Rhapsody - Yes or No?

[adjournthis120]

A little background on us first. We've been on 4 and 5 cruises, and all ships have been large like Adventure, Mariner, NCL Pearl. We thought about trying Rhapsody next summer for our Alaskan cruise, but don't know much about the ship or know anyone who has sailed her.

 

My main concerns are that she is a much smaller ship than either of us has cruised on before, she's a bit older, with no alternative dining room. Is she still in good condition? I saw some pictures on a site that depicted terrible mold and peeling paint in the shower and other locations and wondered if that was just someone pointing out only the bad, or if it was a situation that we should be concerned about.

 

Can some of you more experienced cruisers give us the good, bad or whatever applies in terms of the Rhapsody and whether we should consider her for our cruise next year? Thanks for your help.

[esteam]

sailed rhapsody 2 years ago. last rc cruise was the explorer 2 years before that. i also was worried due to much smaller ship size but enjoyed it very much. very friendly staff. no real issues of wear noticed.

[addicted2cruizin]

We sailed on her in October 06 and had a great time. The crew and cruise director's staff were fabulous. We have been on four cruises and Rhapsody is still our favorite.

[notree]

We just returned from a cruise on the Rhapsody.

 

It is a bit smaller but that to me has advantages. You get to meet more and you recognize more people. The shopping on the ship is rotated, not all the products displayed at one time. The ship is transitioning personal to oriental folks who are a bit more reserved by nature than say Jamaican staff. The ship is my favorite. The entertainment was high energy, the slots were very tight! not much action. The food is good. We had no problem with the upkeep and there was new linen etc in our room. Deck 7 inside (I like to nap in the dark). I loved Rotan if you are going there. Progresso was not one of my favorite places. I would sail on her again. Notree

[cruisecrazymama]

and we love her. But we like the smaller ships. Much easier to get around,and more relaxing. She has a loyal Southern following. Notice I didn't say Texas, cause we are from Okla, and alot of her passengers are from Ok, and La.as well as Texas. The crew is one of the best you will find at sea. Yes, she is older, and a little worn, but they have done a wonderful job of keeping her clean and shiny. They are always cleaning, replacing carpet, and maintaining her beautiful looks. Now, all that said, If you have only cruised the big ships, I can't say for certain Rhapsody is the ship for you. How important are the alternative resturants to you? The golf or ice rinks? Those are the questions you need to ask yourself. As for the mold and peeling paint. That was an isolated thing. Not at all the norm. Good luck whatever you decide.

[TEXASMUNK]

My first cruise was on a 14,500 ton Cunard ship, The Adventurer.

 

80,000 tons ain't small. But!!!! Rhapsody is our ultimate favorite ship! It is laid out perfectly for getting around. It NEVER feels crowded. The ship has finished drydock this past spring, it looks fantastic!!!!

 

No specialty restaurant, love that featrue, but do not miss it on Rhapsody.

 

We are about to board her for our 3rd visit this year, the crew is transitioning to an Asian base, but they still maintain a friendly warm and happy attitude!

 

Her size is perfect for Alaska...lots and lots and lots of glass. The ship's atrium started those whole new "interior" theme every other ship in the world has copied since her inaugeration.

 

Do I have a complaint about her???? YES!!!!!!!!

 

She is leaving Texas!!!!

[charlsee]

We sailed on the Rhapsody this past April and really enjoyed the cruise and the ship. The last 3 prior cruises were on the Grand Princess, which had begunnto feel like "home" to us. We liked the switch to a smaller ship for a change. The ship is lovely and we will so miss her leaving Texas. Have a fabulous time - I certainly envy you.

[mstelly]

We were on her in July, 2007 - I don't have a complaint about the shape that she was in, but I can tell you that we booked a June 13, 2008 Alaska cruise on her out of Seattle for next year. From the research that I have found - you want to go on a smaller ship in the Alaska area, otherwise you will lose many of the sights because the larger ships cannot maneuver or risk the closer scenic routes.

[petel]

......... Is she still in good condition? I saw some pictures on a site that depicted terrible mold and peeling paint in the shower and other locations and wondered if that was just someone pointing out only the bad, or if it was a situation that we should be concerned about...............

