Somebody sell me on Rhapsody of the Seas...

[jimbug]

Hi everyone,

I've cruised once before (this summer on the Sapphire Princess to Alaska), and became addicted to cruising. My mom and I are planning a trip for next spring, as my DH wasn't too hot on the cruising concept, and neither is my dad...haha. Anyway, we live within driving distance of Galveston, so our choices are limited to the Carnival Elation, Grand Princess, or RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas.

 

To be honest, I would originally think it would be hands-down Grand Princess...but that ship is sooooo similar to the Sapphire, and I am wanting to try something different, though the Grand Class of ships is fabulous anyhow.

 

I need some RCCL faithfuls to "sell" me on why I should go on RCCL instead of the other two...give me good reasons, everyone! I really want to go on RCCL for the new experience and itinerary....but since I know next to nothing about Carnival or RCCL, I need some info.

 

Thanks so much for your input!!

[cruisekimmy]

hi! if you want any information about the Carnival Elation just ask me!!its really a great ship!!

[sailor moon]

Look at all the past reviews on the review board. This ship has always had a strong following and is consistently full. We will be back on it at Thanksgiving. Fausto (who is on this message board) is sailing her many times this year alone!

[FlorenceItaly]

Hello, again, from Edmond, OK :).

 

I have not sailed the Rhapsody yet, but am sailing on her Oct 10...In reading the reviews I have not read anything negative about this ship. Also, people tend to sail her MULTIPLE times. One of the things I love about RCI is the majority of their ships have the solarium's..which is an adult pool and hot tub area...no one under 16, I believe, permitted. It's a very relaxing area.

 

Marie

[camreesmom]

Yes, read the posts by TXSailor....it is Fausto. He has sailed on the Rhapsody at least 3 times already and has at least one more booked on her. He has also posted the Cruise Compasses for the Rhapsody so you can get an idea of what there is to do on board. We'll be on the Rhapsody next month and can't wait!

[mongo]

take a look over on the carnivval board for a thread, "best little cruise ship in TEXAS" i believe, it is a poll.

 

see which ship is hands down winning.

[woodz]

We had an aft corner balcony on deck 8 and it was wonderful. The crew was the best we have encountered on all our 11 cruises. You won't be dissapointed.

[ambergloww]

We'll be on the Rhapsody next month and can't wait!

wow that looks so good in print!!!!! Us too! We'll be sailing the 12th.Next month, wow it seems so close now! Can't wait!!!!

[TXSailor]

Hi jimbug:

 

Here is the scoop with Rhapsody....shes fabulous!!! The crew on this ship is the best. I have traveled to many resorts and have never experienced the service like I have on the Rhapsody. The passengers also have a large part in making this ship so much fun. About 90% of the passengers are from Texas, and the staff and crew just love us. The ship is not very large, yet she is not small by any means. Everything is usually a very short walk away and you will not feel crowded, even though there are more than 2,000 people onboard. The room attendants are very nice people, most of them are from the Caribbean islands. If you need anything in your stateroom, they will immediately respond. The onboard activities are fun, later on that note.

 

The evening shows in the Broadway Melodies Theater are wonderful. The Royal Caribbean Singers & Dancers are exceptional. If you are into Broadway style shows, then you will enjoy the ones to be seen onboard the Rhapsody. There is also an incredible magic/illusion show performed by LaRaf. These two guys should definitely have their own special on HBO one of these days.

 

The casino is ok. It pays off and then it doesn't. For example, on my May2004 cruise, I played the dollar wheel of fortune slot machine and lost about $500 but the machine only paid about $10 during the whole week. On my July2004 cruise, I played the same machine and won $900 and the machine paid off BIG TIME during the whole week...and it didn't just happen to me, it paid someone else too, during that particular cruise.

 

The Viking Crown Lounge is the place you want to be if you like to dance. The crowds vary depending on the time of year and the DJ naturally caters to the majority age group in the crowd. In May2004, the majority were the 30 somethings. In June 2004, the majority were the 18-22 year olds. In July 2004, the majority age group was between 25-50. So, the music will vary depending on the age group.

 

All of the bartenders onboard are very nice people and know how to make any drink you wish for.

 

The dining room staff is incredible. They must have photographic memory in order to know what your likes and dislikes are within a day or two. They also perform for us on a couple of nights. They are a bunch of great people.

 

The room service menu is ok, but the service is outstanding.

 

I rented a tux onboard in July, and the tailor pretty much dressed me up. He arrived in our cabin with a few extra pants, jackets and shirts, to make sure I was ready to go to the Captain's Reception which was starting in 45 minutes. He buttoned my shirt for me, put the cufflinks and studs on for me, he put my tie on for me, he even adjusted my pants for me while I had them on...hey I didn't ask for any of this, but I surely wasn't going to stop him. IMHO, he went beyond his duties, which is why I love the Rhapsody. Sure, I tipped him $20 for his service and professionalism.

