Rhapsody Of The Seas questions

[CSohio]

We are considering sailing on Rhapsody of the Seas in December and are wonder how the staterooms stack up. This ship is older and is scheduled for dry dock after we would sail. Last time we were on Voyager of the Seas in May of 2005, we felt the ship was very worn.

 

Any insight would be helpful.

 

Thanks

[Nitra]

Anytime you have 2000 + people passing thru every week, things are going to get worn a bit. I dont notice really, I think the Rhasody is in good shape, but like I said, I figure a little wear is normal and they do an excellent job to keep her in shape.

 

I was on the Voyager in 2004 and thought she is was good shape too.

[Forchunut1]

I didn't feel that anything on the ROS was "worn" when we were on it. And we went on it only a month after having been on a brand new (literally a few weeks old) Carnival ship. But, even so, I thought the Rhapsody was in great shape and I didn't notice anything that made me feel like it was an older ship.

 

We really enjoyed being on the Rhapsody and I hope that you do to. We had a great time on her!

[Ninner]

We just got off Rhapsody on the 9th for our first cruise. I have nothing to compare it too, but I was not disappointed in the least. Yes, it wasn't a brand new ship, but we found it to be clean and comfortable. The staff was exceptional, in fact I have heard here on the boards that it has the friendliest staff of all the RCCL ships. Because it's one of the smaller ships, the low numbers allowed the staff to be at your service and special requests were often satisfied. I believe there's more to a ship than her age, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. We had no complaints.

 

Nitra, I've noticed you've traveled on Rhapsody several times. If she's going to be drydocked in December, maybe I need to go again. What do you like about this cruise ship so much? Just curious. :)

[Nitra]

 

Nitra, I've noticed you've traveled on Rhapsody several times. If she's going to be drydocked in December, maybe I need to go again. What do you like about this cruise ship so much? Just curious. :)

 

Part is she is close to home, easy to get to for me. Part is I just dont know. Every time I go on her I feel like I am home. I used to be able to cruise more than now and I knew a lot of the crew. Even the captain at that time saw me in the elevator and said, You back again? and then he said, didnt you steal one of my crew? I met my hubby on board when he was a bar waiter. I loved the ship before that and he has yet to sail on her as a passenger. But for the captain to remember me was impressive.

 

I really cannot explain, but if you ever look at those that sail on her, almost everyone wants to go back. TXSailor has been on her like 10 times. She just has a something special, maybe the combination of the crew and passengers. Even the crew say they love the passengers on the Rhapsody, they are more fun and nicer than any others they have met, overall.

 

I have done several itineraries too and like the Key West, Grand CAyman and Cozumel one best. Ports are not important to me. I cruise to relax, I cruise to have fun, to be spoiled.

 

Im going to miss her greatly when she leaves, maybe I will try the Voyager again, maybe this time I will like it because I sure didnt last time.

[selectone]

I've been on Rhapsody 3 times. Absolutely, the only obvious "wear and tear" is the carpet in the hallways. It seems that the crew is constantly replacing stretches of the carpet, but never, all at once. I chuckled every time I walked over 4 different shades of the same style carpet. I count the splotches as "war wounds".

I promise you, the wonderful crew and the "mostly Texan" passengers will make you forget about any minor mechanical flaws.

I love the Rhapsody, and in the future, will sail on her, no matter what her port is.

 

Nitra, could you smuggle me onboard in your suitcase?

[BonNYTX]

I've been on Rhapsody 3 times. Absolutely, the only obvious "wear and tear" is the carpet in the hallways. It seems that the crew is constantly replacing stretches of the carpet, but never, all at once. I chuckled every time I walked over 4 different shades of the same style carpet. I count the splotches as "war wounds".

I promise you, the wonderful crew and the "mostly Texan" passengers will make you forget about any minor mechanical flaws.

I love the Rhapsody, and in the future, will sail on her, no matter what her port is.

 

Nitra, could you smuggle me onboard in your suitcase?

