Feb/March Rhapsody cruiser, where are you?

[Sarapdot]

I know there has to be someone out there who was on a Feb. or March cruise on the Rhapsody. We want to hear about your trips! Tell us, Tell us!:eek:

[wallie5446]

Here is a link to a post from someone who just returned.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=162708

 

And another with a lot of comments.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=162757

[terri23]

Embarkation: Parking and check-in went smoothly – we waited about 15-20 mins for DH to park and shuttle back (the parking price has increased to $70, by the way) – and we were onboard by about 2 pm. The sailaway party was moved off the pool deck due to potential rain, but the weather cooperated and we headed out. Let the party begin!!

 

Dining: We had breakfast in the main dining room the first two mornings but in the Windjammer after that. There were some offerings only available in the dining room (like eggs benedict) but most items were also available in the Windjammer (like smoked salmon). It is nice to be served breakfast, but the process could be quite lengthy if others at the table ordered multiple courses (breakfast could seem to last forever if you only wanted one course). So generally, the Windjammer worked better for us since the breakfast food was pretty good (nice crispy bacon).

 

We had a couple of lunches in the dining room as well. The food quality in the DR at lunch can be much better than in the Windjammer (the fish entrée in the DR was especially good, but stay away from the burger as it is a “stamped out frozen patty”). The Windjammer at lunch was best for the salad bar and maybe the carving station, but most entrees were standard steam table stuff. A taco snack sometimes hit the spot, too. Generally, we weren’t too hungry for lunch and just had something light. Then, a Mango Tango out on the deck for dessert! Also, the Windjammer serves snacks in the late afternoon – I’d often get a plate of nibbles (chicken salad or hummus, cheese slices, bread, etc.) or small sandwiches to tide us over until dinner.

 

We always ate dinner in the dining room (8:30 pm). It was easy to find tasty items among the appetizer, entrée and dessert offerings, but the salads were boring (and often didn’t contain the ingredients indicated on the menu). The waiters always accommodated our requests (additional appetizer to share (or even entrée), or swapping side dishes). While this was not gourmet food, most of it was quite enjoyable. The wine service had a couple of slip-ups but was generally good. We used the “Wine & Dine” package but be aware that you can only get wines in the dining room or Windjammer using this program!

 

Cabins: Small but comfortable deck 4 oceanview, with a lot of storage space (but not quite enough since we brought too much stuff). There were plenty of hangers in the closet. The extension cord we brought was a lifesaver. Like everyone else, I say “ew” about the clingy shower curtain. Our room was quiet – I rarely heard our neighbors or room stewards (and I am usually a light sleeper). Our room was kept clean but I’m not sure how often the sheets were changed. I brought a bunch of window clings for Valentine’s Day (hearts with expressions) for the windows and mirrors (there are quite a few), so they brightened up the room a lot. Plus, we could identify our cabin from the dock / tender on port days! We also brought our CD player (walkman-type) with a Sony mini speaker-set (I’m guessing about 12”x 3”x3”). This was great for listening to music while getting ready for dinner.

 

Crew: Captain Anders has a great reputation and we enjoyed his daily updates of location, distance to the next port (in both nautical miles and statute miles, natch), weather, etc. Our navigator always got us where we needed to go, so I guess he gets an “A”, too! “Dan, Dan the Party Man” or cruise director did a pretty good job and was personable (obviously a prerequisite), but I think he’s leaving for another ship. “Bingo Ally”, well, you know. The bartending staff – some were good, some were slow, and some were a bit creepy. The drink servers on deck were mostly friendly (especially since we tipped a little extra every time). Hint – if you want a stronger drink, offer to “make some room” and drink some of the drink before they add the rum. Woo hoo!

 

Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas may be small, but she’s beautiful and has been well maintained. It was fun sailing “with” the Mariner of the Seas from Grand Cayman to Cozumel – we were the “little sister” for sure. Everything seemed to work well (we did have a toilet “incident” but maintenance cleared it up quickly). The passageways were a bit smelly from time to time but hey, with weather like we had, there’s no reason to hang out belowdecks. I guess the only other thing worth noting was that the Solarium spa heaters went out one evening (both hot tubs were pretty chilly) and it was difficult to get anyone to help. We finally went up to the pool spas and were lucky enough to find one open.

 

Onboard activities: M&M - We did go to our M&M, but had to leave early as there was only one time available for the four of us to get a massage all at the same time. Spa - none of the four of us had ever had a massage (and we are “forty-somethings”)!! It was fantastic – we all enjoyed it. Gym - DH enjoyed spinning, but he was the only one of our group that went to the gym. Casino – we had actually bought a book and DVD to learn craps, but never had time to go (or else the table was packed). There was too much beautiful weather to stay “indoors”! Other - DH did get the “ambush karaoke” treatment in the Schooner Bar and was a good sport (it was his first karaoke experience and he did get a big round of applause). We went to see some of the late night musical entertainment but they didn’t seem to be very well attended. The “production numbers” were at 7 pm for the late seating folks and that just didn’t work into our schedule. Maybe next time!!

 

Ports of Call: Key West was a fun place to people-watch and bar hop. Grand Cayman, well, this was Rhapsody’s first time back to GC since H.Ivan (cruises have been going to Costa Maya). We were using the lifeboats for tender service and, since we had a ship excursion (see below), were one of the first groups off, so that was good. Waiting in line to get back on board was painful – an hour and a half. Cozumel was great (and we were relieved to be docked!) – we rented a jeep and did an excursion we arranged ourselves (see below). Then, we drove around the island and had lobster and beer for lunch. Yum-my!

 

Excursions: The GC excursion was the reef & rays combo with lunch. Too many people, too much waiting for transportation, too many kicks by clueless snorkelers, but the stingrays were a lot of fun. We were not impressed by this excursion, especially at $94/pp, but the stingrays made it enjoyable nevertheless. Cozumel was a different story all together. We did a two-reef snorkel with a small local company and it was FANTASTIC! Very few people, dive guys pointing out fish and coral, this one was awesome. The only aspect that was a little off-putting was, since we were doing the two reef snorkel, they just dropped us off at a pier and continued on with their three-reef package. We had to pay a taxi to get back to the marina. Still, all in all a wonderful experience (and much less expensive than the GC reef / ray combo).

 

Debarkation: took about two hours from standing in the first line to driving away. It takes a while but you just have to be patient.

 

Overall impression: This was a wonderful, awesome vacation!! I highly recommend Rhapsody of the Seas!!

 

[Sarapdot]

Thank you for your review. Looks like ya'llhad a great time.