Rhapsody Review.... Spring Break 2005 !

[TXSailor]

Hi lookin4calm:

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy the food on board the Rhapsody. Sometimes, it a hit or miss type of situation. I've been on board when the food is not so good, yet I've been on board when the food is excellent.

 

You should reconsider about cruising again, maybe on a different ship or cruiseline?

 

Fausto

[teajak]

We find a cruise the best bang for the buck, you need to research the price before booking. Very interested in your comment on dress codes. Did they allow people in the dining room in shorts and t-shirts. I would have been complaining strongly to the MaitreD if they did?

[lookin4calm]

Yeah, we were all kind of surprised about the lack of enforcement of the dress code. Our table (near the entrance to the dining room) all stopped and stared as they walked by. I didn't see them leave, so they must have been allowed. I didn't complain as it really didn't bother me other than the 30 seconds as they walked by.

 

TXSailor - I might try another cruise line some day, but only after extensive research. We know what to look for now that we've been on a cruise.

[Boo's Mom]

Lookin4Calm.... do not give up on cruising. Your family needs another cruiseline.

 

I would recommend Celebrity. Or perhaps, Radisson.

 

I have not sailed on Radisson yet, but what I read, I like. :D

 

There are many diffferent cruiselines....and they are all marketing to different folks. You do not want to look @ Carnival or Princess.

 

About the dining room dress issue: Casual dinner attire on a cruise does not mean "casual"...ie: jeans/t-shirts. People just don't know that. And, lots of folks don't do any research.

 

Yes, RCI allows whatever in the dining room. This is the RCI cruiseline.

 

On Celebrity, it might happen. It would be the exception. It's just different.

 

I saw it on RCI. It didn't bother me. I expected it. I still had a great time. ;)

[teajak]

Have only cruised RC once but we have elite status on Celebrity, that gives us Diamond on RC. We are considering booking Rhapsody in Dec. Not enforcing the dress code especially on formal nights would make me think twice about this booking. Part of the fun is getting dressed up one or two nights. Shorts are certasinly a no no in the dining room at dinner. All passengers are notified of this in their documents. I guess I better look into this before I book.

[BLUEICE]

Boos' Mom:

 

Come on we want to know more about the perks that come with the RS besides the robes and slippers.

 

What did you have to do to get priority tendering at each port???

 

You mentioned that you got a tour of the bridge. Did you also get invited to dine with the Captain?

 

Did you ever go to a bar and ask for a coke - if so did you purchase a coke sticker? Were you charged for the coke or sticker or was it complimentary because you had the RS (perhaps you just went back to your cabin and helped yourself to the drinks in the fridge).

 

How was the sleeping arrangements since there was three of you in the room?

 

If you have anything else to add, please do tell all.

 

Thanks and glad you had a great cruise.

[Boo's Mom]

Boos' Mom:

 

Come on we want to know more about the perks that come with the RS besides the robes and slippers.

 

What did you have to do to get priority tendering at each port???

 

You mentioned that you got a tour of the bridge. Did you also get invited to dine with the Captain?

 

Did you ever go to a bar and ask for a coke - if so did you purchase a coke sticker? Were you charged for the coke or sticker or was it complimentary because you had the RS (perhaps you just went back to your cabin and helped yourself to the drinks in the fridge).

 

How was the sleeping arrangements since there was three of you in the room?

 

If you have anything else to add, please do tell all.

 

Thanks and glad you had a great cruise.

 

We only tendered @ one port (Cayman)....and I understand that all suite passengers get Priority Tender vouchers.

 

We had all the sodas and bottled waters we wanted...in the cabin.

 

The suite has a sofa bed. My 8yo slept there.

 

On RCI, I think I actually just paid for the suite....the 1200ish square feet of living area.

 

We did not get invited to dine with the Captain.

[Cindyrella]

Boo's Mom,

You said emabarkation was a breeze--what time did you arrive at the pier?

[Bobby1946]

I guess you were on a different ship then the rest of us. Sounds like for you to be happy everything would have to be perfect. First all the food was great the sevice was better. I guess you need to take a Greyhound and leave the driving to us:eek: .

