Excellent 17 Night Transatlantic Eastbound (Miami to Haifa) (2023-04-29)

Item: Rhapsody of the Seas
Rating: 4.8
Author: lindafalls

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Review to Transatlantic

lindafalls

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 28

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5

Verified Review

17 Night Transatlantic Eastbound (Miami To Limassol)

Sail date: April 29, 2023

Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8529

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

My partner & I had never cruised before so were nervous about taking this trip because, it would be a long time to be stuck on a boat, if we discovered that we didn't like cruising. Luckily, the ship's entertainment, service crew, and beautiful port destinations made it all so enjoyable that we never had time to get restless or home sick. Thank you very much for a great first time experience.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Our boarding time was delayed by 1 hour and then our cruise, that was supposed to leave at 4:00 p.m., did not leave until 6:30 p.m.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

I mainly frequented the Edelweiss Dining Room - 4th Floor, and the Windjammer - 9th Floor. They were both always super clean and the food and wait staff were great.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

I really enjoyed: 1) the fitness centre, 2) walking the 10th floor deck, 3) the napkin folding training, 4) the Logo & Mascot quiz in the Schooner Bar, 5) the language lessons, & 6) the destination lectures. I tried the Rock Climbing Wall but could only go up about 6 feet up as most of the grip positions were too far apart for a 5' 2" person and the last grip I tried to use to climb higher was turned around backwards - so not usable.

Casino Royale

1 out of 5

Way to smokey so after first visit never went back.

Swimming Pools

4 out of 5

Felt they were a little too short - couldn't get enough full laps in.

Rock Climbing Wall

3 out of 5

Most grips were too far apart for a 5'2" person and some were not in place properly - as they were in place backwards - so not usable.

Jogging Track

5 out of 5

Loved the ability to feel like I got outdoors - loved being blown by the wind and kissed by the sun!

Gift Shop

4 out of 5

It should sell gum.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

All of the shows and performers were excellent in the Melodies Broadway Theatre - most memorable are: Luis Dalton, Etta May, Neil Austin, Salvatore Hasard & the house band & dancers!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

I really enjoyed our My Time Dining Room waiters, Rachelle and Agung, at Table # 323 in Edelweiss DR - always smiling and very attentive - and my room #8529 stateroom attendant, Alvin - thank you for the elephant and monkey towel foldings left on my bed.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

I loved the ship’s layout and design - especially the Centrum area and the glass elevators in the Centrum as well as the 10th floor walking deck. The common areas were always clean and well-maintained. I avoided entering the casino as it was far too smokey smelling for me, my eyes and my lungs.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

My partner & I were pleasantly surprised to find that the overall comfort and size of our cabin was quite satisfactory - even though it was an interior suite with no window. We appreciated how clean Alvin kept it for us each day.

Ship tip

1) Research ports before leaving to know what you'd to see/do 2) Download RCCL's app & use calendar to schedule & take in as many of the activities as you possibly can - they're so fun and help the cruising days pass quicker.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Funchal, Madeira

5 out of 5

Enjoyed the Hop on, Hop Off yellow bus tour. Wish I'd gotten off at their Botanical Gardens stop but but enjoyed a wine tasting before heading to the harbor to pose for a picture with Winston Churchill statue & eating out at a harbor restaurant before heading back to the boat.

Thumbs Up 0

Malaga, Spain

5 out of 5

Took the Julia bus into town. Enjoyed walking & shopping on Calle Larios & taking outside pictures of the Cathedral. Really loved exploring for over 3 hours in and around Alcazaba, Teatro Romano, Gibralfaro Castle, Roman Theatre, & Arab Fortress even if it was a lot of walking – both up and down.

Thumbs Up 1

Messina, Sicily

5 out of 5

Loved that it was a short walk to see the Bell Tower, Astronomical Clock, white marble Messina city sign & Cathedral of Messina. Loved the Scalinata della Colomba sculptures up to the Santuario di Montalto & the Fontana Falconieri. Also enjoyed going through the Octagonal Tower of Castello di Roccaguelfonia (Cristo Re). Again, even if it was a lot of walking – both up and down.

Thumbs Up 0

Mykonos, Greece

5 out of 5

Took a seabus into town and first headed to the Windmills of Mykonos by wandering through Little Venice, then had a charcuterie board & glass of wine at Zorbas Delicatessen, bought a linen shirt from Aquablue, then took my socks & runners off & rolled up my pants to wade my feet in the sea before exploring Mykonos' many the alleyways and shops. Sadly, never did see Petros the Pelican but took pictures of many beautiful churches. Ended with having calamari and glass of wine at seaside Kavos Taverna before heading back to the boat. With everything pretty close together it felt like a more relaxing day than with previous ports.

Thumbs Up 1

Haifa, Israel

5 out of 5

We had booked a hotel in Jerusalem the same night we landed in Haifa but took time via taxi to visit the Stella Maris Pilgrimage Centre & got great pictures of the port city from across the road, then whisked off to the beautiful Baha'i Gardens to take pictures from the top, middle, and bottom of the Baha'i Holy Place before taking the train to Jerusalem.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

Getting off the boat was very fast, quick & easy. However, getting out of the port was quite long, cumbersome and tiring due to lots of switch-backing from boat exit to port terminal, back almost to the boat & back to terminal again - up and down with no moving sidewalks – many also dragging carry-on luggage & personal items in the heat.

Traveler Photos

High View of Malaga & part of fortress/castle.

Loved the feeling of being outside by being able to walk outside!

Some grips too far apart for a 5'2" person and one at the next step for me was placed on backwards.

5 Comments

deconz 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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grahamjones 1 year ago

I was in the same boat as you 20 years ago regarding cruising concerns. I've cruised every year since and wished I started earlier. I've cruised on the Rhapsody before and it's aged gracefully. Unlike the bigger ships, it's a close community with a personal touch wherever you go. 71 days to go before I'm back on it. You've got the bug now so no doubt hooked on cruising. Welcome to the club!

Thumbs Up 1

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javawoody 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your experience

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cruising2004 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your detailed cruising experience.

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us

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