Rhapsody Review - Alaska May 28, 2010

Hope you all have a few minutes, this is a little bit long. If anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to answer what I can.

PreCruise day - We flew into Seattle Thursday night. After getting our luggage I called Already There Town Car to let them know we were ready to be picked up. Charlotte answered (does she ever take time off?) and I told her which door we were going out of (they are numbered). She told me our driver Alex would be there to pick us up in a couple minutes. I would say we stood on the curb for about 3 minutes before he pulled up. He put our luggage in the trunk and we got in the car. It was a nice roomy Town Car. Alex then proceeded to drive us to our hotel with a nice narration of Seattle and places we passed. Upon arriving at our hotel he brought our luggage into the lobby and told us to have a good visit. We had made reservations for a room with a Jacuzzi at the Quality Inn and Suites on John Street. The hotel and room was nice and clean with a large Jacuzzi. The bed was SO comfortable.

Cruise day 1 - In the morning we went downstairs and had the complementary breakfast which had plenty of choices. We then went to the Space needle (it was about 4 blocks away). The weather was a bit chilly and rainy so when we got to the top it was way too cold to stand outside for more than a few minutes at a time. Then we went next door to the Sci Fi Museum/Experience Music project where we met up with another couple from our Meet & Mingle who were also staying at our hotel. We only did the Sci Fi part. Talk about a walk down nostalgia lane.

We walked back to the hotel, checked out and took their shuttle ($6 per person) to the pier. Upon arriving at the pier we followed the crowd for RCCL to drop off our luggage to be sent to the ship. We then went upstairs to stand in the security line. That went fairly quickly. After that, we went to the line for Platinum and above C&A members and suite guests which was pretty short. Our friends went to the ‘regular’ line which was fairly long. We got done about 2 minutes before they were. So much for the short line. I have to admit, the Port Canaveral boarding seemed to go much smoother. We then onto the ship and getting our photo. We got our soda cards and went to the Windjammer for lunch. The place was packed (surprise) but we were lucky enough to find a table for the 4 of us. The flow of the WJ wasn’t as good as we’ve seen on the other ships.

After lunch we went to drop our luggage off in our cabins. Afterwards we went to see where our dinner tables were. For some reason we were placed at a 2 top. We went to request a table change and were placed at a table near the captain’s table. Since we were at the early dining we never saw him at dinner. Sadly, this table was in the center of the 4th floor, next to the piano so it was actually pretty loud. The first night we had one set of table mates, the second and remaining nights we had a different set of table mates. The first set was traveling with a number of friends and family all of whom were not seated near each other. Our waiter was Adnan and his assistant was Chihan. They were both very nice and worked very hard. After dinner we went to the Welcome aboard show with our Cruise Director Carly B. The comedian was okay, but nothing to write home about. Afterwards we stopped into the casino for a few minutes and off to bed. Oh, and I can confirm, we did NOT need our lifejackets for muster. YEAH!

Cruise Day 2 – This was a cold and rainy sea day and the first formal night. We got up and went to the WJ. We got our silverware and placed them on a table. As we walked away, my husband noticed a gentleman place his book on the table so he had to go and politely let the man know that it was our table. This was the beginning of having to watch our tables. Who would have thought? Afterwards we went back to our cabin and got to meet our room steward, Alfredo. Then at noon we went to Viking Crown Lounge for our unofficial Meet & Mingle. We did a home town gift swap. It was fun. And while we were there we saw a pod of Orca (or dolphin?). We debated but all agreed they were black and white.

