Rhapsody of the seas review - 13-22 jan 11 - south pacific

[Debsta]

Good review. Debsta I was looking out for you but never saw you. I was too late to work out how to get to Meet and Mingle.

We were on the same cruise. Our biggest issue with it is the time past too fast.

After being on five P&O cruises I found this one with RCL on Rhapsody the best. All round better in all aspects except maybe the shows, which were not as well done as P&O but not bad, they were ok and we enjoyed them.

I found the rough weather on the first two days great. All of our cruises have been in good weather and it was exciting to see how the ship handled the swell. Mind you I nearly split my lunch plate in the Buffet up the front as the ship pitched. I spent some time on deck 5 observing the swell. In my opinion it averaged out at 7 m at worst with the odd 9 m wave which broke over the front. Surprising it did not bother me at all and I wished it got bigger to see what it would be like.

I found the Captain far more involved with the passengers then on P&O ships.

Rock climbing wall was great till I turned around at the top and looked backwards at the shear drop to the water.

The indoor pool was good. Excludes 16 years olds and below (we have kids but it is good to escape) and has food and ice cream all day by the pool you can indulge in.

The sauna and steam room was good.

I found there was far more lounge areas then P&O ships. I like to read and you can find lots of nice quiet spots to read. Has a good library.

There seem to be bands playing somewhere in the ship all day. They were very good.

They had some good history lectures by visiting retired academic. I found this different to what P&O offered and really enjoyed him. Other people did not like it. Probably because listening to a lecture on Columbous etc may not be some people idea of a holiday.

At Lifou I hired a canoe and rowed out about 100 m form shore (ship side) and the water was very clear and the coral was right close to the surface and very nice. You did not need snorkel gear to see it as it was so close to the surface. If you just pottered around the beach the water was murky and you would come back thinking it was bad. I have been to Lifou 3 times before and never thought much of it till I worked out how to see the coral. Hire a canoe for $7 bucks or swim out with snorkel gear.

Mystery Island been there too many times and not could have missed it. Nice place to swim and relax.

In the comments above I am not running down P&O. I have always enjoyed these cruises. Just after being on so many times just keen to try something else.

 

Sorry we missed you too.....next time! :D

You weren't on Deck 5 when people got soaked LOL

I thought the history lectures were a great idea for those interested.....that's why I thought the activities/entertainment offered good variety.

I tried not to compare Rhapsody with any other cruise line. The last time I did I got shot down in flames :eek:

I never ever saw the Captain and we were out and about a lot! Oh I did see him once when he had his dinner next to us on the last formal night :p Don't know why we didn't get invited LOL In comparison (ohhh noooo) when on PJ last August, Capt. Neil Turnbull was always out and about mingling with the passengers and forever chit chatting on the microphone.

Agree about the time....9 days is just not long enough! As always, never got to do/see everything....therefore I must book another :p

Work sucked today :mad: I need to book another cruise!

[Debsta]

Thanks Debsta,

What a fantastic detailed review....:)

Sounds like you all had a funtastic time except for the first couple of days due to Mother Nature.... :eek:

 

I am in the same cabin as you were....sounds great...hope you took lots of pics and would be great if you post a couple ....:)

 

I can't wait till next Saturday and have the same experience of coming into CQ and seeing her there just waiting for us to board....

 

Cheers Angie :)

 

Hey Ang

I'll do my best to get pics up before Saturday but I don't like my chances!

[Debsta]

Thank you both for your reviews, we are going on the Rhapsody in april and can't wait after being on quite a few P&O cruises, have a question did they have cocktail of the day specials please?

 

Cocktail of the Day $6.25

 

Gingle-bell Collins

Tequila Sunrise

Singapore Sling

Pink Lemonade

Margarita

Bay Breeze

Cape Cod

Orange Blossom

 

You'll have to wait until you get on board to find out what's in them :p

[wildweston]

Did everyone like the singing waiters in Edelweiss, I thought it was great :)

[cazz0069]

Did everyone like the singing waiters in Edelweiss, I thought it was great :)

 

That sounds like something to look forward too....Hey Cheryl, check out my countdown clock :p Now remember i owe you a Rhapsody fridge magnet too!!!!! :)

 

Now quick question before i forget...does Rhapsody have a Movie under the stars or something similar?

