An Awesome First Time Experience!
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Review to Transatlantic
14 Night Transatlantic Eastbound (Tampa To Barcelona)
Sail date: April 27, 2019
Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas
Cabin type: Oceanview
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
Rhapsody is a delightful older ship that really connects the traveler with the surrounding oceans and scenery. You can literally see the ocean from just about everywhere you are on board. No bells and whistles here. A rock climbing wall is their only outdoor feature besides your hot tubs and pools etc. it's just intimate surroundings, excellent food and staff, and that good cruise feel that you might remember if you cruised in the 80's or 90's! Our audience was quite a bit older than most, as we sailed from Tampa in late April, but we met a lot of delightful seniors on board. The entertainment was a lot better than I thought it would be! There were several solid acts on this sailing! I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. The staff took the cake. Just about every member we encountered was enthusiastic to help in any way and serve in any way possible. Makeli and Jemma were balls of energy on the cruise director staff. There were plenty of activities on board to fill your day if you wanted. My only complaint is that nobody was ever in the night club or later dance activities...partly (I think) because the DJ did not adjust the music to fit the tastes of 55-70 year olds...and partly because it was late for most seniors! Overall, an excellent trans-Atlantic experience that I would do again!Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Windjammer Cafe
The Windjammer offered all kinds of food fare, most of it, really good. We did dinner there on 2 of the nights and had an excellent meal each time. Their Jamaican spread was unreal, as was the taste. The staff was ever-present, waiting to get water and drinks and cleaning tables as people left. Most of the food I had was really tasty...as were the impromptu bar-b-q's they had on the pool deck on a couple occasions! I've always loved the Windjammer!
Main Lounge
The Main lounge offered that old cruising feel. It was a touch of older elegance all around. However, there were so many great activities, and so many seniors, there was never enough seating for all who wanted to take part. Still you could hear everything from deck four, where the lounge was, all the way up to deck 8!
Cafe Latte-Tudes
Very small cafe, but we made the best of it with Mocha Latte's each morning. The staff was so friendly and learned our names by my 2nd or 3rd visit to them. We would dance together and laugh. They helped make our trip that much more pleasant.
Giovanni's Table
Wow! I have never had so much unbelievable food in my life. From appetizer to dessert, I was about to explode. I had the lamb with some pasta, with an almond scallop appetizer and an "all-inclusive" desert. Would highly recommend this restaurant and what it offers. We will be back on future cruises and have our stomach's ready!
Chop's Grille
Had one of the best 16 oz rib eyes of my life...BUT WHY??? LOL. It was so much excellent food. The service was excellent and we didn't wait too long for anything! it was a top notch steak house experience from arrival to departure!
Main Dining Room
I enjoyed some of the best beef I've ever had in the MDR, where the meals were really good. Sure, some things were a miss. But the service we got from George and Bojan was second to none! Camelia at the next table and all around the Windjammer, made everyone around her smile. This was one of the best RCCL staffs I've ever encountered! They made all the MDR food taste that much better!
Onboard Activities
Logo Souvenir Shop
Always, the shops had a nice variety of items. Purchased a nice shawl for my wife for only 10.00. Also picked up some nice tee shirts. I did not battle for the final day sale items. The area had a very posh, high-end feel. Very nice.
Diamond Club
This was the highlight of our day! There were so many diamonds on our sailing that they opened a lounge for the spill over. We met dozens of great people who were veteran cruisers, as the beer, wine and cocktails flowed. Excellent finger foods were on hand as well. it was a great way to unwind before dinner or that early show!
Jogging Track
Not a very wide track and we often encountered windy conditions, but it was nice to see the ocean and all the people taking advantage. You could easily see down to the pool deck and take in the activities there.
Entertainment
Broadway Theater
Great theater with plenty of seating and great sound! Watched a movie there and plenty of great acts that were on this sailing!
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
If sailing Rhapsody, prepare for an easy time! The ship is small enough that it doesn't kill you if you walk the wrong direction! It has a centrum, and everything kind of feeds into it. Once you learn the layout, getting around is a breeze.
Ports of call
Santa Cruz De La Palma, Canary Islands