Boo's Mom - we were on this cruise as well, and it is good to hear the inside scoop on Grand Cayman. We were extremely disappointed as we were the first one's denied tendering, but I am glad to hear that Costa Maya was in bad shape, too. I know that we are at the mercy of the weather, but it doesn't change our disappointment. The captain came on several times giving us updates and telling us that he was having difficulty keeping the ship in the proper position. You could tell from the engines and the movement of the ship that he was struggling. We were on deck 1 at the place where the tender boats come up and the (assistant captain -- not sure) was yelling at the tender boat in almost a panicked voice, telling him to "get away!! get away!!" when the waves were at their highest. Obviously they take safety as their first priority, which is good.

 

This was our first cruise and probably our last. While I had my expectations low on the food, my actual experience came in below our already low expectations. For the most part, it is just plain bad food. The ribeye steak that I ordered was not ribeye, but rather a poor quality thin cut of prime rib. The New York strip was fatty and tough, the overcooked lobster was served with melted butter, not drawn butter, the pizza in the solarium was akin to Totino's frozen pizza heated improperly. If I went to a restaurant and was served this type of food, I would never go back to that restaurant again. Anytime TGI Friday's can boast better food, you know you're pretty much the low end of the totem pole. Food on RCI: just plain nasty.

 

One other thing -- how in the heck does a cruise ship run out of limes on the morning of the 5th day? No Mojitos, no micheladas, no cuba libres, no corona with lime (no, it isn't the same with a lemon). It is a small thing, but I just couldn't understand it.

 

I felt the service was very good, especially our waiter and assistant waiter. My family rarely ate more than half our meals due to poor quality, and they would bend over backwards to suggest something else. By the end of the cruise, my daughters were only ordering salad, and the waiter would always bring something he thought they would enjoy. The only thing about the meal service is I always felt as if the objective was to get me out of the dining room as soon as possible. Maybe it was the way the waiters were frantically running about the dining room -- it was definately not relaxing.

 

On the good side, I liked the coffee. I was impressed that it was fresh, strong and hot. I thought the shows were very entertaining (for the most part); they were not Broadway quality by any stretch, but they were professionally done. They exceeded my expectations. With almost no exceptions, I thought that the staff on board really wanted me and my family to have a good time.

 

It appears that you can wear whatever you want to dinner. On the formal nights, I saw everything from tuxedos to shorts, t-shirts and sandals.

 

We did one excursion in Cozumel. It was a snorkel / Playa Mia tour. One snorkel stop of 30 minutes followed by one of 20 minutes, and then 2 hours on a small beach with probably 500 other people. There was a buffet lunch that was even worse than the food on the Rhapsody. It wasn't worth the $366 that we paid, but it did get us off the ship, and the family had fun.

 

I don't know how people view cruises as a bargain. $8,500 for a family of 5 is really, really expensive (that includes one balcony, one inside room, excursion, parking, tips, and extras while on board). We spent a week in Playa del Carmen at an AI resort on the beach and spent only $5,000, and that included airfare.

[Bethwte]

We only tendered @ one port (Cayman)....and I understand that all suite passengers get Priority Tender vouchers.

 

We had all the sodas and bottled waters we wanted...in the cabin.

 

The suite has a sofa bed. My 8yo slept there.

 

On RCI' date=' I think I actually just paid for the suite....the 1200ish square feet of living area.

