RHAPSODY REVIEW July 3-10

Well it's over. After months of planning and culling wonderful information on this board it's my turn to write my very own review. Sit back, relax. This is going to be a l-o-n-g one even with daily installments.

We were in cabin 4059, a great location just steps from the Champaign Bar. I traveled with DH and our 18 year old DD.

Day 1

I will start off by saying out of 5 previous cruises, this is by far, hands down our favorite cruise! It's those friendly Texans that made this cruise so special. We're Texans now also but I still have a bit of NY inside of me. After a few short days it seemed that we kept seeing so many people we had already met! I doubt this could have happened on a huge mega ship.

Embarkation went very quickly. We arrived at the pier at noon and were up in the Windjammer having lunch at 12:30! Went down to stow our carry on stuff at approx. 1:15 and went on to familiarize ourselves with the ship. Rhapsody is not a new mega ship but it suited us very well. It's super people friendly and just the right size. It is starting to show a slight bit of wear and tear but in no way did this detract from the beauty of the ship in general. The Centrum (atrium in middle of the ship) is awesome!

We discovered our luggage outside our cabin at 3PM and had enough time to unpack which wasn't easy with 3 adults in an inside cabin but we managed to find a place for just about everything we packed! On to the dreaded muster drill which was thankfully short and painless.

Sail away was wonderful with the beat of the Caribbean band, foo foo drinks and people getting to know one another. You could feel the euphoria in the air. As we were pulling out of Galveston, dolphins could be seen jumping in and out of the water. What a nice surprise!

We had plenty of time to get ready for the night club show at 7PM. Funny comedian told cruise jokes, i.e. my cabin is so small when I inserted the room card in the slot I broke the window. Some of it was a bit hokey but everyone was in a great mood and we would have laughed at anything. Late seating dinner in the Edelweiss dining room. Food is very subjective so I won't go on about it. Just know that we never went hungry!! LOL Before we knew it, it was 10PM and time for our unofficial Meet and Mingle in the Schooner Bar. I met everyone I had been chatting with on these boards and their families. What fun to place the faces to the names we got to know so well all these past months. Lynn, Lisa, Becky, Linda, Brad, Marilyn, Granny, Georgia, KK it was a pleasure meeting and getting to know all of you! Dirty Harry, where were you? We were waiting for you and even had a cruise critic meet and mingle sign. I hope all is well with you and your family. Live music in Schooner Bar was awesome but we moved our group to a quieter spot around the corner so that we could talk without shouting. Called it a night at midnight. More to follow.........

Welcome back Bonnie......isn't it funny when you start writing your review, how quickly it begins to get long:D Sounds like you had a great time and am looking forward to more as you get time. Were you aware of your itinerary changes when you left Galveston? Keep us posted!

Mike

www.homepage.mac.com/csealove/

Woo-woo! Looking forward to your next installments.

Anxiously awaiting more! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

do you have another one booked yet?? keep it coming - glad you had a great time.

Welcome back Bonnie -

Anxiously awaiting the next chapter ;)

I'm glad that the Rhapsody is still coming through! Since we went in May '02 we've been on several other cruises - before and since - but our Rhapsody cruise still tops our list as our 'to date' favorite. From the food (much better than the Grandeur), to the service, to the entertainment and even our shipmates, it was just a wonderful vacation.

Bonnie - WELCOME BACK. I can't believe your cruise is over! We are getting ready to leave Sunday so I am anxiously awaiting the next installment as well. We just want to be able to get out of Galveston - any itinerary changes after that would be ok! (watching Tropical Depression 5 closely!:)

Welcome back!

Debbie

Glad you had a great cruise! We have been pricing this cruise on the Rhapsody for next march for a spring break cruise, well now it’s between the Grandeur out of NO or the Rhapsody. This last march (of 2005) we went on the Grandeur. It was THE BEST!

Well we were on the Elation leaving July 3,2005 in front of yell! Later that night when we left about at 7:45 we were at sea at the back of our ship and we saw the Rhapsody following us! It was a beautiful sight! I have several pictures of yall. If you would like I could email the pictures to you. Just email me at orange_fish00@yahoo.com

Happy cruising!

Awesome, Bonnie! Looking forward to more! We sailed the Elation last year, and are doing the Rhapsody on 7-24! Keep the reviews and information coming!

Welcome Back Bonnie!!!

Day 2... Had one of the best night sleep. Something to be said for sleeping in a totally dark interior room. Had breakfast in the Edleweiss dining room. Wonderful pastries and omelets. Coffee was drinkable and not as awful and I feared. After breakfast, time for some sunning and swimming up on the pool deck. At 9:30AM I had my choice of deck chairs but by 10:30AM most were taken. Chair hogs were evident everywhere! I had my book, the sun (yes i slathered on sunscreen) and relaxed. There was line dancing instruction but I was so comfortable I just sat and watched. There was a slight breeze and I sat thinking...it doesn't get much better than this.

