LIVE! From Rhapsody of the Seas - 19th November - Queensland Coast

[wombie]

Solarium yesterday afternoon:

 

The Solarium looks so different. All the Egyptian decor has gone. I sailed on her back from Honolulu in Sept 2012 after the refit. The egyptian decor had been toned down but there was still some there. I loved breakfast at Park Cafe. It was also great for a little snack during the day when I didn't want to do the buffet or dining room or if you missed breakfast entirely!

[u2cruiser]

The Solarium looks so different. All the Egyptian decor has gone. I sailed on her back from Honolulu in Sept 2012 after the refit. The egyptian decor had been toned down but there was still some there. I loved breakfast at Park Cafe. It was also great for a little snack during the day when I didn't want to do the buffet or dining room or if you missed breakfast entirely!

 

Does the Solarium roof open wombie?

Is there anywhere to eat outdoors? (I've asked this before, but I'm hoping someone will say yes instead of no :cool: )

[Clarea]

Does the Solarium roof open wombie?

Is there anywhere to eat outdoors? (I've asked this before, but I'm hoping someone will say yes instead of no :cool: )

The Solarium roof can be opened on Rhapsody. Not sure what a "wombie" is.:confused:

 

There are a few tables on the pool deck where you can take your food from Windjammer.

[u2cruiser]

The Solarium roof can be opened on Rhapsody. Not sure what a "wombie" is.:confused:

 

There are a few tables on the pool deck where you can take your food from Windjammer.

 

I was quoting wombie's post :D

 

Thanks, that's great news about the outdoor tables. :)

[MissCruising1]

You two are awesome! I stumbled upon your blog last night from your Radiance cruise as we are going on Radiance next Tuesday and don't know a whole lot about it. Your blog was soooo informative, I immediately sent the link to my partner and we poured over the photos and drooled somewhat. You have us very excited.

 

I also joined you on Facebook, loving the photos and the interesting bits of info. We have booked an aft balcony on deck 9 of Radiance and now I have read your blog and this thread, keen to try the Chef's Table.

 

Keep up the great work, it is truly appreciated.

 

Regards

Ally

 

Thank you!!! From both of us :)

 

Radiance is stunning and still our first love. We wouldn't ever miss the opportunity to do Chef's Table or any of the specialty restaurants - worth it every time.

 

Enjoy Radiance! We look forward to hearing all about your cruise.

[wombie]

Does the Solarium roof open wombie?

Is there anywhere to eat outdoors? (I've asked this before, but I'm hoping someone will say yes instead of no :cool: )

 

 

On our trip from Hawaii, it was mostly closed. There were a couple of times when they rolled it back halfway. Even when it is closed, it is pleasant as you still get the warmth of the sun. On rainy days, it could be pouring outside but I still had my swim. We even had aquaerobics ( free) in that pool every sea day at 8.45 but it depends on what instructors are onboard.

 

You can eat around the pool. It is light, healthy and fresh and open from early to about 6.30pm. :)

[CruisinCat31]

The Solarium looks so different. All the Egyptian decor has gone. I sailed on her back from Honolulu in Sept 2012 after the refit. The egyptian decor had been toned down but there was still some there. I loved breakfast at Park Cafe. It was also great for a little snack during the day when I didn't want to do the buffet or dining room or if you missed breakfast entirely!

 

 

Yes we just got off Rhapsody in October, and we thought the Solarium was very plain compared to what it used to be like, and very plain compared to Radiance. I think I preferred it before. It was still awesome though, we had a fabulous time. I agree re the Park Cafe being the best spot for brekky.:)

[aussielozzie18]

Hi

I was interested to read that MrG was watching cricket. Can I ask where he watched it?

We are on the Rhapsody for Boxing Day and my teen is desperate to be able to watch the Boxing Day Test. Thought being an American cruise line (even though we are sailing in Australia) they would not show the cricket.

 

One more question (from my roll call) do you need US dollars on the ship at all?

I know the Rhapsody operates cashless but is there any need for US dollars on board?

