Answer :
Rhapsody, even though it is older, is still a very nice ship and in pretty good shape considering. The main thing that isn't so great because of it's age is it doesn't offer as many of the onboard activities as some fo the newer ships do, Freedom of the Seas, for example. But it still offers a lot, you get your regular pool and clubs as well as a small putt-putt course and a rock climbing wall.
Dining is okay, probably on par with other Royal Caribbean ships. My only main complaint about the dining is that they don't offer any of their premium restaurants (Jade or Portofino) on this ship. Also, they don't have Johnny Rockets or Ben and Jerry's. Other than that not much to complain about.
Otherwise, I would say the ship is pretty nice. It is smaller because of it's age, but it is kind of nice being on a smaller ship. It is a little more intimate, easy to get around, etc.
I had been hearing recently that Rhapsody needed some updates because she was becomming a little worn with her age. But, they just put her into a 10 day dry-dock to do some renovations. I haven't heard the exacts, but I have heard that they are going to be updating quite a bit. So hopefully that will get her back into tip-top shape.
I have found the people onboard Rhapsody to be fantastic. You will find that a lot of the people onboard are very freindly, mostly Texans. I always find it is a real hoot to be around them. I do agree with the other answer, average age is a little higher on Rhapsody than most other Royal Caribbean ships. I've never met anyone I didn't like onboard her though, I think that all the passengers are great and a lot of them are almost as entertaining as the shows. I've also found the crew to be very friendly on my few cruises on Rhapsody.
Plus, the price of Rhapsody cannot be beat. You get the nice Royal Caribbean experience at Carnival prices, sometimes lower. So a lot of people frequent Rhapsody just for this reason.
If you haven't already been there, I've included a link to a really great site with lots of reviews and info, also a message board.
Hope this has helped answer your questions!
Dining is okay, probably on par with other Royal Caribbean ships. My only main complaint about the dining is that they don't offer any of their premium restaurants (Jade or Portofino) on this ship. Also, they don't have Johnny Rockets or Ben and Jerry's. Other than that not much to complain about.
Otherwise, I would say the ship is pretty nice. It is smaller because of it's age, but it is kind of nice being on a smaller ship. It is a little more intimate, easy to get around, etc.
I had been hearing recently that Rhapsody needed some updates because she was becomming a little worn with her age. But, they just put her into a 10 day dry-dock to do some renovations. I haven't heard the exacts, but I have heard that they are going to be updating quite a bit. So hopefully that will get her back into tip-top shape.
I have found the people onboard Rhapsody to be fantastic. You will find that a lot of the people onboard are very freindly, mostly Texans. I always find it is a real hoot to be around them. I do agree with the other answer, average age is a little higher on Rhapsody than most other Royal Caribbean ships. I've never met anyone I didn't like onboard her though, I think that all the passengers are great and a lot of them are almost as entertaining as the shows. I've also found the crew to be very friendly on my few cruises on Rhapsody.
Plus, the price of Rhapsody cannot be beat. You get the nice Royal Caribbean experience at Carnival prices, sometimes lower. So a lot of people frequent Rhapsody just for this reason.
If you haven't already been there, I've included a link to a really great site with lots of reviews and info, also a message board.
Hope this has helped answer your questions!
Answer :
We sailed the Rhapsody of the Seas in 2005.
As a frequent cruiser, I was dissapointed.
The cabin steward in my Mother's cabin was the worst I have ever experienced in 18 years of cruising. This is the first cruise that I ever failed to tip a cabin steward. Some days, the room was never made up. There was never any ice or daily newsletters.
There was constant plumbing problems on the trip. Many of the public restrooms had to be closed and the toilets in the cabins were often clogged up.
The pool was also often closed.
Our family are not alcohol drinkers so we purchased the Soda Fountain program. Because the bartenders don't get the 15% gratutity for serving soda, they served every other person at the bar before us even if we were there first.
There was often no tea or lemonade in the Windjammer during meal times. Ice cream machine was often broken.
Don't let them talk you into purchasing the "shopping booklet". It is a waste of money.
Yes, the RoS is showing her age and gets the least experienced staff.
Is is just an "OK" cruise.
Answer :
Sailed on it a year ago. Had a blast! It's a little smaller than a lot of the other ships, but crew, staff, and food were excellent.
The staterooms were not bad, like small hotel rooms, but hey, you don't spend much time in them anyway.
The pool area was being renovated at the time of my trip and it looked like it was going to be updated. The rockwall was fun.
When I went it, there were a lot of couples, mostly older, either retired or close to retirement, I think I was 34 and felt like I was not in the crowds on the ship. A lot of honeymooners too.