DH joined me and I gave up my chair to sit and relax in the shade with him. We had lunch in the Windjammer Cafe. I OD'd on their greek salad! I just loved the dressing. Sandwiches were very tasty. I stayed away from the hot entrees since I didn't want to overdo. Sugar free desserts were fabulous. Both DH and I couldn't believe they were sugar free. Before we knew it, it was time for our 2nd informal meet and mingle gathering, again in the Schooner Bar. After meeting we decided to head on up to the Solarium for some burgers and fries. All of a sudden the weather turned grey and ugly. Rain pelted the solarium roof and the ship started to roll.... and roll.

Mike, we had no announcement about the change of itinerary until we were at sea. The Capt. explained that to keep safe we had to divert away from Grand Cayman and go instead to Progresso.

DH and I went back to our cabin to get ready for the Capt. Cocktail party. We stayed for 30 mins., never meeting the Captain. Truthfully the music was boring us so we just up and left. I understand the Capt. made an appearance soon after we left. We enjoyed visiting the shops and looking at photos that were taken.

By this time the ship really was rocking. DD and I couldn't eat dinner we were so queasy. DH packed his dinner away with gusto! White paper bags were left in strategic areas on the ship for those that needed them. Luckily the three of us never got that ill. Everyone walking into the Broadway Melodies Club looked drunk. Everyone was swaying with the movement of the ship. Toxic Audio an a capella group performed and I hate to admit this but the rocking of the ship lulled me to sleep!! After the show we meandered into the casino where I won $100 in slots. I was smart enough to get up and take my winnings. Bed by 1AM feeling queesy and dizzy. Tomorrow Key West......... stay tuned. Sorry if this is more like a diary than a review. Like Mike said.. it's hard to stop typing once you start.

Ready for more!!

Well how did you like Progreso? I do not like it at all!! They really need to change that port to something else!

So what are all the ports you went to?

When we were on the Elation the werst swells we got was Thursday heading back for Belize! WOW!!

Bonnie,

Glad to hear you are back! We had met at the DFW M&M not to long ago. You, so far have seemed to have a great time. We are looking at booking next year for the Rhapsody, and are really looking forward to the rest of your review. Sorry to hear about the diversion from Grand Caymen to Progresso. It's not that's its a really bad stop, but it's not Caymen.

Bonny, I arrived about 10:30 and everyone had departed. Sorry I missed youall. Wasn't that a great cruise?

Harry, So sorry we missed you! You must have just missed us. I remember leaving the Schooner Bar at approx. 10:40. I hope we can get together at the next Dallas area M&M and exchange cruise stories. And yes, it was a wonderful cruise.

Husker, of course I remember you and your wife from the Dallas M&M. Do not hesitate to book the Rhapsody. You will have a super time. It's a great friendly ship.

Day 3: We arrived in Key West at 3PM. We just lazed around the pool during the day prior to arrival, went down to the Champaign Bar to view the beautiful art work that was going to be auctioned off. Found a collage of NYC with my High School on it! Seward Park HS.. Yay!! Bidding on that work of art started at $900 so we passed it up. I loved my HS but not THAT much! LOL

Key West time!! We booked the Conch Train. It was very informative. We toured most Key West, all the way to the Southernmost part of the US. It was brutally hot and we were given fans. If you were stuck on the sunny side of the train (actually a tram) you had the sun beating down on you the whole time. It didn't take away from the excitement of passing by Ernest Hemingway's House, Margaritaville, Sloppy Joe's, etc. At the end of the tour we relaxed in the shade with some cold drinks. Our DD met up with her new found cruise friend and her parents. They left for their museum tour and DD, DH and I headed on out to Duval St. This is not to be missed. It's the heart of Key West. All the shops, pubs are located here. We had an early dinner in Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville where we had burgers that were actually good. I even ordered a margarita! We met our cruise M&M friends and it seemed wherever we went we met new found friends. Continued our trek and bought some perfume and headed on out to the Mallory Sq. sunset celebration. This is like a huge street fair with kiosks set up.. entertainment, jewelry, artwork, food, etc. Unfortunately we never did see the sunset but it was a wonderful relaxing time before boarding the Rhapsody.

Enjoyed the cool breeze on the pool deck where we had an awesome Caribbean bbq with tons of wonderful food, desserts. I had a yummy frozen pina colada served inside a pineapple shell. Lots of high energy dancing which I participated in. What fun!! Went to bed approx. 2AM.

Tomorrow at sea and Cozumel at 7PM! (due to hurricane Dennis, this was going to be our new itinerary) Stay tuned, folks.

It's alive and keeps getting bigger......I think my original review was something like 20 pages, so I kept editing down to the highlights and answering questions as they came up. Plus it keeps the experience alive and limits PCD somewhat. I STILL catch myself visualizing looking over the rail out across the ocean to a small speck of land in the distance. Soon, very soon!