Cruise Day 3 – Juneau – We arrived in port and the weather was beyond wonderful. It was sunny and got up into the mid 70s. We left the ship and met the van for Harv & Marv. Our driver, Jack, had a nice book for each passenger with photos. On the drive to the boats, he stopped to let us take a peak at the Mendenhal Glacier. When we got to the boats, we met the captains. We were with Captain Jay on the OB1 which was a very nice new boat. There were 5 of us on the boat along with Jay. All 5 of us were on the M&M. Jay went over the safety items. Then he handed out VERY nice, self focusing binoculars for each of us to use, told us that the cooler had drinks and snacks for us to help ourselves to. Jay kept his eyes out for whales and talked with captains on other boats to make sure we could see all that was out there. We got to see a number of humpbacks. We didn’t get to see any breaches or Orcas, but we did get to see sea lions and eagles. On the drive back, we stopped at the Glacier. Jack said he would be happy to wait for us if we all agreed. A number of us said we wanted to stay about ½ an hour. The rest wanted to stay longer and would take a shuttle back. Jack picked us back up and on the drive back shared another book of photos and told us more about the area on the drive back to the ship. He offered to drop us off in town or at the ship. These guys are a first class operation. If we ever get back to Juneau, you can bet we will be booking with them again! We then took the Tram up Mt Roberts. In short, it was a little pricey and not really worth the time and money. There is a nice view of the ship and the town. Our friends did this as well and ate at the restaurant. They said it took over an hour to get a sandwich and the service wasn’t great. We didn’t make it back in time for dinner so when we did get back, we went to WJ.

Cruise Day 4 – Skagway – We woke and looked out our balcony and saw the train right there on the dock next to the ship for those whose booked thru RCCL. The weather was again wonderful and in the 70s. When we got off the ship we took a shuttle to town. The shuttle is $2 per trip or $5 unlimited rides. We walked around, shopped and took some pictures. It is a nice little town with an old west feel. Then we took the shuttle back to the ship so we could drop our stuff off in our cabin and great a quick bite at the WJ. The timing was great since as we were getting off the ship, the line to get back on was LONG since the first train ride had just got back. We met Chilkoot tours shuttle and rode over to the train station (not far). Each ‘tour group’ gets their own train car. We had a nice ride up and the view was stunning. Once the train was moving, we could get up and go out on the front or back platform of the train car to take more pictures. People were not allowed to go to other cars. It was nice that our car was not packed. When we got up to Fraser B.C., the Canadian agent got on the train and needed to see each person’s passport. The shuttle driver met up with us there and drove us back down the other side of the pass stopping at different places so we could take pictures. It was nice to see it from both sides. The view is simply amazing! I would call the train a “must do.”

Cruise Day 5 – Tracy Arm Fjord / Sawyer Glacier and Sea Day – When we got up we were already headed down the Fjord to the glacier. The water was like glass. On the ride in we saw sea lions / otters. And occasionally we hit a small iceberg. You couldn’t help wonder how big a hit would have been a problem. The glacier was BEAUTIFUL! And the captain said it was the closest they have ever been able to get to the glacier. We saw a section calving off which is both noisy and impressive. This was the second formal night. Unfortunately the sea was pretty rough. I ended feeling pretty off so I missed dinner (bummer, I LOVE LOBSTER). This was the first time I’ve seen ‘air sick bags’ placed out for all the guests to use as needed. Thankfully I didn’t need to use one. The Captain later stated the waves were about 15 foot high. Tonights entertainment was Bowser. He and his group put on a rocking fun time. Then we stayed for the Love & Marriage game and as always, it was fun.

Cruise Day 6 – Sea Day – Had a quiet day. Got a couple’s massage and relaxed most of the time. Saw an incredible rainbow and the ship sailed right under it. At 5pm Bowser was scheduled to sign autographs and he was happy to stay until the last person got one. He also was great about letting everyone get their picture taken with him and his ‘trademark’ pose. Tonight was Quest. And our team won! ! ! OH!!! I almost forgot to share; I won $400 on a penny slot!! Yee Haw!!

Cruise Day 7 – Victoria, B.C. - The 4 of us bought the tickets for the Hop On/Off tour so off the ship we went and waited for the bus to come. We got off at the castle and toured that. Then we took the next bus and got off near the museum. We walked back through town to Chinatown. It was smaller than we expected. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant (darn if I can think of the name) but the food was fantastic. Then we walked back going through a little market and then through the inner harbor. There were some great artisans there. The architecture was great and the gardens were all blooming. It was a blast had by all.

