Rhapsody of the Seas Review
Tired ship and pulling the purse strings tighter!
Rating by category
Additional details
Been on 2 previous cruises around the Med with Royal Caribbean,Brilliance of the Seas and Independence of the Seas in the last 3 years.Compared to the other the Rhapsody is a tired ship that was built in 1997 and it shows. The facilities are also lacking as there is no British type pub, every few outdoor activities even if its only crazy golf. The food was ok although the Chops Grill at additional cost was disappointing. Previously we have had paella and bbqs at poolside, not on this ship.Even the snacks like pies and crisps are no longer available. The entertainment in the theatre was poor with no proper shows,we spent every night in the karaoke bar which pretty much sums it up. The cruise director was excellent hosting the belly flop and mr and mrs competition. The best places we visited was Kotor and Katakolan but Santorini is a hell hole with the logistics of getting from Fira to the tenders with either 2 hour queues with no shade for the cable car or dodging the mules whilst descending 580 slippy steps. We set sail from Venice and I would recommend an overnight stay as we did to truly enjoy this beautiful city. The transfer by speed boat rather than water bus is also a great experience. This cruise will be the last one we will be going on as the cost of the cruise goes up every year and not at inflation rate and the same things mentioned earlier are disappearing. The Brilliance back in 2016 was great with entertainment including Darren Day and all the food parties,pub,snacks and outdoor activities which were sadly lacking on the Rhapsody. We also sailed to Ville France Sur Mur for Nice or Monoco on that cruise and have since been back for a week as it is beautiful and cheap compared to the cruise.The Independence sailed from Southampton which is effectively 4 additional days at sea which we weren't keen on but a modern big ship,
Cabin Review
The room although didnt have a balcony for the first time due to the additional cost was tidy and was cleaned twice daily to an excellent standard. Our room attendant was fantastic and a very happy smiley person. The location of the room near to the lifts was also good.
Port Reviews
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the most expensive place were I have had a drink. £14 for a beer and orange juice.Great if you watch Game of Thrones but otherwise very commercialised and in danger of becoming more of a theme park than a walled city with history!
Kotor
The cruise into Kotor is breathtaking as you are surrounded on both sides by huge moutains very much like the Norwegian fjords but with full sun.The town itself is fortified with cobbled streets and quaint shops. The locals are very friendly and the atmosphere is of a tranquil place. We will definitely return here for a short break in the very near future. The price of food and drink is very cheap compared to Dubrovnik and everywhere else.
Santorini
A nightmare place were you only disembark and return to ship by tender from Fira because of the cable car capacities. As the saying goes 2 swallows don't make a summer and therefore 2 churches with blue painted domes don't make an island of great beaty. Its a volanic island with masses of people and ill treated donkeys.
Katakolon (Olympia)
a nice small beach only 200 metres from the ship with a lovely beach bar.