Rhapsody of the Seas Review

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Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas
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live2cruz100
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Jul 2015
Cabin: Large Ocean View Stateroom

Overall we were very happy with the ship. It was clean, the staff was excellent, the Captain was great. The ship was easy to navigate, the food was very good and in the Windjammer Café they offered a lot of variety. It did not seem that there were many activities going on during the day and other than rock climbing, table tennis and shuffle board I do not believe there was anything else for children. Since our itinerary had us in port most days this was not an issue for us.

Embarkation was a bit long in Istanbul but after that getting on and off was very efficient. At the ports with tenders they used a number system. Not really a fan of that because you have to get in line to get the number the same morning as the tender but several hours before arrival. If you have an excursion (not thru cruise ship) and need to get off on one of the first boats you need to get in this line at least 30 min before it starts. It seems it would have been easier to just get in line for the tender boat.

The kids club did not work out for our daughter age 11. The children that are 3-11 are in one club and 12-17 in another. Because it is a smaller ship they do not have a 3rd area to put the 9-11 year olds. Given she would have been in the area with the small children I did not even register her for the kids club - she had no interest. She would have been more interested in the activities offered to the older group but we were advised that trying to put her with that group would not be wise because there were many teenagers on board. I also do not believe they would have allowed us to switch her - so beware if your child is at the upper range of the young kids.

Cabin Review

Large Ocean View Stateroom

Cabin I

We had a panoramic ocean view window. Loved having the large window - could lay in bed and look out at the sea.

Port Reviews

Istanbul

Loved Istanbul - spent 3 days here prior to sailing. It was just the right amount of time. Stayed in Old City and walked everywhere. Saw all of the major attractions - Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Cistern, Cruise to Asia on Bosphorus.

Mykonos

We did not take tour thru ship but grabbed the boat to Delos with tour guide when we got off ship (needed to get on first tender to make the boat). It was very interesting. After returning we walked around Mykonos and I felt we had plenty of time to do both.

Santorini

We grabbed a boat to Oia when we disembarked. There are many vendors offering the ride at very different prices so check around. We paid 10Euro for boat to Oia then bus to village then bus back to Fira. This worked out nicely - Oia is beautiful and does not have the crowds that Fira does. The line to take the funicular back down was crazy long so we opted for the donkeys. That was an experience. My husband had his leg ripped open by a donkey coming uphill (the saddle scraped his leg). If you have a bad back and are not up for an adventure - stand in the funicular line. I heard it moves pretty fast.

Athens (Piraeus)

We booked a private group tour with Athens City Tours - they were great. A group of 13 of us used roll call to meet prior to sailing and agreed to this tour. I heard we were able to do more than the same tour offered thru the ship. And it cost us less the 24 Euro each (for 8 hours).

Taormina (Messina)

Using roll call we gathered a group and booked a tour to Taormina using Discover Messina. It was 40 Euro for 8 hours. It was a great tour that also stopped in Castlemora. You do not want to miss Taormina - it is beautiful. I don't think there is much to do if you stay in Messina.

Naples

We took the hydrofoil to Capri and then a private boat around Capri on Giani boats that we had booked in advance. I recommend the 3 hour boat ride around Capri - that will allow a bit of time on the island as well.

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