anyone stayed in a Grand Suite on the Rhapsody?

[sailor moon]

How was it? What were the perks?

JB
UPCOMING CRUISES:
Splendour of the Seas 4/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;4;22;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
Radiance of the Seas 9/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=228b22&cdt=2004;9;18;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Grandeur of the Seas 1/05
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;1;3;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
Rhapsody of the Seas 3/05
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2005;3;13;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[sailor moon]

bump

JB
UPCOMING CRUISES:
Splendour of the Seas 4/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;4;22;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
Radiance of the Seas 9/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=228b22&cdt=2004;9;18;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Grandeur of the Seas 1/05
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;1;3;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
Rhapsody of the Seas 3/05
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2005;3;13;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[sally r]

We have stayed in a Grand Suite on the Vision which I believe would be identical. We really enjoyed it. There was no concierge or private lounge but it really didn't matter. We had a party for some of our Cruise Critic friends and room service took care of everything. Even sent housekeeping to clean up after. We had about 25 people and it was not crowded. The balcony is huge!
The cabin is very nicely laid out. We enjoyed having the bed by the windows. Also used the dry bar a lot. Our cabin steward rang the doorbell (yes, you have a door bell!) and we didn't know what it was. Thought is was some sort of alarm. Felt real stupid when the attendant came in and asked why we didn't answer the door! The bath is real nice with marble and plenty of room. Lots of storage everywhere. We had a 25" TV and VCR. Free videos if you ask your steward. There are gifts delivered every day from the different concessions (casino, spa, etc,) and usually consist of canapes or sweets. We have had Owner's suites but will always book a Grand if available,just like them better. We have a GS on the Brilliance in two weeks!
Enjoy yourself but just know that you will be forever spoiled!

Sally
one Norwegian cruise 9/00
and Royal Caribbean crusies
03/01,05/01,05/02,06/02,09/0210/02,4/03,8/03,11/03,4/04,8/04/HAL 9/04 b2b/NCL 4/05 b2b
Schooner Bar rules!

[m00k3y]

We have a Gradn Suite on Rhapsody in December, would really appreciate any photo's, especially of the balcony. We are traveling with an infant and toddler and are concerned about how safe it will be on the balcony for them.

Also, do you get use of robes during the cruise?

Any additional information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Mike

[andreakul]

Mike,

The Grand Suite is quite nice. You will enjoy it alot. If you are worried about the balcony safety I would simply put the sitting chair in front of the sliding glass door. That might make it harder for you to access, but much harder as well for the toddlers to get out there unattended. The door is very heavy so they might not be able to open it anyway. Have fun and enjoy.

Andreakul

Grandeur 3/13/2004
Navigator 7/5/2003
Explorer 7/5/2002
Infinity 7/20/2001
Norway- Millenium Cruise 2000

[Bookit]

Sailor Moon,

We have stayed twice in a GS on Rhapsody, and once in a GS on Splendour (and another GS booked on Splendour in week or so -- yes, we love them)! We found that the GS perks varied from ship to ship (same class ship, same port).

Similarities: There is no concierege on either ship -- thus, no special waiting (embarkation) room, or room aboard for suite passengers to gather -- ie. concierege/drinks. We did receive priority check in by having a suite. We were among the first few groups called to disembark. We received wonderful (I like them) RCI brand "Explorae" full size products (such as shampoo, lotion,) and a basket of items, such as mini-sewing kit, shoeshine cloth, etc.; RCI robes to wear aboard; chocolate-covered strawberries at sailaway; a single rose in vase; and, priority tender tickets.

Dissimilarities: On Splendour (11 day cruise) we received wonderful treats each afternoon -- cheeses, pates, etc., and some evenings truffles and strawberries. Nothing on Rhapsody!

mOOk37,

The balcony (sliding) doors are heavy and have a (waist high for adults) lock action lever to open and close. My concern would be that the balcony chairs are not heavy. I believe that a toddler could easily pull one -- that coupled with a curious child wanting to peer over the railing -- would be of concern to me.

[Sophie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by m00k3y:
We have a Gradn Suite on Rhapsody in December, would really appreciate any photo's, especially of the balcony. We are traveling with an infant and toddler and are concerned about how safe it will be on the balcony for them.

Also, do you get use of robes during the cruise?