Disembarkation – Seattle – We did the luggage valet service which was well worth the money, especially since we had a flight scheduled out of SeaTac at 10:30pm. So off the ship we went to wait for a cab. Talk about a LONG line. Item of note - If you use a porter, you go to the front of the line. Once we got a cab we went to Pike’s Market. OMG, I wish we had something like that near us. Talk about fresh produce, flowers and, of course, fish. Plus there were lots of different artisans selling their work. We then got on a Hop On/Off double-decker bus and toured the city. We finally headed to the airport and headed home. Our flight arrived ahead of schedule. And when we went to get our luggage, ours were the 4th, 5th and 6th on the conveyor belt. Yea Luggage valet.

All I can say is, ‘when can we go again????’

Thanx,

Erika

Welcome back....

If possible...you may want to consider adding a space between paragraphs.......would sure make it easier for those of us with iffy eye-sight to follow the sentences...

Thanks.....

Welcome back....

 

If possible...you may want to consider adding a space between paragraphs.......would sure make it easier for those of us with iffy eye-sight to follow the sentences...

 

Thanks.....

Hey Steve-O. Good to see you are still cruising. We are on the Rhapsody in Feb from Austrailia. Had a great time doing the Panama Canal Cruise. Mel and Regina

BirdyLady, How was the food and staterooms and entertainment and service on Rhapsody? Sounds like you had a great trip and hope some day to make it to Alaska. Did you love the Rhapsody?

We went to request a table change and were placed at a table near the captain’s table. Since we were at the early dining we never saw him at dinner.

Erika

FYI, the captain does not eat in the Main Dining Room. He's only at the captains table when he decides to host a Captains Table, usually on the second formal night, late seating. Was your captain Capt Rick Sullivan or Capt

Roger Stein Bjorheim?

Welcome back....

 

If possible...you may want to consider adding a space between paragraphs.......would sure make it easier for those of us with iffy eye-sight to follow the sentences...

 

Thanks.....

Thanx. I actually had a space inbetween when I posted. Must be something to do with the copy paste, between Word and here. And it looked okay before I saved. Sadly, I don't see an option to edit it anymore I guess it's past the timeline.

Erika

Thanks for that nice review.

Great review - Thanks for taking the time! I've always wanted to be able to write a review of our cruises.

Deb

i enjoyed your review. thanks for posting.

Great review! Thx ever so much! We are sailing on this ship June 25th and I am getting SO excited!

Hi birdylady.....I liked your review, buy had to give up reading it because of no spacing. ;)

You can do a quote of your own post and make some of those changes...spaces and paragraphs. Just make sure to comment at the end of the quote otherwise it won't take it.

The Rhapsody is a nice ship and my favorite of the vision class. We would love to book a lost minute Alaska cruise on her to get out of the heat of AZ....just waiting for a good rate to pop up!!! :)

***

Who's the captain!

Welcome back....

 

If possible...you may want to consider adding a space between paragraphs.......would sure make it easier for those of us with iffy eye-sight to follow the sentences...

 

Thanks.....

May I respectfully stridently agree with the above? I didn't read the review, simply because it is such a strain without some spaces.

Even if you are continuing the same thought and (technically) it is not time for a new paragraph; an occasional space is welcome relief. Otherwise it is too easy to lose one's place.

Mitch

Welcome back and I enjoyed hearing about your wonderful cruise on Rhapsody. She was our first cruise ship, and we have such fond memories of her!

I think what you probably saw was the adorable black and white porpoises that frequent the pacific northwest. We experienced the same thing on our first cruise, and it seemed like close to 100 of these beautiful creatures were just running along side the ship for quite a while. I actually got choked up over this, with all the excitement of our first voyage, and we fell in love with Alaska. I never get tired of going back to the beauty of that place.

great review, thanks!

Per everyone's request.

Hope you all have a few minutes, this is a little bit long. If anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to answer what I can.