 

We did not get invited to dine with the Captain.[/quote']

 

On the Vision we experienced about the same perks except we did get an invitation to dine with the captain. As for the sofa bed, they are awful... its so funny because everything else in the room is fabulous, but sleeping at night is a bear. Our steward brought something like a thin matress and that helped a lot. :) Also, I think the RS helps when you have special requests (Boo's mom mentioned she asked for (and got) early delivery of room service for breakfast). We've experienced the same. For instance, on formal night my little sister was sick and we did not attend dinner because of this. Of course my father was extremely dissapointed (as he loves lobster, even cruise line "lobster") and so I called room service to see if I could order him one. They told us that they do not deliver them (I think it is because people would order a rediculous amount) even after I explained he was only having one, and did not have dinner. So, I ordered other items but when I told them my room number so they could deliver it, the woman paused for a moment and said "you know what, I think we can give you a lobster actually". I've never seen room service dishes wisked away as fast as the one with the lobster shell on that night, LOL (I guess they didn't want questions about us getting lobster :o ). You will find that senior officers go out of their way to be nice to you, and the Maitre'D spends a good deal of time at your table. The rooms are very nice, and generally, I think they are worth it. I'm trying to remember if RCCL brings you canapes mid-afternoon or not. It's been a few years. I know our butler on Celebrity brought tea time to us (people without concierge service had to go to the lido to get their own tea and snadwiches) but I really cannot remember if Royal did or not. I KNOW they did on formal nights however. Sorry I do not have more info about Royal Caribbean Specifically :( I'll be in the RS on the Jewel in a few weeks and give everyone the details if they'd like when I return.

 

Also, Boo's Mom. Wonderful review! :D It doesn't apply to me specifically, but I think that it gave some good insight into RCCL on the whole, as well as your specific sailing... You are a very eloquent writer, and from what I read I think very highly of you. I saw a touch of class in what you wrote that many people (I'm sure myself sometimes) lack on these boards! :D

[Boo's Mom]

Boo's Mom,

You said emabarkation was a breeze--what time did you arrive at the pier?

 

Our shuttle from the Galvez Hotel was late...scheduled to pick us up @ 12:00. It was more like 12:20. 10 minute ride over to the pier. So, I would say that we got to the processing lines....@ 12:30.

 

Although we went to a suite line, I did notice that there were many, many lines to check into....and none of them were very busy.

 

********************************************************

 

Bethwte.... Yes, we did have canapes delivered to the room every evening. One night, we had a small cake delivered to the room. It said something like: Have a safe journey home. It was cute. Although I did not get to taste it....my DH says it was good. :)

 

The one thing that was missing from this RCI suite experience, was a Butler. We have had a RS on Celebrity a few times, and we thoroughly enjoyed the Butler. For example, on RCI....when room service is delivered, it is placed on the dining room table, with the covers in place.

On Celebrity, when you order anything to your cabin, the table is set for you and the food placed beautifully in its place. :o

 

*********************************************************

 

Hi Bobby !

I hope you had an uneventful drive home ! It was great meeting you!!!!! :)

[Boo's Mom]

I see that I have listed an incorrect website above.

 

The site where I booked the independent excursion in Grand Cayman is:

 

http://www.grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com

 

:p

[Andipanda1]

I guess you were on a different ship then the rest of us. Sounds like for you to be happy everything would have to be perfect. First all the food was great the sevice was better. I guess you need to take a Greyhound and leave the driving to us:eek: .

 

Now, that wasn't very nice, was it? :rolleyes: It was just this poster's opinion. Different strokes, yanno?

 

I think that sometimes first-time cruisers have these huge expectations of what a cruise is like--I remember thinking that my first cruise was going to be like what I saw on Love Boat, where every night seemed to be formal night and the cabins were huge. ;) Although I wasn't disappointed with my first cruise in 1995, since then, I've learned to do my research. I hope that the poster does try cruising again sometime, but that he/she does their research beforehand.:)

[camaroZ28]

I know this is corny, but..... I love karaoke, and I've seen on a few posts that some of the ships have it some times. What about the Rhapsody? Sailing on 4/3. Hope Grand Cayman's weather is ok, I would love to see it. By the way, in my opinion, Fish Tales is one of the worst restaraunts on the Island, sorry someone would actually recommend that to a visitor. Personally, I hate the fact the Landry's is taking over Galveston, but they do have a few decent restaraunts. But, since I practically live in Galveston, I tend to stick to the little known out of the way places. The Strand has a few good places (I work in that area), but most of those are of the pre-fab variety. If you do go, however, you must try the Phoenix. The best bakery around. Thanks to Landry's, they are a little pricey, but definately worth it!!!