Any additional information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Mike<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Just curious...When in December are you going? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

Sophie

[m00k3y]

Thank you so much for the replies.

I am glad you mentioned about the chairs, I definately will not allow my children out there without an adult right there.... considering getting one of those harnesses (we hate them) for my son. He is a climber and might be a good idea while he is out on the balcony.

Sophie,
We are going on the same cruise! December 5th this year. I set up a roll call today.

Looking forward to meeting you

[brn2crz]

We had our 3 1/2 year old on a balcony on the Rhapsody last year.My son is probably above and beyonf most in the area of adventure/curiosity/determination...He could definitly open the door.
But it really wasn't an issue as we kept the little table in front of it.Not to prevent him from getting out,just as an obstacle.
If they were able to get out on their own,and were left unattended for any length of time,yes it could be an issue.
I remember there being a lock of some sort,but for the life of me,cant remember what type.DH says no lock..

Cathy
NCL-Starward 1982
NCL-Seaward 1986
NCL-Norway 1992
Carnival-Celebration 1996
Carnival-Jubilee 2001
RCI-Rhapsody 1999
RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
Grand Princess or Rhapsody ?
2004


[img]http://heathersanimations.com/Fish2/netdiver.gif[/img]

[m00k3y]

Anyone happen to have any recent pictures of a Grand Suite from Rhapsody? I need a new wallpaper for my work computer!!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

<pre>
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M00k3y </pre>

[wolfganghowell]

Thanks for the info on the grand suite. We are in 8516 on 11/28 and will try to leave it in one piece for you folks on 12/5!!

Thanks for the info on the larger shampoos etc. It will help on the packing side!

Century 99-00
Rhapsody 11/00
Rhapsody 10/01
Infinity 2/02
Millennium 11/02
Millennium 11/03
Rhapsody 11/04

[char1]

You can go to cruisestateroom.com. They have a photo and a 3-D picture.

[trouvaille]

We have booked an upcoming cruise on the Rhapsody and will be staying in a Grand Suite. This is our first cruise with RCL but have cruised with Princess and most recently Celebrity. My husband and I are taking his mother on her first cruise (father in law recently passed and we thought it would be something for her to look forward to). We enjoyed Princess and love Celebrity but are looking forward to our trip on the Rhapsody. We really wanted to have her spoiled to the max on Celebrity but the cost for the three of us for a suite on RCL was so much more affordable, we couldn't justify the difference. I know there is no concierge service on Rhapsody but I too am curious as to the ammenities and service. I'm so hoping this can be the experience we want for her. Any suggestions you have for making it special would be greatly appreciated. She's a lovely woman and has had a very difficult few years.

[dderm]

we're also in 8516 in October. If anyone wants to have me check out anything specific, please let me know and I'll get back to you. Unless, of course, you've already found the info through another message.

[wolfganghowell]

Hey derm, take care of my room! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Any info on the room supplies would be appreciated and info on the storage. Even though we consider ourselves experienced cruisers, hubby always over packs. Yes - I said hubby. And we even use the laundry service.

Trou - I'm sure your MIL will have a lovely time. If she is the type of lady who likes the spa and the salon, you might want to make her appts for her as soon as you get on board. I know a lot of women - especially the over 50's - like to have their hair "done" for the formal nights and those appts fill up fast. If she is a bridge player, there is also an area for that and seems to always have a group or more playing.

Century 99-00
Rhapsody 11/00
Rhapsody 10/01
Infinity 2/02
Millennium 11/02
Millennium 11/03
Rhapsody 11/04

[mledet]

re: balcony and toddler....

At Walmart and other baby suppliers, they have balcony guards.....mainly a netting you secure to balcony rails, etc with wire ties or some similar hardware

Look into it. We used one in a high rise condo on the beach with my son when he was a baby. Great thing!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=008000&cdt=2004;7;4;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
till Bon Voyage!


Rhapsody of the Seas '04
Carnival Conquest '03

[gbcruise]

I used a refrigerator velcro "lock" a few years ago for my toddlers. I'm not sure if this would work for protection for the balcony door. Maybe someone else might know. Just a thought.

[Guest smithers853]

Has everyone gotten trates from the spa, etc??

Sounds great. We are on the Vision of a couple of months in a GS and are aboutt o go crazy with excitement!