[Debsta]

Did everyone like the singing waiters in Edelweiss, I thought it was great :)

 

Yeah it was great!

I really did rush my review......I keep thinking of heaps of other things....need prompts from my previous cruisers :D

 

No Jas, only movies are on your television or they also show one daily in the theatre. or of course there are the ones you make yourself :eek:

 

Wait until Warren comes along and tells you about the fishbone! The more I think about our cruise, the more insane memories come back! It was a great cruise, but with most cruises, it's the company you keep that makes it all the more special :D

[lais]

Cocktail of the Day $6.25

 

Gingle-bell Collins

Tequila Sunrise

Singapore Sling

Pink Lemonade

Margarita

Bay Breeze

Cape Cod

Orange Blossom

 

You'll have to wait until you get on board to find out what's in them :p

I'll have a Margarita and Bay breeze and Cape Cod.:)

Debsta, I still can't for the life of me believe that you were called down because of nail scissors in your bag. Was there something else in there that looked like Alcolol? It just doesn't make sense.

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

I'll have a Margarita and Bay breeze and Cape Cod.:)

Debsta, I still can't for the life of me believe that you were called down because of nail scissors in your bag. Was there something else in there that looked like Alcolol? It just doesn't make sense.

 

 

 

I'm with you Lais, I've read Debsta's sentence over a couple of times. There is no reason whatsoever that RCCL would question you regarding scissors in your luggage on the ship? :confused:

 

 

Jillybean:)

[Aus Traveller]

I'm with you Lais, I've read Debsta's sentence over a couple of times. There is no reason whatsoever that RCCL would question you regarding scissors in your luggage on the ship? :confused:

 

Jillybean:)

It can happen. A couple of years ago when we were cruising with family (Pacific Sun out of Brisbane) one of our group was asked to see security about his case. This was in the terminal. They said there were scissors inside so he opened the case and showed them his nail scissors. He was able to keep them, but someone else on the same cruise had to hand over hair-cutting scissors. I don't think P & O are so strict now.

[Debsta]

I'll have a Margarita and Bay breeze and Cape Cod.:)

Debsta, I still can't for the life of me believe that you were called down because of nail scissors in your bag. Was there something else in there that looked like Alcolol? It just doesn't make sense.

 

I'm with you Lais, I've read Debsta's sentence over a couple of times. There is no reason whatsoever that RCCL would question you regarding scissors in your luggage on the ship? :confused:

 

 

Jillybean:)

 

Not half as bizarre as I found it! No, they were looking for scissors. There was a post it note on the bag :p Oh, and they did let me keep them after all that :rolleyes:

 

The people's bag next to mine had 'alcohol' on their post it note, and another hand 'iron'.

[wildweston]

That sounds like something to look forward too....Hey Cheryl, check out my countdown clock :p Now remember i owe you a Rhapsody fridge magnet too!!!!! :)

 

Now quick question before i forget...does Rhapsody have a Movie under the stars or something similar?

 

Hey you two, Jas, you and Eric are going to have the best time on this ship, don't forget to toast us girls for talking you into it--LOL

 

Your gonna come back heavier thats for sure, so many dishes to try,we loved everything. Oh yeah watch that Quest--tee hee xxx

 

No movies under the stars as Deb said

[cazz0069]

Hey you two, Jas, you and Eric are going to have the best time on this ship, don't forget to toast us girls for talking you into it--LOL

 

Your gonna come back heavier thats for sure, so many dishes to try,we loved everything. Oh yeah watch that Quest--tee hee xxx

 

No movies under the stars as Deb said

 

Yeah i am soooooooooo looking forward to it. We had have a rocking roll call, well over 40 for the meet and mingle i think....Debs review has got me all excited too...Not even the bad weather could deter me :)

[cazz0069]

Hey Deb, or any other Rhapsody sailers, Has anyone had a massage in the day spa? If so how much was it? Were you able to book beforehand? When you go to click on the link on the website it says that spa services are not available on the ship. :)

[Shiprobbo]

It can happen. A couple of years ago when we were cruising with family (Pacific Sun out of Brisbane) one of our group was asked to see security about his case. This was in the terminal. They said there were scissors inside so he opened the case and showed them his nail scissors. He was able to keep them, but someone else on the same cruise had to hand over hair-cutting scissors. I don't think P & O are so strict now.