Edited November 24, 2013 by aussielozzie18

[gaechann]

Hi

I was interested to read that MrG was watching cricket. Can I ask where he watched it?

We are on the Rhapsody for Boxing Day and my teen is desperate to be able to watch the Boxing Day Test. Thought being an American cruise line (even though we are sailing in Australia) they would not show the cricket.

 

One more question (from my roll call) do you need US dollars on the ship at all?

I know the Rhapsody operates cashless but is there any need for US dollars on board?

 

I changed a little $AUSD into $1 USD to use for Room Service tips. Otherwise, you don't need any $USD.

[MissCruising1]

Hi

I was interested to read that MrG was watching cricket. Can I ask where he watched it?

We are on the Rhapsody for Boxing Day and my teen is desperate to be able to watch the Boxing Day Test. Thought being an American cruise line (even though we are sailing in Australia) they would not show the cricket.

 

One more question (from my roll call) do you need US dollars on the ship at all?

I know the Rhapsody operates cashless but is there any need for US dollars on board?

 

Hi aussielozzie18,

 

If you want to go to the casino - play slots etc you will need US dollars. Your stateroom account will also be in US - but you can pay it with Aussie dollars (they will do a currency conversion) or credit card - depends on what you prefer. There are fees either way. We've always settled with our credit cards - unless we get lucky in the Casino! Which did happen on our last cruise on Celebrity :D:D

 

The cricket appeared some days on a normal tv channel - however the past 2 days since we have been in port in Cairns most of the channels seem to have changed. He is not a happy camper about that! Luckily there was a big screen in the pub we met friends yesterday. Phew!

[MissCruising1]

Yes we just got off Rhapsody in October, and we thought the Solarium was very plain compared to what it used to be like, and very plain compared to Radiance. I think I preferred it before. It was still awesome though, we had a fabulous time. I agree re the Park Cafe being the best spot for brekky.:)

 

Hi Cat! :)

 

Park Cafe has become our favourite brekky place as well. The solarium is very plain compared to Radiance but still great. I think I'll drop dead if I ever see them open the roof - hasn't happened on any cruise we have been on. :)

[CruisinCat31]

Hi Cat! :)

 

Park Cafe has become our favourite brekky place as well. The solarium is very plain compared to Radiance but still great. I think I'll drop dead if I ever see them open the roof - hasn't happened on any cruise we have been on. :)

 

Hi Nat, looks like you are having a ball. Glad you like Rhapsody. They opened the solarium roof a lot on the HNL - SYD cruise. It makes a big difference, very bright with it open. You don't realise how much tint must be on the glass until it's open. I've only ever seen it open a couple of times before, but at least 4 times on the recent cruise. It is nice to let some fresh air in if it is getting steamy in there, but I prefer it closed for the sun protection :)

[MissCruising1]

We are just arriving into Airlie Beach after a very lovely day at sea yesterday. The obligatory stop to Willis Island happened - which isn't a stop at all - we dropped anchor / hung out for about 10 minutes and then pulled up anchor and turned around. This 'scenic cruise' stop technically makes the cruise an 'international' one so they can open duty free etc during the rest of the cruise.

 

Most of the day we just enjoyed the ship... lunch was an American themed bbq on the pool deck. Dinner - we met new friends in Chops Grille and had a great night.

 

Will post pics when we are in better internet range - we are still cruising through the islands of the coast (Such a hard life!) :D

[u2cruiser]

We are just arriving into Airlie Beach after a very lovely day at sea yesterday. The obligatory stop to Willis Island happened - which isn't a stop at all - we dropped anchor / hung out for about 10 minutes and then pulled up anchor and turned around. This 'scenic cruise' stop technically makes the cruise an 'international' one so they can open duty free etc during the rest of the cruise.

 

Most of the day we just enjoyed the ship... lunch was an American themed bbq on the pool deck. Dinner - we met new friends in Chops Grille and had a great night.