 

PreCruise day - We flew into Seattle Thursday night. After getting our luggage I called Already There Town Car to let them know we were ready to be picked up. Charlotte answered (does she ever take time off?) and I told her which door we were going out of (they are numbered). She told me our driver Alex would be there to pick us up in a couple minutes. I would say we stood on the curb for about 3 minutes before he pulled up. He put our luggage in the trunk and we got in the car. It was a nice roomy Town Car. Alex then proceeded to drive us to our hotel with a nice narration of Seattle and places we passed. Upon arriving at our hotel he brought our luggage into the lobby and told us to have a good visit.

 

We had made reservations for a room with a Jacuzzi at the Quality Inn and Suites on John Street. The hotel and room was nice and clean with a large Jacuzzi. The bed was SO comfortable.

 

Cruise day 1 - In the morning we went downstairs and had the complementary breakfast which had plenty of choices. We then went to the Space needle (it was about 4 blocks away). The weather was a bit chilly and rainy so when we got to the top it was way too cold to stand outside for more than a few minutes at a time. Then we went next door to the Sci Fi Museum/Experience Music project where we met up with another couple from our Meet & Mingle who were also staying at our hotel. We only did the Sci Fi part. Talk about a walk down nostalgia lane.

 

We walked back to the hotel, checked out and took their shuttle ($6 per person) to the pier. Upon arriving at the pier we followed the crowd for RCCL to drop off our luggage to be sent to the ship. We then went upstairs to stand in the security line. That went fairly quickly. After that, we went to the line for Platinum and above C&A members and suite guests which was pretty short. Our friends went to the ‘regular’ line which was fairly long. We got done about 2 minutes before they were. So much for the short line. I have to admit, the Port Canaveral boarding seemed to go much smoother. We then onto the ship and getting our photo.

 

We got our soda cards and went to the Windjammer for lunch. The place was packed (surprise) but we were lucky enough to find a table for the 4 of us. The flow of the WJ wasn’t as good as we’ve seen on the other ships.

After lunch we went to drop our luggage off in our cabins. Afterward we went to see where our dinner tables were. For some reason we were placed at a 2 top. We went to request a table change and were placed at a table near the captain’s table. Since we were at the early dining we never saw him at dinner. Sadly, this table was in the center of the 4th floor, next to the piano so it was actually pretty loud.

 

The first night we had one set of table mates, the second and remaining nights we had a different set of table mates. The first set was traveling with a number of friends and family all of whom were not seated near each other. Our waiter was Adnan and his assistant was Chihan. They were both very nice and worked very hard. After dinner we went to the Welcome aboard show with our Cruise Director Carly B. The comedian was okay, but nothing to write home about. Afterward we stopped into the casino for a few minutes and off to bed. Oh, and I can confirm, we did NOT need our lifejackets for muster. YEAH!

 

 

Cruise Day 2 – This was a cold and rainy sea day and the first formal night. We got up and went to the WJ. We got our silverware and placed them on a table. As we walked away, my husband noticed a gentleman place his book on the table so he had to go and politely let the man know that it was our table. This was the beginning of having to watch our tables. Who would have thought? Afterwards we went back to our cabin and got to meet our room steward, Alfredo. Then at noon we went to Viking Crown Lounge for our unofficial Meet & Mingle. We did a home town gift swap. It was fun. And while we were there we saw a pod of Orca (or dolphin?). We debated but all agreed they were black and white.

 

 

Cruise Day 3 – Juneau – We arrived in port and the weather was beyond wonderful. It was sunny and got up into the mid 70s. We left the ship and met the van for Harv & Marv. Our driver, Jack, had a nice book for each passenger with photos. On the drive to the boats, he stopped to let us take a peak at the Mendenhal Glacier.

 

When we got to the boats, we met the captains. We were with Captain Jay on the OB1 which was a very nice new boat. There were 5 of us on the boat along with Jay. All 5 of us were on the M&M. Jay went over the safety items. Then he handed out VERY nice, self focusing binoculars for each of us to use, told us that the cooler had drinks and snacks for us to help ourselves to. Jay kept his eyes out for whales and talked with captains on other boats to make sure we could see all that was out there. We got to see a number of humpbacks. We didn’t get to see any breaches or Orcas, but we did get to see sea lions and eagles.