 

Maybe on the X-ray the nail scissors looked like something else, one of those metal re-usable syringes or a steel stilletto for stabbing with:eek: Sorry Debsta, sounds like you are some kind of Mata Hari ;) Persoanlly I don't mind is security are a bit over zellous somethimes, at the end of the day we don't need things like guns and knifes getting onto ships to spoil our holiday.

[Shiprobbo]

It can happen. A couple of years ago when we were cruising with family (Pacific Sun out of Brisbane) one of our group was asked to see security about his case. This was in the terminal. They said there were scissors inside so he opened the case and showed them his nail scissors. He was able to keep them, but someone else on the same cruise had to hand over hair-cutting scissors. I don't think P & O are so strict now.

 

Maybe on the X-ray the nail scissors looked like something else, one of those metal re-usable syringes or a steel stilletto for stabbing with:eek: Sorry Debsta, I'm making you sound like you are some kind of Mata Hari ;) Personally I don't mind is security are a bit over zellous somethimes, at the end of the day we don't need things like guns and knifes getting onto ships to spoil our holiday.

[Debsta]

Hey Deb, or any other Rhapsody sailers, Has anyone had a massage in the day spa? If so how much was it? Were you able to book beforehand? When you go to click on the link on the website it says that spa services are not available on the ship. :)

 

I did :D (spent some of the casino winnings :p). I had a lime and ginger body scrub with a looong massage (twice!) and a facial. They offer daily specials in the Compass. You can't book online. I booked the 3 treatments special when I got on (wasn't waiting around for daily specials as I needed it there and then LOL). You get 10% off first, 20% off second and 30% off third so there is some savings to be had if you book and plan ahead. I have absolutely no idea how much it cost as I did buy some of my favourite Elemis products which was combined in with the bill. But whatever the cost, it was worth every dollar!

[Debsta]

Maybe on the X-ray the nail scissors looked like something else, one of those metal re-usable syringes or a steel stilletto for stabbing with:eek: Sorry Debsta, sounds like you are some kind of Mata Hari ;) Persoanlly I don't mind is security are a bit over zellous somethimes, at the end of the day we don't need things like guns and knifes getting onto ships to spoil our holiday.

 

LMAO @ Mata Hari hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha you are so funny David!

[The_Big_M]

Hey Deb, or any other Rhapsody sailers, Has anyone had a massage in the day spa? If so how much was it?

 

To give you some ideas, on departure day (they have some specials then as people tend to want to explore and do other things), they offered a "25 minute hot stone massage to the back, neck and shoulders plus a scalp massage and 25 minute foot and ankle massage" was $129.

 

Another day they had a "50 minute mini facial, neck and shoulder massage, scalp massage, hand massage, collagen eye treatment and glass of champagne for $99". (That's packing it in!)

[wildweston]

Jas and Eric---7 more days, soo happy for you guys xx

Deb you were on when I went to bed and you are on now, did you sleep last night lol lol lol :D

[Debsta]

Deb you were on when I went to bed and you are on now, did you sleep last night lol lol lol

 

Apparently not! LOL In reality, I forget to turn off my PC and close down the windows!

 

More specials:

 

Mix and match.

Combine 2 of the following treatments for $129 (50 minutes)

Back massage, scalp massage, mini facial, foot massage, hot stones massage, lime & ginger exfoliation.