Mike

www.homepage.mac.com/csealove/

Just wanted to add my welcome back to the others you've received. Can't wait to read more.

Here we go again...

Day 4: As usual, lazed around the pool, laughed at the belly flop contest. Some of those bellies sure made some splashes! Sent off some emails, strolled around the shops. We spoke to the RCI representative for a POSSIBLE future cruise. How could we not when we were having the most wonderful time.

7PMish Cozumel! We decided to have dinner first and then decide what to do. Now we had a dilemna. Do we miss THE QUEST to go ashore? All previously scheduled activities would go on as planned, nothing was postponed or cancelled. Well, what can I say? We opted to go ashore. We strolled thru the shops and then we joined DD and her friends at Senor Frogs. Not the downtown location but right at the pier! So accommodating! I had a tequila slammer and my DD still cannot believe it. I told her I do have a life other than being a mom! LOL We were thrown out at approx. 11ish. No not because of rowdy behavior. For some reason they close that location at that time. We all went back on board. DD went to be with her friends and DH and I headed up to the Shall We Dance lounge for the end of the 50s and 60s party. Lots of wonderful dancing, the twist, lindy, etc. Anyone remember those??? I just loved the super high energy the audience radiated. That was in no small part due to the extraordinary activities staff. Bed at 1AM. Tomorrow... all day in Cozumel!

Sounds wonderful, how did you find the ship?? Is she in good shape?? We're taking our in-laws for their first cruise....and they can be "picky" LOL

Thanks

 

We were in cabin 4059, a great location just steps from the Champaign Bar. I traveled with DH and our 18 year old DD.

 

Bonnie,

Did you use my favorite "Secret Door" down at the end of your hall that goes directly into the back of the Champaign Bar?

Chuck

Bonnie,

Did you use my favorite "Secret Door" down at the end of your hall that goes directly into the back of the Champaign Bar?

 

Chuck

Chuck, not sure about a secret door. Did I miss something special? I just used the door a few yards from our cabin that went directly into the Champaign Bar.

VCruisers, the Rhapsody is showing a bit of wear and tear but it still is beautiful and very well maintained. Since your in-laws never cruised before they have nothing to compare the Rhapsody with. I am sure they will love it.

OK here we go again..

Day 5 - Cozumel: Woke up to another glorious sun drenched day. Had a quick breakfast and headed out to Paradise Beach a short cab ride away. There were a total of 5 cruise ships in port and I would recommend getting to the beach as early as possible because by 10:30 most of the chairs and umbrellas were taken. No chair hogs! LOL This is what every beach should be. Beautiful soft clean sand, blue water, a gentle breeze, and for $8 (went up in price from $5) you get snorkel gear, water toys, floating rafts. My DD and I stayed in the water for the longest time on those rafts. Sheer joy. By midday we had enough sun and fun and wanted to concentrate on shopping so we grabbed a cab to downtown Cozumel. I strongly recommend Los Cinco Soles a great shop that sells everything. Lots of great Mexican artifacts, clothing, knick knacks, blankets, etc., etc. Went to the Senor Frogs to buy DD a tshirt which she wears now practically every day! Back to the ship to grab a bite to eat, then had a short power nap and woke up in time for sail away.

Formal dinner tonight.. Lobster! Kind of small so I had three but who's counting. After dinner went to the Love and Marriage game which was hysterical! Try not to miss it. Just when we thought we had enough food on this cruise it was time for the gala buffet. Amazing ice sculpture, chocolate lady in a bikini, a red dragon made out of ... something red. Rolled into bed approx. 1:30. Tomorrow Progresso!

Bonnie, I'm enjoying your review. My husband and I just booked Rhapsody over the holidays. 10 days in the sun! We will need a break from MN by then!

Quick question, How did you get to/get into Paradise Beach? Cost of cab? We haven't done this and your review makes it sound pretty darn good! Thanks! Gabrielle:rolleyes:

Bonnie, I'm enjoying your review. My husband and I just booked Rhapsody over the holidays. 10 days in the sun! We will need a break from MN by then!

 

Quick question, How did you get to/get into Paradise Beach? Cost of cab? We haven't done this and your review makes it sound pretty darn good! Thanks! Gabrielle:rolleyes:

Hi Gabrielle: Glad you're enjoying my review. Next installment is forthcoming. For taxis, you just walk off the ship and follow the signs on the pier to the taxi stand. Cost was $12 per cab to Paradise Beach. Hard to judge time but it probably took less than 15 mins. to get there. When we were ready to leave, the cabs were plentiful. It cost a few dollars more to go downtown from the beach and $6 to get back to the ship from downtown. Hope this is helpful. You'll love the Rhapsody!

I second Paradise Beach. We went there early last year and had our pick of chairs and floats. great guacamole and beachside massage is also there for around $1 a minute. Nice changing rooms, outdoor showers so after falling off the "iceberg" a million times, I could clean up to go downtown to Carlos and Charlies. It is lovely there.