Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas is a midsize Vision-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International. It was built in 1995 and completed its maiden voyage in 1997. Rhapsody doesn't have all the snazzy high-tech features included on newer Royal Caribbean ships. But, guests will enjoy superior service, smaller crowds, and a more intimate cruise experience.

With 1,032 staterooms and suites, Rhapsody of the Seas accommodates up to 2,416 passengers at maximum capacity. In 2012, it received a $54 million renovation. This refurbishment added WiFi throughout the ship, LED TVs, and a giant outdoor projection screen for poolside movie nights. The remodeled Rhapsody also debuted refreshed staterooms, updated dining areas, and a nursery for families traveling with youngsters.

Itineraries

In 2019 and 2020, cruisers can book itineraries that depart from Tampa, Venice, and Barcelona. Journeys take travelers across three of the seven seas. Destinations include the western Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Adriatic, including ports of call in Belize, Mexico, Croatia, Greece, and the Canary Islands. Transatlantic journeys between Barcelona and Tampa are also offered.

Before You Book

Why Sail: With its varied activities and itineraries, Rhapsody of the Seas caters to travelers of all ages. There's something for families with young children or teenagers, couples on romantic getaways, and retirees who finally have time to see the world.

You Should Know: As a mid-sized ship, it lacks some of the features found on other Royal Caribbean vessels, but it has fewer crowds. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is one of the best lines for onboard activities. There's also no shortage action-packed shore excursions with more than two dozen options available in some ports.

What to do on Rhapsody of the Seas

From the rock-climbing wall to the jogging track and Vitality fitness center, Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas is designed for active travelers. As a family-oriented ship, it offers numerous activities aimed at children and teens. Kids can participate in pool sports, trivia, game shows, contests, and live performances in the 870-seat Broadway Melodies Theatre.

The ship's youngest travelers can join Royal Caribbean's complimentary Adventure Ocean club. Age-appropriate groups offer fun educational activities for children. Ages range between ages 3 and 11. Older kids can hang out in the video arcade or chilling in the teen disco.

If you're a mature traveler, Royal Caribbean didn't forget about you! Whether you want to relax or learn a new skill, the cruise line hosts an impressive variety of onboard activities. These include exercise classes, tango lessons, foreign language coaching, scrap booking, beading and sushi making.

Parents and couples can sip handcrafted cocktails in the Solarium, which is a serene adults-only retreat aboard all Royal Caribbean ships. Gambling is also offered in the Casino Royale. There's also a mystery dinner theater events and themed parties. There's also a host of conventional cruise amenities, such as duty-free shopping.

• Teen center, disco, and video arcade
• Main pool with outdoor projection screen
• Adventure Ocean club for children 3 and up
• Rock-climbing wall, jogging track, fitness center, and spa
• Onboard entertainment in the Broadway Melodies Theatre
• All-inclusive meals in the Edelweiss Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace
• Specialty dining at Izumi, Giovanni's Table, Chops Grille, and the Chef's Table
• Lounges, including R Bar, Shall We Dance, and the Schooner Bar
• Snacks and lighter fare at the Park Cafe or Cafe Latte-Tudes
• Onboard classes and themed parties
• Casino Royale
• Adults-only Solarium
• Duty-free shopping

Cabins

Rhapsody of the Seas' cabins are available in four classes, including interior staterooms, oceanview cabins, balcony staterooms, and suites. Approximately 40 percent of the ship's staterooms are in the interior section, and 136 have private balconies. Most standard cabins are on decks two, three and four, and suites are on decks seven and eight. Fourteen cabins are handicap accessible. With 25 grades, there's something for every budget.

Interior staterooms start at 146 square feet and feature two twin beds that convert into a king. Two additional pull-out beds increase the occupancy for folks who are traveling with children. If you want more space, consider an oceanview stateroom. There's also the ultra-spacious cabin, which has 100 extra square feet of floor space and enough room for six guests.

There are 97 suites on this Royal Caribbean ship. These range from 241 square feet for the junior option to 1,326 square feet for the Royal Suite. In addition to offering guests more space, suites include extra perks, such as priority boarding and double Crown & Anchor loyalty points. Suites may or may not include a balcony or separate living area, so check the deck plan carefully before booking.

Standard amenities include a flat-screen LED TV, telephone, safe, and minibar stocked with paid snacks and beverages. Outlets are also available for charging cell phones and powering other devices. All cabins feature a private bath equipped with a power supply, hair dryer, clothesline, toiletry dispenser and adjustable-height shower. Suites may feature additional amenities, such as plush robes and an in-room coffee maker. All cabins make effective use of mirrors and earth-toned décor to create an open, airy environment.

Dining

Rhapsody of the Seas has four flagship restaurants in addition to the main Edelweiss Dining Room and casual cafes. Start the day with a buffet breakfast at the Windjammer Marketplace, which is known for its consistent quality. The buffet has an expansive selection of items, including gluten-free options. The marketplace also serves lunch and dinner in a casual setting. As with the main dining room, these offerings are included in your fare. If you want to enjoy a special lunch or dinner during your trip, try one of Royal Caribbean's four specialty restaurants.

• Located on the 12th deck, guests at Izumi can enjoy gyoza, sashimi, and hand-rolled sushi along with bird's-eye views.
• Giovanni's Table is a popular stop for family-style pasta dishes, seafood, and rustic Tuscan-inspired stews served indoors or alfresco.
• Royal Caribbean's new American steakhouse Chops Grille serves up classic and contemporary favorites, including prime-cut steaks, Maine lobster, premium sides, and decadent desserts.
• The pièce de résistance is the Chef's Table, a limited-seating restaurant that prepares a five-course tasting menu featuring seasonal ingredients and sommelier-selected wine pairings.