 

Top to toe

indulge with all of the following

muscle melting full body massage

soothing foot and ankle massage

indian scalp massage

revitalising spa facial

75 minutes for $139

 

Top to Toe Heaven

Heat treatment on back

full body exfoliation

10 minute indian scalp massage

25 minute back, neck and shoulder massage

10 minute pressure point foot massage

cleans, tone and nourish treatment for your face

$109

 

Port day special 20-20-20

$109 combine any 3 of the following

20 minute back massage

20 minute scalp massage

20 minute mini facial

20 minute lime and ginger scrub

20 minute foot massage

 

Another $20 off bamboo massage (dunno how much it is though)

 

These specials are one offs and in the cruise compass on selected days.

 

Personally I like to enjoy my treatments and not rush them so I much prefer to book the 3 x 10/20/30% off :D Pick the most expensive for last :p

[wildweston]

Apparently not! LOL In reality, I forget to turn off my PC and close down the windows!

 

More specials:

 

Mix and match.

Combine 2 of the following treatments for $129 (50 minutes)

Back massage, scalp massage, mini facial, foot massage, hot stones massage, lime & ginger exfoliation.

 

Top to toe

indulge with all of the following

muscle melting full body massage

soothing foot and ankle massage

indian scalp massage

revitalising spa facial

75 minutes for $139

 

Top to Toe Heaven

Heat treatment on back

full body exfoliation

10 minute indian scalp massage

25 minute back, neck and shoulder massage

10 minute pressure point foot massage

cleans, tone and nourish treatment for your face

$109

 

Port day special 20-20-20

$109 combine any 3 of the following

20 minute back massage

20 minute scalp massage

20 minute mini facial

20 minute lime and ginger scrub

20 minute foot massage

 

Another $20 off bamboo massage (dunno how much it is though)

 

These specials are one offs and in the cruise compass on selected days.

 

Personally I like to enjoy my treatments and not rush them so I much prefer to book the 3 x 10/20/30% off :D Pick the most expensive for last :p

 

Oh had visions of you asleep with your head on the keyboard lol :D

[Debsta]

Oh had visions of you asleep with your head on the keyboard lol :D

 

Oh yes, that will happen very soon!!!......a joy I have often experienced whilst studying :eek: I start back at uni soon to attempt to finish my dissertation :p <<<< crazy woman :rolleyes: I'm gonna get one of those floppy caps if it kills me (and it probably will!!!) haha

[Sandielle]

Jas and Eric---7 more days, soo happy for you guys xx

 

Wow, that's come around quickly. Hope you two have a fab cruise. :) :)

[cazz0069]

Wow, that's come around quickly. Hope you two have a fab cruise. :) :)

 

Thanks Sandi, and thanks to Cheryl too! Deb and Big M, thanks for the prices on the spa services, they are actually not too badly priced. I was expecting alot higher! :)

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

Hi guys,

Wow only 7 more sleeps for you.... envy envy we need a little green man on here.... lol. Our neighbours are going on the same cruise.

The weather could be interesting. We know you will enjoy your aft balcony.

Hope you can drop us an email whilst on board.

Have a wonderful time and you can sing along to this... :)

A life on the ocean wave! A home on the rolling deep!

Where the scattered waters rave, and the winds their revels keep!

A life on the ocean wave! A home on the rolling deep!

Where the scattered waters rave, and the winds their revels keep!

Like an eagle caged I pine, on this dull unchanging shore.

Oh give me the flashing brine! The spray and the tempest roar!

A life on the ocean wave! A home on the rolling deep!

Where the scattered waters rave, and the winds their revels keep!

The winds, the winds, the winds their revels keep!

The winds, the winds, the winds their revels keep!

The land is no longer in view, the clouds have begun to frown

But with a stout vessel and crew we'll say let the storm come down!

The land is no longer in view, the clouds have begun to frown

But with a stout vessel and crew we'll say let the storm come down!

And the song of our hearts shall be, while the winds and waters rave.

A life on the heaving sea! A home on the bounding wave!

A life on the ocean wave! A home on the rolling deep!

Where the scattered waters rave, and the winds their revels keep!

The winds, the winds, the winds their revels keep!

The winds, the winds, the winds their revels keep!

 

 

Jillybeans:)