 

Will post pics when we are in better internet range - we are still cruising through the islands of the coast (Such a hard life!) :D

 

Yes, such a hard life you lead :D

I wondered about Willis Island as the itinerary says 'cruising' rather than visiting - now I know, thanks.

Looking forward to hearing about Airlie Beach. :)

[Coolcruise02]

Great review! Can't wait for more.

[MissCruising1]

A friendly game of Officers vs Guest Pool Volleyball during a day at sea.

 

[MissCruising1]

Day 8 and we are in Airlie Beach - gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands. This a tendering port - with the tenders going into Able Point Marina and from there it is an easy 15/ 20 min walked into the city centre or you can take one of the Transfers (tickets purchased from Guest Services for $7uSD each way).

 

Tender tickets were available from 7.30am outside of Chops Grille on Deck 6. Disembarkations would start from 8am. We weren't in a crazy hurry so opted for a 10.15am tender. The whole process from being called to deck 2 at 10.15 to getting off the tender in Airlie actually took around 50mins. The tenders used were from a local company - they were quite large (vessels that are usually used for day cruises around the Whitsundays).

 

Once we got to Airlie we took a walk to the edge of town (it's not large!). Both of us have been here before (I worked in this town for a few months on a movie in my old life). We didn't opt to do any shore excursions as they were things that we have done before. I can highly recommend Ocean Rafting out to Whitehaven Bay. http://www.oceanrafting.com.au/

 

This is the view from shore back to the ship:

 

[MissCruising1]

Tender used:

 

[MissCruising1]

Arriving into Airlie/ Able Point Marina:

 

[MissCruising1]

Yesterday - being a sea day - they had an American style BBQ on the pool deck. Sticky ribs, potato wedges, hot dogs and burgers. The ribs were great!

 

Here is the set up - see that photographer dude up on the higher deck. That is Mr G :)

 

[springaussie]

Thanks for the reports Miss Cruising.

If possible try to get a photo of Kings Beach Caloundra please.

I will try to get out to Brisbane Port on Thursday to see Rhapsody in our home port.

Glen

[wombie]

Hi Nat and Mr G,

 

I would love some info on Airlie Beach please. Were there independent operators going out to Daydream Island or cruising that would return before the ship's departure time?

 

Alternatively, we are interested in the ship excursions. Maybe some people that you have met went on one of these. Any feedback? Positive or negative. It helps to make decisions. Thanks in anticipation.

 

So glad you enjoyed Giovanni's and the Chef's Table. They are amazing!

 

Look out for the paella barbecue on deck - delicious!

 

Enjoy!

 

Ros :)

[MissCruising1]

Thanks for the reports Miss Cruising.

If possible try to get a photo of Kings Beach Caloundra please.

I will try to get out to Brisbane Port on Thursday to see Rhapsody in our home port.

Glen

 

Thanks - but we're not going anywhere near Caloundra! :)

 

Kings beach is lovely though!

[MissCruising1]

Hi Nat and Mr G,

 

I would love some info on Airlie Beach please. Were there independent operators going out to Daydream Island or cruising that would return before the ship's departure time?

 

Alternatively, we are interested in the ship excursions. Maybe some people that you have met went on one of these. Any feedback? Positive or negative. It helps to make decisions. Thanks in anticipation.

 

So glad you enjoyed Giovanni's and the Chef's Table. They are amazing!

 

Look out for the paella barbecue on deck - delicious!

 

Enjoy!

 

Ros :)

 

Thanks for reading! We will have a more in depth review on our blog when we are off the cruise. Meanwhile - Airlie is pretty much a gateway to the islands and while there are independent tour operators very close to the marina - you would have to contact them prior to arrival. For this reason I think this port / shore excursions is best handled by the ship. It's a bit risky going independent as there is quite a bit of distance to cover!

 

Some of the feedback we heard was that the snorkelling and scuba diving was amazing.

 

It was a VERY warm day in Airlie so be prepared!

[springaussie]

Rhapsody of the Seas departing Brisbane today.