[wallie5446]

Boo's Mom could you stop by the summer house and leave a copy of your review please.;)

 

EW

[Boo's Mom]

Boo's Mom could you stop by the summer house and leave a copy of your review please.;)

 

[

 

sure. :p

 

********************************************************

 

camaroZ28..... Yes, there is Karaoke on the Rhapsody.

 

********************************************************

 

BTW, folks...... we were unable to get any cash advance @ the casino. MY DH asked for $300. and they gave him $300 in casino money. :mad:

 

On Celebrity, they would just give us the cash....perhaps we would spend it in the casino, perhaps not. ;)

 

RCI told us that passengers could cash a check....up to $200.....once per cruise.

[wallie5446]

Thank You berry berry much.

EW

[Alphawave]

For anyone wanting a superb dinner in Galveston, eat at the Steakhouse inside the San Luis Resort. It is listed as one of the top restaurants in the US. It is pricey, but well worth it. You must make a reservation.

 

Thanks you Boo's Mom for the excellent review of the Rhapsody which I am just about to sail on. We are in a Jr. Suite (aft) and can't wait!

 

Elaine and Roy

[TXMary]

We were also on this sailing. I can't really add much to Boo's Mom's detailed review. Great write-up!

 

I can verify that we were also in a suite (Grand- 8514) and had VIP tender passes. Not that it mattered much. We got notices that our stingray excursion was cancelled the night before we got to Grand Cayman. We decided to sleep a little later, have breakfast and then head into GC. We waited a long time for a tender and then it was announced they had decided to stop the tenders. We were disappointed of course, but we had a great time staying on the ship too. Love those sea days!! It was the first time all week we found deck chairs at the pool that were in the sun! LOL And honestly, if they felt it was not safe, we were more than happy to stay on board.

 

Yes, the Rhapsody does have karaoke in the Schooner Bar. We were there every night. If anyone on our sailing heard Adam and Meredith from Belton sing Summer Lovin'...Adam is our nephew. It was a blast every night. Derek is great and really keeps it fun! He calls it Kamikaze Karaoke because the songs are picked randomly by the computer and you never know what song you are going to get. It seemed to be the same songs every night though.

 

Embarkation was a breeze for us also. We stayed the night before at the Holiday Inn on the Beach and left the car there for free. We were on the first shuttle scheduled for 11:30. We actually left the hotel around 11:15, pulled right up to the terminal, walked right up to a counter in the priority check-in line, and were on the ship by noon at the latest. I didn't really check my watch, but it was no later than that, probably earlier. And we were off the ship by 8:30 Sunday morning.

 

I agree that everyone does have their own opinions, but I have to admit I was speechless to hear the food described as "just plain nasty". Yikes! Lookin4Calm must be a much better cook than I am. We thought the food was very good. And, although we dressed for dinner every night, I have no idea what others in the dining room were wearing. I could care less what others do when I am enjoying time with my family and friends. I also asked DH who is a big Corona drinker if he was bothered by the lemons. He said it didn't really make much difference, but again, just another opinion.

 

We thought the comedian was really funny and weren't offended by his remarks at all. Regret that we were too tired to go to the adult show with him the last night.

 

I think we saw more drunk kids than Boo's Mom also. We sort of expected that though since it was spring break. My other nephew was offered wine every night in the dining room despite the fact that he is 16 years old. He declined.

 

This was our second cruise, both on RCI. I admit I was nervous about the Rhapsody. Our only other cruise was on the Serenade so I was afraid of the Rhapsody being older and not as big. My worries flew out the window the minute we stepped onboard. This ship is very well maintained and very pretty. Loved all the Texas stuff and the dining room staff singing "Deep In The Heart of Texas" for us!! We would do this cruise and this ship again in a heartbeat.

 

Oh and Marva was also our suite attendant and she was incredible. One day we left for about 25 minutes tops and when we came back she had made up the room and was already gone.

 

It was a fantastic time. We can't wait to go back and are already looking to book another one.