 

On the drive back, we stopped at the Glacier. Jack said he would be happy to wait for us if we all agreed. A number of us said we wanted to stay about ½ an hour. The rest wanted to stay longer and would take a shuttle back. Jack picked us back up and on the drive back shared another book of photos and told us more about the area on the drive back to the ship. He offered to drop us off in town or at the ship. These guys are a first class operation. If we ever get back to Juneau, you can bet we will be booking with them again!

 

We then took the Tram up Mt Roberts. In short, it was a little pricey and not really worth the time and money. There is a nice view of the ship and the town. Our friends did this as well and ate at the restaurant. They said it took over an hour to get a sandwich and the service wasn’t great. We didn’t make it back in time for dinner so when we did get back, we went to WJ.

 

Cruise Day 4 – Skagway – We woke and looked out our balcony and saw the train right there on the dock next to the ship for those whose booked thru RCCL. The weather was again wonderful and in the 70s. When we got off the ship we took a shuttle to town. The shuttle is $2 per trip or $5 unlimited rides. We walked around, shopped and took some pictures. It is a nice little town with an old west feel. Then we took the shuttle back to the ship so we could drop our stuff off in our cabin and great a quick bite at the WJ. The timing was great since as we were getting off the ship, the line to get back on was LONG since the first train ride had just got back.

 

We met Chilkoot tours shuttle and rode over to the train station (not far). Each ‘tour group’ gets their own train car. We had a nice ride up and the view was stunning. Once the train was moving, we could get up and go out on the front or back platform of the train car to take more pictures. People were not allowed to go to other cars. It was nice that our car was not packed. When we got up to Fraser B.C., the Canadian agent got on the train and needed to see each person’s passport. The shuttle driver met up with us there and drove us back down the other side of the pass stopping at different places so we could take pictures. It was nice to see it from both sides. The view is simply amazing! I would call the train a “must do.”

 

 

Cruise Day 5 – Tracy Arm Fjord / Sawyer Glacier and Sea Day – When we got up we were already headed down the Fjord to the glacier. The water was like glass. On the ride in we saw sea lions / otters. And occasionally we hit a small iceberg. You couldn’t help wonder how big a hit would have been a problem. The glacier was BEAUTIFUL! And the captain said it was the closest they have ever been able to get to the glacier. We saw a section calving off which is both noisy and impressive.

 

This was the second formal night. Unfortunately the sea was pretty rough. I ended feeling pretty off so I missed dinner (bummer, I LOVE LOBSTER). This was the first time I’ve seen ‘air sick bags’ placed out for all the guests to use as needed. Thankfully I didn’t need to use one. The Captain later stated the waves were about 15 foot high. Tonight's entertainment was Bowser. He and his group put on a rocking fun time. Then we stayed for the Love & Marriage game and as always, it was fun.

 

 

Cruise Day 6 – Sea Day – Had a quiet day. Got a couple’s massage and relaxed most of the time. Saw an incredible rainbow and the ship sailed right under it. At 5pm Bowser was scheduled to sign autographs and he was happy to stay until the last person got one. He also was great about letting everyone get their picture taken with him and his ‘trademark’ pose. Tonight was Quest. And our team won! ! ! OH!!! I almost forgot to share; I won $400 on a penny slot!! Yee Haw!!

 

 

Cruise Day 7 – Victoria, B.C. - The 4 of us bought the tickets for the Hop On/Off tour so off the ship we went and waited for the bus to come. We got off at the castle and toured that. Then we took the next bus and got off near the museum. We walked back through town to Chinatown. It was smaller than we expected. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant (darn if I can think of the name) but the food was fantastic. Then we walked back going through a little market and then through the inner harbor. There were some great artisans there. The architecture was great and the gardens were all blooming. It was a blast had by all.

