A celebration cruise (Anniv/Bdays)
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)
Sail date: July 30, 2006
Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas
Cabin type: Oceanview
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 14 years ago
Review summary
My husband and I along with our 13 yr. old daughter and her friend thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. We took a 7 day vacation and came back very relaxed and rested. Because you asked, the things we enjoyed were: the elegance of the ship, the roominess of the staterooms, and fewer young children, a more self-controlled group of guest--no ludeness and profanity ever that we saw. The areas for improvement I would suggest (because you asked ) would be: to encourage ALL crew members to be friendly and talkative. The head waiters and cabin attendants seemed to be focused on relationship building and were very helpful. Most others were helpful but only spoke if spoken to and didn't make conversation etc...some may think them unfriendly for that reason. We asked for adjoining rooms and were told that they didn't have them on this ship and found out from people we met on board that they did in fact have adjoining rooms. The most disappointing thing to us was the huge push on board for shopping. Shopping and sales on board the ship, several meetings to discuss sholpping at each port etc. Many people remarked about it. Most people wanted to know more about the islands or just relax. Repeat cruisers commented that it was very hook line and sinker but you learn after the first cruise. We had an awesome time. We certainly didn't go to buy jewelry, t-shirts and art---however, we did in fact end up with some! Honestly, it is a well run, clean ship with very experienced and knowledgeable crew members. It would enhance the experience for vacationers I think if the shopping push lessened, talk of the ports increased, and the crew members were encouraged to be friendly and do some random and unexpected things. My husband and I were in airline business for many years, and it is somewhat comparable when looking at needs and service etc. It would be nice for the guests if vendors could package alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a captrive audience like that. Something similar to the soda drink cards. I just can't see that the average person could spend an average of $5.00 a drink for several drinks a day for seven days. The cruise price is worth it, but it is pricey and many couldn't afford the extra costs attached. This was our third cruise and we intend to cruise again. We even purchased a Visa card to earn rewards for Royal Carribean. Thank you for asking our opinion. We ya again soon we hope.Pros: Fewer young children, elegant interiors
Cons: pool is very small, food is marginal, beverage centers are scattered, way too much focus on shopping in the ports--need more about the islands and culture etc..., very expensive--everyhing is an extra--huge push for shopping and buying stufff all the tiime--sales on ship, jewelry sales by the pool e
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