jstubblefield Cruise Review on Rhapsody of the Seas on Apr 22, 2018
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
First Mate
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 128
Review summary
One of my favorite cruises. Ship is perfect size. Was a sold out cruise with 2100 passengers, yet didn't feel overcrowded. On the downside, the food could have been better. Tried 3 specialty restaurants. Giovanni's was good. Chops was ok. Izumi, not good. Worst sushi I've ever had. Probably would stick to the complementary restaurants next time. Ship is in pretty good condition. However the cabins are in need of renovations. That being said. It was still a very enjoyable vacation. Would definitely go again. Though I think I would be happy on any cruise.Embarkation
Arrived at port at 10:00 and was on the ship by 10:30. One of the perks of a small ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
We ate at all 3 specialty restaurants and I would only recommend Giovanni’s. The steak at Chops was cold and over cooked. The sushi at Izumi was dry and tasteless. The m.d.r. was hit or miss as was the Windjamner, Breakfast in the windjammer was good. And lunch in the m.d.r. Was good. Really liked the burger.
Onboard Activities
Not really a whole lot to do on this ship, however that really doesn’t bother me as I just like to sit outside on deck 5 and enjoy the scenery. I would have liked it if the jets were operational in the solarium hot tubs.
Entertainment
Excellent musicians, magicians and comedians. Especially enjoyed the violin and guitar duo in the centrum.
Service and Staff
Service was excellent.
Ship Quality
I love the design of this ship. Great layout and perfect size. Ship was spotless! However the cabins and hallways could use a remodel.
Cabin / Stateroom
Poor location at very back of ship about as far away from the elevators as you can get. Beds are like rocks and padded panels are falling off walls. Window was extremely dirty on the outside. However the room did appear to be clean.
Ports of call
Probably my favorite embarkation port. Not super crowded, only 8 hour drive from home. Love cruising through Tampa bay and going under the bridge.
Thumbs Up
10
Took a taxi to Playa Palancar beach. Beautiful and not crowded. $40 round trip for taxi and free entry. $10 for two loungers and an umbrella.
Did the Starfish island excursion. It was nice because they picked you up directly from the ship. Beach however was man made and poorly maintained. And no shade. After the excursion we went to the port and did a little shopping.
We stayed in the port area which was a mistake. Next time we will take the $2 taxi to the town or go to one of the beach clubs.
Disembarkation
It is what it is, getting off the ship is never fun. But it went smoothly.