 

Selectone, I have your Rhapsody review in my fave places. Best and funniest review I ever read. I agree with all the Rhapsody accolades. I was on her in July with my DD and DH. Friendliest passengers I ever met. Crew was fabulous, as friendly and warm as the passengers. I loved the Rhapsody's size. Kept running into people I had just met and made fast friends very easily. This might sound hokey but after two days we became a family of sorts. I did detect a few worn spots here and there but in no way did it detract from having the best cruise ever! Staff was always polishing and keeping it spotless. We hope to be able to take one last

cruise on her before she leaves Galveston <sniff sniff>

Im going to miss her greatly when she leaves, maybe I will try the Voyager again, maybe this time I will like it because I sure didnt last time.

Nita, what about the Voyager didn't you like?

[Nitra]

The Voyager was too big and impersonal for my taste. It took too long to get elevators, over all the passengers were much ruder, pushing and shoving. You had to walk forever just to get anywhere, took longer to get served, the waiters - both bar and dining room - seem more stressed from having to work harder to cover more area. The night club was boring, the Viking crown was not much better unless you like Latin music, which I dont care for but in very small doses. The cabins seem smaller too.

 

I had fun because I was with friends but would not go out of my way to sail her again. Maybe after she is Texanized, it will improve, but going to be a lot of work.

 

The Voyager is good if you dont want to relax and just want to be on the go all the time. If you have kids too it is good. I cruise to relax and not to constantly be running to get somewhere. I like to take things at a slower pace when Im cruising, I like to be able to just pop down to my cabin and grab something if I forgot it, not spend 20 minutes just getting to the cabin because you had to walk down miles and miles of hallway. I like to pop up to the Viking Crown or down to the dining room at dinner time, I like things to be simple and uncomplicated. I knew when we checked in and they gave us a map it was going to be trouble!

[springtxbill]

I agree with Nitra that the Voyager was not as nice as the Rhapsody as far as the pax were concerned and the upkeep of the ship did not seem as good as the Rhapsody. Maybe the pax and crew attitudes will change when it comes to Galveston.:)

[BonNYTX]

The Voyager was too big and impersonal for my taste. It took too long to get elevators, over all the passengers were much ruder, pushing and shoving. You had to walk forever just to get anywhere, took longer to get served, the waiters - both bar and dining room - seem more stressed from having to work harder to cover more area. The night club was boring, the Viking crown was not much better unless you like Latin music, which I dont care for but in very small doses. The cabins seem smaller too.

 

I had fun because I was with friends but would not go out of my way to sail her again. Maybe after she is Texanized, it will improve, but going to be a lot of work.

 

The Voyager is good if you dont want to relax and just want to be on the go all the time. If you have kids too it is good. I cruise to relax and not to constantly be running to get somewhere. I like to take things at a slower pace when Im cruising, I like to be able to just pop down to my cabin and grab something if I forgot it, not spend 20 minutes just getting to the cabin because you had to walk down miles and miles of hallway. I like to pop up to the Viking Crown or down to the dining room at dinner time, I like things to be simple and uncomplicated. I knew when we checked in and they gave us a map it was going to be trouble!

 

Nitra, have a fabulous cruise! I hear you and totally understand. Bigger does not mean better. I HATED the Carnival Triumph for many reasons, one being I kept getting lost the whole time I was on the ship. Certain elevators only went to the dining room entrance and then you had to go upstairs or downstairs, walk thru a corridor to take a different elevator. We had a cabin on deck 4 on the Rhapsody right outside the champaign lounge and steps from the stair/elevators/dining room. It was PERFECT!

As far as the rudeness, no ship out of Texas would DARE to have people pushing and shoving. :D Time will tell. I would love a passenger who was on the Voyager take it again out of Galveston and report back to us. I am sure, however, that the Rhapsody size enhanced the friendly ambience. We shall see.

Fausto-TXSailor, hope you are "listening". What do you think? As our resident Rhapsody maven will you be taking the Voyager when it gets to Galveston?