 

The stores in the duty free shopping area offer some great discounts on tobacco and alcohol, as well as your average costume jewelry. Lots of neat little gifts and stuff.

 

The ship photographers are ok. They missed my table on the first formal night on my July cruise...but they compt. my pictures for the entire cruise...so fair is only fair and I forgave them. The photographs are very nicely done and of good quality.

 

The swimming pool area is a nice place to be, if you like to listen to live reggae music, drink a pina colada and relax. It can get crowded during poolside activities but for the most part, the crowd is tolerable. If you get to the pool too late, you may have to search for a place to sun tan though.

 

I typed up a weeks worth of activities onboard the Rhapsody. If you want to know what goes on everyday? Go here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=23293&highlight=txsailor

 

 

To see pics of our Rhapsody cruises go to these two places:

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/txsailor101

 

and

 

http://members4.clubphoto.com/fausto887313/owner-4241-1.phtml

 

I hope this helps.

 

Fausto

[superdave57]

Hope this helps. My family just came back from this cruise back in mid-June. The truth is whatever cruiseline you sail after Alaska won't match up. We did the Alaska cruise last year and have sailed twice since. Although enjoyable, they cannot compete with the experience of that cruise. If you can put this aside, the Rhapsody is a good ship. We too live close to Galveston and thus is why we took this cruise. Although a Texan, I think they lay the Texas line too much througout the cruise. Over 3/4 of the guest will be from Texas and they really push that theme at times. If you are young and like fast excitement, parties, etc... then take Carnival, if you like fun but also want to relax with a middle age crowd, take RCCL. I haven't been on the Princess cruise line out of Galveston but I have been on Princess and found it a slight upgrade from RCCL. Since I have been on all 3, I have no biased opinion. I think you will like Rhapsody. We had the Junior suite since I had two young kids. Really enjoyed the balcony. Food good, entertainment pretty good. I wish they had specialty restaurants but they don't. The ship is older but still a grand lady. I really liked the ports and main dining. Hope this helps.

[endi302]

My wife and I also live within driving distance of Galveston. We have sailed Carnival, Princess, Holland America, and Royal Carribean ( Nordic Empress, Rhapsody). We have been on 2 RCCL cruises compared to one each of the others. We sailed on the Star Princess which is a sister ship to the Grand.

 

Having told our background with cruising, we enjoy the atmosphere of RCCL over the others. We enjoyed our cruise on Rhapsody more than any of our other cruises. I agree with all of the positives that have been listed on your other responses. We enjoyed Rhapsody so much that we have scheduled our first repeat cruise on Rhapsody for next April. If you go on Rhapsody I believe you will have one of the best cruise experiences possible.

 

Hope this helps

Kevin

[tawcat]

I posted to the NCL board about the Sea. For many of the same reasons I would say go Rhapsody. I surely loved the ship. It is a bit newer, but still small. Designated dining room seating rather than NCL's freestyle. Other than that I believe both cruises were about equal par. About the same itinerary as well. I really think that whichever you choose you will truely enjoy it. Happy sailing.

[Mac'sMom]

We have sailed 6 times with RC. We've sailed on the Rhapsody twice - the last time was last year out of Galveston; time before that was out of San Juan. Prefer the Rhapsody size ship to the Voyager class ships - just more comfortable. Crew of the Rhapsody is definitely the best - also the passengers - so many people from Texas - made us feel really welcome. :p Also, because the passengers are pleasant and having a good time, I think that's reflected in the attitude of the crew. Just a thought - but other cruises have had "more of a mix" and people just weren't as friendly. Would sail out of Galveston again any time. Would also sail on the Rhapsody again, any time. :)

[Firefighterhoop]

I have been reading cruise critic since sept 2002. I have only read one or 2 negitive comments about the rhapsody since 2002. I cant wait to go next weekend!

 

Scott

[camreesmom]

Ambergloww, you're a week ahead of us! Have you gotten your docs yet? Too bad we won't be able to read your review before we leave.

 

Julie

[Woodsmaster]

You shouldn't be looking for reasons to be sold on the Rhapsody... you should be looking for reasons not to sail on her.

 

We sailed her last November during the Thanksgiving holiday.....ship was fully booked. A lot of kids on board.

 

But we had a great time. I would agree, the friendliest cruise staff I've sailed with. Good food, ambiance was good and the shows were good as well.

 

If I can just get by UIL marching season, we will go on her again.