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Royal Caribbean International

MV Rhapsody of the Seas

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Reviewed by: Jeff L.
# previous cruises: 3
Date of Trip: February 26, 2006
Itinerary: Caribbean - Western

Surprisingly pleasant cruise with excellent service. Particularly attractive to those in Texas and others within driving distance (out of Galveston) if you prefer avoiding a long flight to get to the port. While western caribbean is not my favorite itinerary, this cruise offered a nice respite at an extremely affordable price.

Public areas such at the Centrum had a rather crowded feel. Main theater was one of the best with really no bad seats. Access to main dining was good with direct access to both level entrances (as opposed to having one deck without direct access on other ships). Schooner bar was a good meeting place and access across the deck afforded ways to avoid the smokers. Promenade deck was nice and wide at mid ship but did not allow for getting completely around the ship as I like to do. Solarium (indoor pool) was very nice. Note it was for adults only but allowed kids in to order from grill.... grill should be positioned on opposite end of the Solarium facility (not a biggie!)

Food and service was pretty good (on par with Princess & Holland --- superior to NCL). I still think Holland has the best food and stateroom service for this category of ship. There were some issues with food prep.... steaks took 3 attempts to get a truly medium rare -- first attempts were WELL done. There was some delay on seconds of lobster that I had not previously experienced. Wait staff was very good... they did there best to correct my problems.

For the first time, I used an interior cabin.... slightly forward of midship. I now think I would do this more than not, particularly if I envisioned not being in the cabin much. The room was plenty large. I was impressed with drawers, closets and storage space. Bath was also very functional... and I am 6'1" and 235lbs. Cabin was extremely quiet ... I heard nothing from outside the entire cruise. Note.. bedding was a mattress over a steel frame. I happen to enjoy very firm bedding so this actually worked for me (not to mention every night was somewhat late and I was ready to sleep). This could be a concern for others.

Entertainment quality was very good. The shows (including musical productions and comedy acts) were all very entertaining and I stayed for all (have not done that on prior cruises). One thing I did note is that there was really only one choice of a "headliner" type of act. On other cruises, there were always two... one in the main theater and one on the largest of the show lounges. On RCCI the lounge was usually some game or dancing. I only mention this for info; it did not make a difference as I stayed entertained with all. The cruise staff was probably one of the best I have seen. They made every attempt to involve all and I was impressed at how much they were around.

Ports were Key West, Georgetown - Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. At all ports, shopping was within walking distance. 6 ships in port at Cayman created quite a crowd on shore and probably reduced ability to bargain (they have had as many as 9). Cozumel is still recovering from Hurricane Wilma but there is plenty to do. I understand the fishing was terrible (result of Wilma) and snorkeling & Diving are not what they were prior to Wilma. I think it will come back but might be a year or two. We did no excursions. I enjoyed outside on deck 10 above the pool and while at sea, sitting quietly in the Viking Lounge with binoculars was enjoyable.

Ship was made up of 78% Texans. I was accustomed to much more diverse cruise, but was surprised and proud at how friendly my fellow Texans were. Two dinner mates (non-Texans) have actually returned multiple times since they think the Texas cruises are the friendliest of any they take. I think I actually got to know more folks on this cruise than any of my previous ones.