Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas is one of the oldest Royal Caribbean ships, and probably older than some of the people reading this right now. 

Debuting in 1997, it’s just one year younger than Royal Caribbean’s first-ever ship in the current fleet, Grandeur of the Seas, and it shares many of the same qualities that make Grandeur special. Both are smaller ships aimed at an adult and mature audience, both mainly sail out of Tampa, and both focus more on cozy retreats than crazy onboard entertainment. If you’re looking for a quieter vacation and don’t plan to bring your kids, Rhapsody definitely has some aces up its sleeve to charm you.

What we like about Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas, like the other Vision-class ships, is a great choice for those looking to try Royal Caribbean in a more intimate setting. Yes, I know, when we think Royal Caribbean, giant mega-ships, waterslides, and huge waterparks come to mind, but Rhapsody has none of that. Entertainment onboard focuses mostly on the casino, bars, and small swimming pools, making the atmosphere more intimate and better suited for adults. There’s also the Solarium, an adults-only area, which is a nice perk for anyone wanting a quieter evening.

If you’re taking a Rhapsody of the Seas vacation, you’re mostly coming for the destinations and the onboard vibe, not for big entertainment. On that front, the ship does a good job. The ports of call, for example, are excellent. Keep in mind that this ship is much smaller than other recent Royal Caribbean vessels, which allows Rhapsody to visit some really unique ports. For instance, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary departing from Tampa stops at Cozumel, Belize, and Puerto Costa Maya, something that just doesn’t happen with the mega-resort ships.

A few small details add to the overall positive experience. The staff is attentive, often ranging from good to great, thanks in part to the ship’s smaller size, which creates a sense of familiarity. The vessel usually isn’t too crowded, so it’s also pretty easy to move around.

What we don’t like about Rhapsody of the Seas

There are some good specialty venues onboard, like Chops Grille and the Chef’s Table, but the complimentary restaurants are a bit underwhelming. The variety isn’t bad, but the flavors are lackluster. Sauces are often watered down, and pasta could use more sauce and cheese. The Jerk Chicken is mostly fine, but overall, the food is a bit disappointing.

You probably already know that you won’t get the same kind of entertainment onboard as on a ship like Star of the Seas - no waterparks, bumper cars, carousels, or even a waterslide. As a more adult-focused ship, that’s fine, but the onboard shows are a bit underwhelming. There are no Broadway productions, and the nighttime entertainment mostly features small bands, comedians, and acrobats performing acts that feel… “okay, but is there more?” It’s not bad, but for an adult-oriented ship, I wish there was a bit more variety.

Do keep in mind that this is an older ship, and guests online report that if you are prone to seasickness you should bring medication onboard. Some say the front and rear balconies can shake noticeably, and cabin location can also be an issue. For example, some balcony cabins on deck 7 are close to the theaters and can get loud late into the night, and you can even hear the performers. Need help selecting the best stateroom? We at Famvia can indefinitely give you a hand.

Conclusion

Rhapsody of the Seas is a ship for a very particular kind of guest - those traveling without children who want to explore unique Caribbean itineraries. It’s a ship you sail more for the destinations than for the onboard experience, and in that regard, it does its job well.