Amazing crew made this trip!

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 45

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Rhapsody of the Seas

7 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 14, 2018

Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8042

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Enjoyable, relaxing and entertaining. Be aware that if you're looking for a lot to do on this ship, you may be disappointed. This is a smaller ship with limited activities. I loved the smaller feel, with less crowding and a very personable staff.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Embarking was really quick. I had my large metal watch on that tripped the sensor, but the security very quickly and respectfully checked my person and verified I was no threat. Within moments I was on the ship! Total time to embark-5 to 10 minutes.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
For dinner, we exclusively ate in the main dining room. The food was amazing, due, in part, to the wonderful suggestions from our phenomenal waiter Nikola. We were very, very fortunate to have Nikola and Dymitro for our table. Passionate about their position, and very efficient. Dymitro remembered from the first night who liked what kind of bread, who wanted coffee, and who may want to order a drink. Best experience by far.

Schooner Bar

5 out of 5

"Speedy" was quick and efficient! We only visited a few times but he remembered what we liked! Jody on piano played beautifully-he is quick with short spoofs of known songs to shake things up a bit and make the evening entertaining.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
2 members of my family enjoyed the Rock climbing wall.

Casino Royale

1 out of 5

The only downside that there was on this trip was the smoke coming from the casino. For someone who suffers from asthma, any use of guest services or the excursion desk could trigger an attack. It's most notable on this ship, probably due to the size. I'm not saying people shouldn't be able to smoke if they want to, I just believe that with all the upgrades being put into effect on their ships, there should be a more efficient way to filter the smoke out of the casino, and away from the entrances. We just limited our use in these areas and only went to these desks on a need to basis. There are plenty of ways around the casino

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Centrum performers were wonderful. I only went to 1 show in Melodies theatre. I enjoyed it

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
I had read reviews about this ship that caused me to think twice about my booking. I'm so glad that they did not apply to our experience!! Nikola, Dymitro, and Samson (stateroom attendant) were the best!!! I've sailed a few times before, never had any problems, but this trip the three of them made our trip memorable. Amazing service. C

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Clean-no issues

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Large cabin, plenty of space. Samson kept it immaculate

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5
Parking, embarking was a breeze

Key West, Florida

5 out of 5
No excursion. We walked around and enjoyed the shopping and sites. Key Lime Pie!!!

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
No excursion. Stayed in port and enjoyed the shopping/sites. Daughter and son-in-law did chocolate factory and history excursion-enjoyed it

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
Husband and son did Mayan ruins and loved it-even though it rained!

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
1st port that it wasn't racing, overcast or cold at. Family did Lost Mayan Park waterside and beach break. Be careful of the vendors on the beach!! Some will say one price and then change it when you agree. Great thing about that, is that you can just say no gracias. :) Relax, enjoy. Read the reviews for information, but don't expect same experience. You drive your own experiences! Have fun!

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Self assist. Once the crew agreed where we should go (what floor), we were off the ship in no time. Customs line a breeze.
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3 Comments

Woobiescoobie    6 years ago

RoyalCruiser67 don't you worry. We'll have another great ocean crossing under our belts as part of a much needed vacation. I'm glad you enjoyed your ship as much as you enjoyed the itinerary!

RoyalCruiser67    6 years ago

Thank you Woobiescoobie! I enjoyed it very very much! I hope you have the same wonderful experience on your Transatlantic Cruise!

Woobiescoobie    6 years ago

Glad you had a great cruise on Rhapsody. We are looking forward to our smaller ship sailing on her. I have read many of the reviews about this ship. So far it seems as though folks looking for a relaxing and laid back vacation really enjoy this ship, but anyone who cruises on the bigger ships seems to be disappointed. However anyone who has done a longer cruise really seems to appreciate the personalized service that you obviously enjoyed. Thanks for your review!

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