 

I ditto all of the above! (having also sailed Rhapsody, Princess and P&O)

except....

Diamond & Rhapsody are both beautiful looking ships.

Food on Diamond/Sun P & Rhapsody was on par (we all know what I thought of PJ's food :eek::p)

We also made up our own 4 courses and extra sharing of main meals when we couldn't decide or wanted taste tests :D Where there's a will there's a way to make up 5 courses lol

Princess by far the best for shopping - jewellery, watches especially in particular the Diamond was far cheaper than the Sun P and a great selection. Rhapsody's perfurme was expensive!

 

God forbid, I'm actually looking at booking the PJ again in April/Easter :eek: (I did say 'never say never', but the dates fit LOL)

[tassie cruiser]

I ditto all of the above! (having also sailed Rhapsody, Princess and P&O)

except....

Diamond & Rhapsody are both beautiful looking ships.

Food on Diamond/Sun P & Rhapsody was on par (we all know what I thought of PJ's food :eek::p)

We also made up our own 4 courses and extra sharing of main meals when we couldn't decide or wanted taste tests :D Where there's a will there's a way to make up 5 courses lol

Princess by far the best for shopping - jewellery, watches especially in particular the Diamond was far cheaper than the Sun P and a great selection. Rhapsody's perfurme was expensive!

 

God forbid, I'm actually looking at booking the PJ again in April/Easter :eek: (I did say 'never say never', but the dates fit LOL)

 

 

We are looking forward to Diamond Princess.. Have heard lots of great reports.. Did you enjoy? How would you compare to Rhapsody, as Rhapsody is the nicest ship we have been on.. The only Princess we have been on is Dawn Princess... You will have to come on Pacific Pearl with us at Easter :p

You havent been on Pearl have you?? Fiona:)

[wildweston]

We are looking forward to Diamond Princess.. Have heard lots of great reports.. Did you enjoy? How would you compare to Rhapsody, as Rhapsody is the nicest ship we have been on.. The only Princess we have been on is Dawn Princess... You will have to come on Pacific Pearl with us at Easter :p

You havent been on Pearl have you?? Fiona:)

 

You will absolutely love the Diamond :) bigger version of the Rhapsody ( though different line)

[Debsta]

We are looking forward to Diamond Princess.. Have heard lots of great reports.. Did you enjoy? How would you compare to Rhapsody, as Rhapsody is the nicest ship we have been on.. The only Princess we have been on is Dawn Princess... You will have to come on Pacific Pearl with us at Easter

You havent been on Pearl have you?? Fiona

 

You will absolutely love the Diamond bigger version of the Rhapsody ( though different line)

^^^^ what Cheryl said :D

More pools and bars than you'll have time to drink at :p

 

No haven't been on pearl. If I went I'll need to purchase a hard hat :eek: :p Which one are you doing Fi? The south pacific on 17th April? I put a request for some leave in today at work from the 20th (thinking of PJ on 20th) as I still have a uni class on the Monday (18th) and I can't miss it (doing my dissertation/thesis this year :eek: <<<< crazy woman!) I'm all thought at the moment....can't really book until classes start on 28th Feb and I get my timetable and work load due dates. All I know is with work/study and kids I'll be well and truely ready for an escape on my own by April!

[SunnyinDubai]

Princess by far the best for shopping - jewellery, watches especially in particular the Diamond was far cheaper than the Sun P and a great selection. Rhapsody's perfurme was expensive!

 

Am I right in presuming your duty free limit is only up to what is allowed for you to bring back into Australia - which I recall is about $800 per person? :confused:

[Aus Traveller]

Am I right in presuming your duty free limit is only up to what is allowed for you to bring back into Australia - which I recall is about $800 per person? :confused:

 

$900 per adult and $400 per child. The allowance for family members can be added together.