[Cindyrella]

TXMary,

 

We are booked at Holiday Inn on the Beach for next Saturday night. How did you like it?

Another question--my husband would like to see a little bit of Galveston before we board, is it impractical to take a taxi to the Strand for a few hours on Sunday morning? Will anything be open? Personally, I would rather get on that ship ASAP but we Moms are always trying to please everybody.

[journey2002]

Thanks to all of you for your detailed reviews. It makes me anticipate my trip even more. We sail on June 12th.

[TXMary]

TXMary,

 

We are booked at Holiday Inn on the Beach for next Saturday night. How did you like it?

Another question--my husband would like to see a little bit of Galveston before we board, is it impractical to take a taxi to the Strand for a few hours on Sunday morning? Will anything be open? Personally, I would rather get on that ship ASAP but we Moms are always trying to please everybody.

 

Cindyrella,

 

The Holiday Inn was fine. It was your average hotel. Clean and had a great view. It was a little crazy, but it was spring break. We had one group of kids from A&M invite us to a party in their room...LOL

 

I do have to tell you though that the parking lot for the cruisers is way in the back behind the hotel. Our friend's minivan was broken into while we were gone. They busted out her passender side window. There was a bag inside that looked like a purse. The security guard and the policeman who came thought they busted out the window thinking it was a purse and then realized there was nothing to steal. They didn't take anything, but it was a total mess with busted glass. We got there first, noticed it, and flagged down the security guard who told us that they normally have an off-duty policeman patroling the lot, but he didn't come in that night. He was very young but I was surprised he told us that. He also said to us, "Haven't you heard about this town?" Hmmmm.... I'm sure it was an isolated incident and I would stay there again...probably.

 

We didn't go down to the Strand at all, but when we took the shuttle down to the pier there were people down there so I guess things must have been open. It looked neat and I would like to go back and explore that area some day. All we cared about Sunday was getting on the ship!

 

Have a great time!!! I hope you get to go to Grand Cayman. The head waiter told us ours was the fourth sailing since the Rhapsody had been back to GC and only one sailing before us got to go and ours only half the people did. I wish I was back on the ship...

[Boo's Mom]

Cindyrella.... I saw your friend's minivan!....with its busted window.

 

As we were waiting at the pier for the Galvez Shuttle, the Holiday Inn Shuttleman came around and asked us if we wanted him to take us back to the Galvez. (maybe you were the couple that rode over with us?)

 

We stopped first @ the Holiday Inn....and drove a couple over to their car. This is when we saw the minivan.

 

The shuttle driver kept saying that he thought it was "from the storm". There were no branches, etc...around by the window....not that we could see anyway.

 

About the drunk college students: We really did not spend any time in any of the lounges. The exceptions: Bingo and children's talent show in the "Shall We Dance Lounge". Perhaps this is why we did not see much of the drunken activity? :o

[bosteph]

Great review Boo's Mom!

 

We were also on this sailing - sorry we didn't make it to the M&M - confusion and late delivery of invitations :(.

 

My group was on one of the last tenders to GC. It was very scary :eek:. Our tender banged against the ship with such force that the Chief Safety Officer inspected it for damage before allowing it to leave for the pier. Of course our excursion was cancelled but I got in some great shopping before heading back to the ship.

 

Cozumel was very nice and I would gladly return. Carlos & Charlies is about the craziest place that I have ever been!!!

 

One more comment about the food...

 

I wasn't expecting a culinary experience. I thought that the food was okay not great, not bad - just okay. I felt that appetizers and desserts were much better than the entrees. We enjoyed being taken care of and pampered. The one thing that I miss the most is fresh fruit prepared for me each morning.

 

We are booking the eastern Caribbean for May 2006 as soon as the schedule is available. My first cruise was exactly what I expected - a complete escape from reality for seven wonderful days. It could have only been better if I had won the $14,000 bingo jackpot (a 10 yr old from Denton, TX won).

[Boo's Mom]

Hello BoSteph !!!!

 

I am so sorry that we did not get to meet in person! :(

 

I'm glad your first experience was a good one !