 

 

Disembarkation – Seattle – We did the luggage valet service which was well worth the money, especially since we had a flight scheduled out of SeaTac at 10:30pm. So off the ship we went to wait for a cab. Talk about a LONG line. Item of note - If you use a porter, you go to the front of the line. Once we got a cab we went to Pike’s Market. OMG, I wish we had something like that near us. Talk about fresh produce, flowers and, of course, fish. Plus there were lots of different artisans selling their work. We then got on a Hop On/Off double-decker bus and toured the city. We finally headed to the airport and headed home. Our flight arrived ahead of schedule. And when we went to get our luggage, ours were the 4th, 5th and 6th on the conveyor belt. Yea Luggage valet.

 

All I can say is, ‘when can we go again????’

Hope this made it easier for folks to read.

Oh, and the Captain was Roger Bjorheim.

Erika

You're so kind!

We will be on board the 25th!!

Hope we have good weather as well!!!

Nice review; someday I hope to sail to Alaska.

Oh, one other thing I forgot to mention. I was talking with one of Bowser's group members. As it turned out, they flew into Juneau and got on the ship then. He said that they would be staying on the ship in Seattle and go back out and fly back from Juneau. So I would imagine that means that they will probably be performing on the first formal night on the next sailing. He also stated that 2 of them live on the East coast and 2 on the West so they take turns fly across the country. I don't know how often though they are on Rhapsody.

Hopefully that's not clear as mud. :confused:

Erika

Great review! We're considering an Alaskan cruise on Rhapsody in May 2011...overall how did you like the ship? What kind of cabin did you have? We have only sailed on Monarch and we loved it. I appreciate the recommendations on transfers and excursions - so many decisions to make! Thanks for the review. :)

for re-formatting your review. Glad you did because it was very interesting and made me want to put Alaska cruise on my "bucket list".

I do like that RCCL puts headliners (albeit a little long in the tooth stars) on their ships as opposed to Carnival...and Bowser (originally Sha-na-na, right?) would have been GREAT fun!

Mitch

Great review! We're considering an Alaskan cruise on Rhapsody in May 2011...overall how did you like the ship? What kind of cabin did you have? We have only sailed on Monarch and we loved it. I appreciate the recommendations on transfers and excursions - so many decisions to make! Thanks for the review. :)

The ship was nice. But oddly enough, it took till the end of the week to actually figure out where were going all the time.

for re-formatting your review. Glad you did because it was very interesting and made me want to put Alaska cruise on my "bucket list".

 

I do like that RCCL puts headliners (albeit a little long in the tooth stars) on their ships as opposed to Carnival...and Bowser (originally Sha-na-na, right?) would have been GREAT fun!

 

Mitch

Yes, Bowser from Sha-Na-Na. Interestingly, he plays phenomenal piano. His current group is The Stingrays.

Erika

Thanks for taking the time to post your review...twice!

Great review!

Interesting about Bowser...hope to see them on a cruise!

***

We are booked on the Rhapsody for July 30th and can't wait. Just wondering about when you returned to Seattle. What time did the ship dock and about when did they let passengers off? We have an early flight and I am getting nervous about it! Thanks!

We are booked on the Rhapsody for July 30th and can't wait. Just wondering about when you returned to Seattle. What time did the ship dock and about when did they let passengers off? We have an early flight and I am getting nervous about it! Thanks!

Hi Jean,

To be totally honest, I didn't pay attention to time since we had ALL day to kill in Seattle. But I think they started disembarking passengers around 7am or so, but I really couldn't say for sure.

I've pasted a link of my review should you care to read it. Scroll down to #14 where I reposted with more spaces per everyone's request.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1217526&highlight=

Have a super trip.

Erika

@BIRDYLADY : Anthony and I lost your email address. I thought it was still in my wallet. And this is the only way I can get you in touch with us. Just remind me to delete this after you get in touch with me. IDK if I already emailed you, but you can get at me here (Brad@bradsarea.com) and then I can give you my real email address privately and connect on facebook.