[LLSullie]

I was on Rhapsody April 9 for my first cruise with my teenagers. We had the best vacation ever. Everything everyone says about her crew is correct. And she is beautiful ! !

 

I actually appreciated the carpet replacement while I was onboard, showed me that they "don't just let it go", they are concerned about her appearance.

 

I am sailing Adventure in December with Family and Friends and am looking forward to experiencing a different ship, as well as a larger one, as I am new to cruising (and my parents love the larger ships). However, I am concerned about the level of service and passenger "Awareness", also the amount of smaller children. Rhapsody had little kids, but not a ton, mostly teens. Live, experience and learn.

 

I fell in love with Rhapsody and can't wait to sail her again after the refurb.

[Nitra]

Fausto and I cruised together in October and will again next week.. I cant wait!

 

Im sure we will have him go on and show those folks how to make a cruise worth going on!

 

I may try the Voyager again in a couple of years.

[Pradagal]

This thread makes me even more happy that we decided on the Rhapsody for our next cruise! We have always wanted to do that route so we thought what the heck . We really loved the size of the Vision so...

My DH hates huge Vegas casinos or huge resorts so he has said no huge cruise ships if possible! "I want to relax ,not be in a marathon walk everyday" I have no problems with a larger ships but this sounds like alot of fun!!! Texas here we come!!!:)

[BonNYTX]

This thread makes me even more happy that we decided on the Rhapsody for our next cruise! We have always wanted to do that route so we thought what the heck . We really loved the size of the Vision so...

My DH hates huge Vegas casinos or huge resorts so he has said no huge cruise ships if possible! "I want to relax ,not be in a marathon walk everyday" I have no problems with a larger ships but this sounds like alot of fun!!! Texas here we come!!!:)

 

Lani, trust me, you won't be sorry. I have been on these boards for approx. 13 months and only read one semi negative review of the Rhapsody. I don't think I can say that about any other ship.

Nitra, where has Fausto been hiding? He always posts on a Rhapsody thread. He was the one to tell me I would be hooked after just one Rhapsody cruise and he was right. We would not travel to NO to take the Rhapsody again with the Voyager so much closer to us but I doubt it will be the same, Texans and all.

[mikefast]

We have been on the Rhapsody 3 times, and every time was as good as the first. I don't think there is anything to be disappointed about on her even if she is getting a little up in years. Out of five ships we have been on, she is our favorite by far. Don't know what it is, but there is just something special about her. You will love it.

[Nitra]

I agree, I have never seen anyone that said much negative about Rhapsody and almost everyone that goes on her does her again, not so with most ships.

 

 

Fausto has posted some on our roll call. He has been cruising, of course, and working a lot. He just got back a couple weeks ago from a Celebrity cruise so Im sure he is working on getting ready for Rhapsody again next week.

[TXSailor]

Hi Nitra: Are you ready? I am!!!

 

Hi Bonnie: Yes, I plan to sail on the Voyager sometime in spring 2008. We have to try a large RCI ship. Good thing is, the Rhapsody will still be sailing the summer season in Galveston...so she will not be gone from Galveston forever.

 

Fausto

[Nitra]

Fausto!!!! Meet you pool side in one week for a foo foo umbrella drink! Tell Brian hi for me! Im so excited I cant stand it!

[p2lockhart]

Fausto, I sure wish I had cruised on the Galaxy while she was in Galveston. What is the story on her? Will Celebrity have another ship based in Galveston soon?

 

I know you and Nitra will have a fantastic cruise next week. Give us a full report when you return. I don't want to wait 5 months... I am jealous...

 

Patti

 

(I meant to hit the ? and not the thumbs down in the heading. Mea culpa.)

[snorkelmom2]

Lani, trust me, you won't be sorry. I have been on these boards for approx. 13 months and only read one semi negative review of the Rhapsody. I don't think I can say that about any other ship.

