Good Value, Great Scenery
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Review to South America
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
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
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
Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina