Good Value, Great Scenery

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Review to South America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 67

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Rhapsody of the Seas

14 Night Around The Horn (Buenos Aires To Valparaiso)

Sail date: March 13, 2016

Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 3551

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

If I hadn't sailed on Royal Caribbean many times before, I might be giving a more enthusiastic review. This time, it was hard not to be aware of the many cost-cutting measures I observed, such as the absence of the usual toiletries in the stateroom, the flimsy toilet paper, mediocre food, and even the end of the mint or chocolate on the pillow at night.

On the plus side, however, the scenery was spectacular, the entertainment was very good (the exception, perhaps, were the less than polished big production numbers), 

Buenos Aires is a port worth visiting for several days before the cruise leaves, and Valparaiso, at the end, is also worth a couple of days, at least. One big problem is that passengers are left to figure out what to do with their luggage at the last port, unless they are booked into a hotel.

The staff was very capable, though some grumbling was heard about the Brazilian government's demand that a large percentage of the crew be Brazilian. That may explain why Royal Caribbean, allegedly, will not be doing this cruise route in the future.

 

 

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Be advised that there is no mini-fridge in the cabin.

Ship tip

If you want a quiet shipboard experience, try the solarium and the deck chairs beyond it.

Ports of call

Buenos Aires, Argentina Did not visit port

Try the "Free Walking Tours". You'll find them on TripAdvisor.com.

Montevideo, Uruguay

5 out of 5
Great Free Tour. Check TripAdvisor.com

Punta Del Este, Uruguay

3 out of 5
Looks like most upscale beach resorts. There's a casino for gamblers, a famous statue, and not a whole lot to see except for nice beaches.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

1 out of 5
Forgettable.

Cruise Cape Horn

3 out of 5
Much anticipation, but without rough seas, it's just another damp boat ride with bragging rights.

Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina

3 out of 5
I elected not to go on the steeply priced excursions to see penguins and seals, as we have seals in San Francisco. Those who went said it was a long, cold outing.

Punta Arenas, Chile

3 out of 5
A one-day town that closes mid-day for siesta. Go in early if you want to see it.

Cruise Strait Of Magellan

5 out of 5

Cruise Chilean Fjords

5 out of 5

Puerto Montt, Chile

5 out of 5
Go beyond the port and get a taxi that holds about four people to take you to all four of the main sights for about $25 - $30 each.

Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile

5 out of 5
Very colorful city with more dogs than residents (the strays are well fed and friendly, but you need to watch your step). There's a very fine "Free Tour" (check TripAdvisor.com)
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