Nitra, where has Fausto been hiding? He always posts on a Rhapsody thread. He was the one to tell me I would be hooked after just one Rhapsody cruise and he was right. We would not travel to NO to take the Rhapsody again with the Voyager so much closer to us but I doubt it will be the same, Texans and all.

I believe I have seen some conversations with "Fausto" on a roll call thread for Rhapsody 7/9. Our first time on RCCL and going that same date.

[packedandready]

Have sailed Rhapsody twice and just returned from the Panama Canal on the Galaxy. We love the Rhapsody!!!! She was our first cruise...so don't know if that's it or maybe she's just special.

 

Panama Canal was GREAT. We were a little disappointed in the Galaxy....not near as pretty as Rhapsody. I would definitly do the canal again anytime. After reading about how wonderful Celebrity was I guess I was just expecting something better. I would compare both ships equally as for as food and service. Both wonderful.

 

But....we booked Rhapsody again while on the Galaxy:) .

 

Sorry Galaxy is leaving Galveston though:( .

[BonNYTX]

Hi Nitra: Are you ready? I am!!!

 

Hi Bonnie: Yes, I plan to sail on the Voyager sometime in spring 2008. We have to try a large RCI ship. Good thing is, the Rhapsody will still be sailing the summer season in Galveston...so she will not be gone from Galveston forever.

 

Fausto

 

Hi Fausto: So nice to see you again. I just read the Rhapsody schedule and let out a great YIPPEEEE. As you can see from my signature, we cruise in the summer. Will Voyager become Texanized? Are the other ships sailing out of Galveston as friendly as the Rhapsody? I know you, Nitra and everyone else will have a fabulous time. When you sail away, wave. I'll be waving back at you on the Galveston webcam :D Wait, why am I smiling? I won't be on your cruise :( I wonder if Derek Lewis is still wrecking karaoke havoc in the Schooner Bar.

[TXSailor]

Hi Fausto: So nice to see you again. I just read the Rhapsody schedule and let out a great YIPPEEEE. As you can see from my signature, we cruise in the summer. Will Voyager become Texanized? Are the other ships sailing out of Galveston as friendly as the Rhapsody? I know you, Nitra and everyone else will have a fabulous time. When you sail away, wave. I'll be waving back at you on the Galveston webcam :D Wait, why am I smiling? I won't be on your cruise :( I wonder if Derek Lewis is still wrecking karaoke havoc in the Schooner Bar.

 

Bonnie: I don't think Voyager will become "Texanized" because she is only here seasonally...but we will sure try. From our experiences sailing out of Galveston on other cruise lines, the Rhapsody IS the friendliest. We'll be thinking of you when we sail away next Sunday. Yes, Derek Lewis will be entertaining us on our cruise....shhhh, Nitra doesn't know Derek. :)

 

Fausto

[TXSailor]

Fausto, I sure wish I had cruised on the Galaxy while she was in Galveston. What is the story on her? Will Celebrity have another ship based in Galveston soon?

 

I know you and Nitra will have a fantastic cruise next week. Give us a full report when you return. I don't want to wait 5 months... I am jealous...

 

Patti

 

(I meant to hit the ? and not the thumbs down in the heading. Mea culpa.)

 

Hello Patti: I didn't hear anything about Celebrity replacing the Galaxy. We'll give the full report on our Rhapsody cruise....its ok, 5 months will fly by and your cruise will be here before you know it. :) Why is it that when we wait for our cruises, a week seems like a month? Yet when we are on the ship, a week seems like a couple of days? Ahhhh, the excitement!!!!

 

Fausto

[Nitra]

Bonnie: I don't think Voyager will become "Texanized" because she is only here seasonally...but we will sure try. From our experiences sailing out of Galveston on other cruise lines, the Rhapsody IS the friendliest. We'll be thinking of you when we sail away next Sunday. Yes, Derek Lewis will be entertaining us on our cruise....shhhh, Nitra doesn't know Derek. :)

 

Fausto

 

 

And Nitra has no intention of finding out!