Stan

Age: 61
Occupation: TV Broadcasting, Retired
Number of Cruises: 2
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Rhapsody Of The Sea
Sailing Date: March 28th, 2004
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

RCL’s Rhapsody Of The Sea is indeed a fine ship. The ongoing maintenance amazed me; how can they keep it looking so good while at sea. Because of the recent shipboard viruses, I found the hand washing stations reassuring. Beware, Royal Caribbean misses no opportunity to charge additional fees. Waiting for RCL to deliver the documents a short time before departure is scary.

The public areas were nicely appointed. Lots of room for quiet privacy. Good library. I did find the pool areas too crowded. The rule about not reserving a lounge chair is not enforced and it should be. The tile around the aft indoor pool was badly in need of repair; the were shards of tile and plaster on the steps.

Our cabin, aft of midship on a lower deck, was comfortable. Small, but comfortable, you really need to be good friends with your cabin mate. The shower, of course, is too small. Extra hangers are a must. The steward was invisible and omnipresent; he was good. The 2 buckets of ice each day were as welcome as the chocolates placed on the pillows. Since the cabin is small and shelf space limited, there should be fewer ship related items in the cabins...bottled water, sodas, advertisement books. One is constantly moving them aside.

The food and service were better than on the NCL ship of our first cruise. We had to change dinner seating. Our first table was for 12 and we were seated with a large older group who were involved with themselves. We requested and received a smaller table and each meal afterwards was pleasant. I didn’t think I’d like assigned seating but is was nicer than “freestyle” dining. The daily rolls and breads were delightful...where all really want is soup, salad and bread. Too bad the “bread” waiter was stingy with the rolls d’jour. I feel no remorse for eating every desert every night!

We took several excursions. My wife enjoyed Key West but I stayed aboard and had the ship to myself, a nice luxury. Stingray City on Grand Cayman island is a must. The snorkeling tour on Cozumel provided a full bar and great munchies. More food.

The annoying things about the Rhapsody Of The Sea include the constant ship wide PA announcements. Most of them were advertising some activity that required a fee. The photographers were a nuisance, they were everywhere. The $3.00 bottled water in the cabin is a giant rip, take your own. It is more practical to have a root canal aboard the ship than play BINGO. Royal Caribbean Line misses no opportunity to get more of your money.

I would sail with RCL again. Just say NO to the extra charges.

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