We flew from ATL to SJU and sailed on Rhapsody of the Seas, on August 4, 2024. We selected this cruise because it included two destinations we've not visited before - Bonaire and Curacao. Rhapsody is a bit older but elegant and graceful at sea. We loved Rhapsody for her crew, her size, and her itinerary. Rhapsody's deck plan is smart and getting around is easy. Beautiful bars and lounges and the food is terrific. Sailing out of San Juan is so much nicer and easier than any of the US ports we've sailed from. We are already planning our next trip, but this cruise was one of the best Caribbean cruises we've ever taken.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We flew from ATL to SJU just to take this cruise. It was worth it! Going out of San Juan is a great experience. Easy taxi/UBER ride from the Airport to the cruise terminal (about $5/person, for four people). Royal Caribbean cruise terminal employees are friendly and welcoming. Somehow, they make it much easier to get through check-in and on-board than at cruise terminals in FL.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Rhapsody doesn't have all the outdoor bells and whistles that you'll find on other kid-oriented ships. The up-side is that there were more than adequate deck chairs and plenty of room for enjoying the sun and ocean in peace. On the other hand, there was always a rocking party going on at the main pool!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Fantastic stage shows, musicians and performers. However, this cruise had fewer options than on larger ships we've cruised on.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I'm not sure how cruise companies find so many people who seem NEVER to have a bad day. Always smiling, always ready (and happy) to do anything for you, the Rhapsody crew were perfect hosts. The stewards, waiters and other staff make it their life mission to bring joy... and they did on our cruise.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our room was very accommodating and exceptionally clean. Rhapsody is an older ship with elegant feature but a few more power outlets and a mini fridge in the stateroom would be an improvement.
Ship tip
Rhapsody is an older ship with elegant feature but a few more power outlets and a mini fridge in the stateroom would be an improvement. Still, one of the best cruises we've ever taken due in part to the easy, familiarity of this ship and the fantastic destinations (St. Croix, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
St. Croix is the best of the USVIs. We always enjoy coming back to St. Croix. It's easy to hail a taxi right off the pier and explore anyplace on the island. We enjoyed a day pass at Sandcastle on the Beach resort. They are AWESOME! Such a cool place to sneak away to.
Aruba is our favorite island in the world. We have cruised there twice and vacationed there on two other occasions. Too many things to do for just one day. Recommend taking a taxi to the DePalm Pier and having lunch at Bugaloe Beach Bar and Grill, then take a swim in the beautiful waters around Palm Beach. The best excursion NOT listed on any cruise itinerary is the Jolly Pirates (www.jolly-pirates.com).
This was our first trip to Bonaire but we are already planning a way to get back soon. Very laid-back, low-key island with tons of things to do. We booked our own excursion and had the time of our lives aboard the Lady Bellais, a beautiful Brazilian Schooner. Best snorkeling and rope swing experience ever. Plus, open bar with adult and soft drinks the entire voyage. Included with our voyage fare was a delicious Caribbean lunch. (www.ladybellais.com)
Our first visit to Curacao. Unlike any Caribbean Island we've ever visited, Curacao is absolutely gorgeous. We walked across the pedestrian pontoon bridge and through the beautiful city of WIllemstad and Punda. It actually looks and feels more like Amsterdam than a Caribbean port town. Very European and chic.
Our disembarkation was un-hurried and uneventful in San Juan. So easy thanks to the courteous US Customs staff there. There is a marked difference between the Customs officers in San Juan and the officers in the Florida cruise terminals. They have a tough job but the San Juan team manages the process very smoothly.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
