Rhapsody of the Seas

Despite being one of the smallest and oldest vessels in the line, Rhapsody of the Seas does not cease to draw a crowd of high-spirited couples as well as families. Since its 2012 refurb, Rhapsody now sports most of the Royal Caribbean signature amenities like the alfresco LED video wall, more specialty dining venues, and the new digital “Wayfinder” signage – a touch-screensnavigator and bulletin board, posted by the elevators. Cruise attire is mostly casual, other than the two formal nights (on seven day voyages). Royal Caribbean passengers are charged $13.50 per person, per day ($16.50 for suite guests) and can be prepaid or added on a daily basis to the passenger’s account. Guests can add or remove gratuities by visiting the guest services desk.

Accommodation

About 22 per cent of Rhapsody’s 1,020 cabins have balconies. Accommodations are further divided into different categories and price grades. Inside cabins and standard balcony cabins share the similar features – small sitting areas with sofas and coffee tables, ample storage space, desks/vanities, hair dryers and nightstands. They are also equipped with flat-screen TVs, phones, safes and iPads to access daily schedules and onboard accounts, order room service, access the internet, watch movies and make restaurant reservations. Bathrooms are practical with enough shelving. Rhapsody offers six types of suites. General configurations include an expanded balcony, larger sitting area, bathroom with a bathtub, and proper room divisions. Suite guests are entitled to perks like priority check-in, Concierge Lounge access, access to dining room menus via room service, luggage valet service, complimentary clothes pressing on formal night and priority debarkation.

Activities
Deck 9 is where the main pool is, flanked by four hot tubs. By the pool deck is the outdoor movie area which shows screenings on select evenings. The adult-only Solarium, covered by a retractable glass dome, has an Egyptian theme with pharaoah statues and lounge chairs scattered around the pooldeck area. Vitality Spa spans decks 9 and 10. It also sports an Egyptian-theme and offers various treatments from wraps, facials and massages to teeth whitening and acupuncture, even medispa treatments. ShipShape Fitness Center has eight treadmills, eight elliptical trainers, six exercise bikes, weight machines and free weights. Fitness classes like yoga, spinning, bootcamp and Pilates are available at $12 a class, while stretching and aerobics are free of charge. The jogging track is on deck 10, overlooking the pool areas and at the very aft of Rhapsody is the signature rock-climbing wall.

Food

Edelweiss main dining room serves breakfast and dinner every day, but lunch is unavailable on select sea days. Just like the other Royal Caribbean ships, Rhapsody offers two seatings: assigned 6pm or 8.30pm dining or flexible My Time Dining where guests can either reserve or walk in any time between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. Casual buffet dining is offered at the Windjammer Marketplace and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other dining options include the Park Cafe by the adult-only pool, Solarium. There are also the Royal Caribbean staples: Chops Grille; Giovanni’s Table for Italian dishes; Izumi for an authentic Japanese and pan-Asian dining; tapas at Viking Crown Lounge; coffee and pastries at Latte-tudes; or the unique private dining experience at Chef’s Table. Room service is available 24/7. Late-night/early-morning orders (between midnight and 5am) incur a $3.95 surcharge.