 

IMHO - YMMV:

That was someone who didn't know how to pick up the phone and dial housekeeping and say, "Clean up the mold." because that's all it would have taken. If you have a problem and don't tell someone; Well, how can anyone fix something that they don't know about?

 

Sailed RH 5 times in the last two years and one more time on the 12th before she leaves Galveston. RH is a fine ship with a great staff and crew. Like Jim said, the interior is brass and glass and lots of light. The CD and staff get great reviews. All of the shows have lots of energy. The dinning room and chef staff make you not need the speciality resturants. We love RH!

[cruisecrazymama]

My first cruise was on a 14,500 ton Cunard ship, The Adventurer.

 

80,000 tons ain't small. But!!!! Rhapsody is our ultimate favorite ship! It is laid out perfectly for getting around. It NEVER feels crowded. The ship has finished drydock this past spring, it looks fantastic!!!!

 

No specialty restaurant, love that featrue, but do not miss it on Rhapsody.

 

We are about to board her for our 3rd visit this year, the crew is transitioning to an Asian base, but they still maintain a friendly warm and happy attitude!

 

Her size is perfect for Alaska...lots and lots and lots of glass. The ship's atrium started those whole new "interior" theme every other ship in the world has copied since her inaugeration.

 

Do I have a complaint about her???? YES!!!!!!!!

 

She is leaving Texas!!!!

 

It's me, Brenda, from out Thanksgiving cruise on Rhapsody. You are 100% correct. It isn't a small ship by any means. I just meant smaller than the class the OP is used to.You just say things so much better than I do.:D

BTW, That is our only complaint too. Have a great last cruise on Rhapsody. Tell her goodbye for me.

[adjournthis120]

Thank you all so very much for your quick responses. She sounds like a lovely ship, and we have both been wanting to try something smaller than we're used to, and it looks like it may be the Rhapsody. We love the itinerary, like sailing in and out of Seattle, so we'll think about it for a few more days, but all things look toward us booking her. And we'll definitely say goodbye for all of you. Thanks again.

 

Kathie

[douglinc@msn.com]

We have been on the Rhapsody 3 times and going for the 4th. on 8-19, it's a beautiful ship and well maintained. I agree, the only problem is she is leaving Texas.

 

Doug

[sajeffc]

We just returned from Rhapsody western carib sailing on 7/22 to 7/29 and thoroughly enjoyed the ship. She was in very good shape. I saw the same posts about ship condition and I looked for things. I'm in the hotel biz, so I know what to look for and I didn't find much. There was a little rust in some corners, but I didn't see mold or mildew anywhere. I also saw a great deal of work being done by the ships staff as woodwork was being redone, there was painting and new carpet being laid. None of which impeded the operation or guest experience in any way. The linens were plush and new, bedding was excellent. Food was outstanding. Service was great and all of my encounters with staff were what they should be. I wouldn't hesitate to go on her again. There is not a specialty restaurant, which I would have liked, but I think that is the only thing I missed. I was able to find a seat in the casino when I wanted. I understand they are about to reno the Windjammer, so I don't know how that will end up.

[Mrsg324]

Rhapsody is my favorite ship. I've been on her twice. I also have one major complaint.

She is leaving Galveston.

When we started looking into Alaska next summer, I was really excited to see that Rhapsody is sailing from there.

[Karshrimp]

Rhapsody is the first ship we ever cruised on. We had a blast! :D When we heard she was leaving Galveston, we were sad. :( When looking at booking for Alaska next year, and seeing she would be cruising Alaska out of Seattle, we jumped on it! It will be like seeing an old friend again! :D She's a beautiful ship.

There are many advantages to the smaller ships when compared to the mega-ship! Number 1 advantage being that it is less crowded! Easier to get on and off at ports, finding a seat in the casino, etc. ;) I would book on the Rhapsody again in a heartbeat! Hey, we did book on her again...lol!!

[vickiw0318]

Couldn't have gotten off the Rhapsody last May if I hadn't known I had another Rhapsody cruise booked!

[gizzy15@iowatelecom.net]

Hey thanks to all of you for the info and the Positive reviews of RH. I too am taking my family on her to Alaska next May and was curious as well. I love this website!!!!!