Rhapsody of the Seas became the choice cruise ship for 30% more passengers last year.

As Rhapsody of the Seas’ fourth consecutive season in Australia drew to a close last week, Royal Caribbean Cruises Australasia rejoiced at her growth in passengers from 2009.

A total of about 40,000 passengers boarded Rhapsody of the Seas during her 2010 Australian season and she was the most frequent visitor at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay, sailing 18 cruises.

One reason for passengers’ new-found attraction to Rhapsody of the Seas is because the ship offered itineraries to a wider range of destinations, visiting more than 40 ports, said Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia commercial manager.

Rhapsody of the Seas will return for her fifth season Down Under later this year, accompanied by her sister Radiance of the Seas.