What’s Rhapsody of the Seas like?

[Bertaelflamingo]

We will be sailing on Rhapsody in June.  I have been following this board for awhile and don’t see much posted about this ship.  For anyone who has sailed recently, do you have any tips or suggestions?

[son3cruisers]

Just sailed on Rhapsody in March. 
Very clean ship and we experienced excellent crew. But it is one of Royals older ships, so capacity is much less than the newer ships - which we like very much. Staterooms were a bit tired, but again, our balcony cabin was spacious and very well kept. There is a rock climbing wall and a track for running/ walking, a casino as well as a spa and gym, but that’s it. No slides, or race tracks or ice rinks. 

There are three specialty restaurants as well. 

Debby in the schooner bar was fabulous and had drink recommendations for us every night! 

Edited April 5 by son3cruisers

[Bertaelflamingo]

Thank you!  We chose this sailing based on the ports.  We have been to most of the ports that sail from Florida and wanted to see something new!  

[twangster]

Ships of this vintage provide a classic cruise experience.  There has been updates over the years but that does not include a top down refresh of everything.  

 

Cruising older ships is about setting expectations accordingly.  If you were shopping for a used car and bought a car from 1998 would you expect it to have Android Auto and Carplay? That tech didn't exist back then. That's not a perfect analogy but if you are expecting everything you have seen on a TV commercial for the newest ship in the fleet you may be disappointed when Rhapsody has none of that.  

 

These are the smallest and oldest ships in the fleet.  If you are expecting zip lines and ice skating shows and central park you will be disappointed.  If you are looking for a classic cruise experience then you can have a great cruise on Rhapsody with the right expectations.

 

Edited April 5 by twangster

[Bertaelflamingo]

I think we will have a great time on the Rhapsody.  We have a great cabin-an aft facing junior suite.  We have been on the big ships and never rock climbed, zip lined, or ice skated.  My husband will be happy in the casino and I’m happy with a comfy lounger and my book.  

[tchr63]

We are also sailing Rhapsody in June. Appreciate reading all the comments and looking forward to great service and awesome ports. Wondering about the air conditioning in main dining room and theater. I'm always cold so will I need a light sweater in either place?

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, tchr63 said:

I'm always cold so will I need a light sweater in either place?

Welcome to CC and coming out of lurk mode.

 

The temps inside can vary but it would be a good idea to bring a cover for those venues.

[nanarena]

On 4/5/2024 at 8:09 PM, Bertaelflamingo said:

I think we will have a great time on the Rhapsody.  We have a great cabin-an aft facing junior suite.  We have been on the big ships and never rock climbed, zip lined, or ice skated.  My husband will be happy in the casino and I’m happy with a comfy lounger and my book.  

We loved our aft junior suite on the Rhapsody. Good book, comfy lounger!!

[smokeybandit]

3 hours ago, tchr63 said:

I'm always cold so will I need a light sweater in either place?

I think you answered your question just by asking it.