Could Rhapsody really be as bad as a recent review says?

[mommabean]

Just off RH two days ago. She's fine and the staff and crew outstanding. The check in at the pier, well, not so good. Get there early and prepare to wait. We were in the Suites, P, D+ line and it took a while. Those in the other lines waited for quite a while.

Rick and Deirdra

 

And no one offered me any WOW cards and I forgot to ask after the disorganized wait.

 

Gina

[critterchick]

I will add one caveat - we only ate in the MDR three times and found the food to be of only middling quality by RCI's standards (which meant it was mediocre). We normally aren't MDR fans, anyway, so it let us rationalize our soecialty restaurant binging.:D.

 

I think that they were just trying to empty the larder, but when they run out of staples like butter and bananas, that's cutting it a little too close (they ran out of bananas last year, too, so you'd think they would have arranged to re provision in Hawaii, where they grow the darned things, just saying).

 

And I would have been happier if the Captain hadn't broadcast his sailaway and noon reports into the cabins. The override dial doesn't work when the announcement comes from the bridge (at least that's what I've always believed - maybe it was broken).

 

My issues were nits and lice, as they say. Fabulous ship, hardworking and cheerful crew, even the Eastern Europeans (there was another review bashing their attitude; I found that offensive and inaccurate). I'm quite sad that we won't be sailing her again anytime soon.

Edited June 8, 2014 by critterchick

[pcur]

When I see a very negative review of a ship that generally gets rave reviews (I love the Rhapsody, too!), I always suspect a disgruntled crew member. Just sayin......................

[aussielozzie18]

If its any consolation, the reviews for Voyager of the Seas have been very mixed since I made my booking. The latest review is "Never Again" but the one before it was "As good as its gets". Polar opposite reviews in the same month.

[papaflamingo]

We are sailing on Rhapsody next week. Reviews from the first week of Alaska cruises are just being posted. As of now, there are only two up. This is in the Cruise Critic Reviews section. One seems fairly balanced. The other is incredibly negative. I suppose it's possible that all the bad things happened (a naked man lying in the hallway, a filthy stateroom, horrible fellow passengers, peeling paint, dripping ceilings, sewage smell, etc) but I wonder how common "troll" reviews are?

 

Basically just looking for some reassurance of a general sort, along the lines of "cruises are what you make of them and there's always some people who can't be pleased." Also, if anyone has been on Rhapsody recently, specific reassurance wouldn't be so bad either ;)

 

Be Reassured...VERY REASSURED! We did May 23 Alaska, probably the same cruise that the reviewers were on. We had JS 8596 aft corner balcony. Fantastic for Alaska!

So, now for the "reassurance." I agree with posters, boarding was bad. Worst I've seen. Having said that, we showed up early and the porters were still helping people out of the terminal, so we had to wait with our luggage. The lines (we're D+) were just bizarre (hopefully they'll work that out). But once through the line everything was great, and we were onboard by about 11:15.

I don't know which ship the one reviewer was on, but maybe he took a wrong turn at the port and ended up on a prison barge or something. I loved the ship. I think she's in great shape. The hull needs some touchup but she spent the winter in the Far East and the weather will certainly do it's job. But she looks great. She was the first renovated so it isn't "sparkling new," but I saw none of the wear that was reported. Maybe I have a more realistic expectation.

Didn't go to the Windjammer at all, so can't comment. But we loved the MDR. Had great service and the food was always what I expected.

Went to Chops and had a great experience.

Lunch at Giovannni's, as great as ever.

Entertainment....well, I'm not a fan on small ships, but our friends liked it "ok." Not the best, but heck, it's Alaska! The view IS the entertainment.

Only small semi-negative is that the curtains aren't true "blackout." The sun is up from 4 am to 11 pm. We would wake up about 5 am due to lighting in the cabin. But, more time to sit on our huge balcony and enjoy the beauty.

So... have no fear! The one review was ridiculous. The reviewer must not have been on our ship. The second, well, everyone has opinions. Not unfair, but I think overly critical. My guess...you'll love Rhapsody as long as you know it isn't Oasis.

Edited June 9, 2014 by papaflamingo

[impatientlywaiting]

Feeling better already! Thanks, all!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

We've cruised her twice (for a total of 23 nights) and wouldn't hesitate to cruise on her again! We had great experiences on her for both cruises. In reading these forums, I've decided there are just some people who are born complainers and will find fault with anything (I couldn't stand to live my life like that). I take their comments with a grain of salt! Enjoy your cruise; you'll love her as much as the rest of us do!

[Pumbaamd]

And I would have been happier if the Captain hadn't broadcast his sailaway and noon reports into the cabins.QUOTE]

 

Perhaps it has something to do with Alaska Environmental Noise regs. Cruise ships are forbidden to make any public announcements on outside decks. There are actually audio sensors on land listening for any violations. Capt. Rob said he was recently called from shoreside Alaskan authorities questioning him about a possible announcement they picked up.

Rick and Deirdra

[Fa-Li]

I really appreciate all the replies. I'm feeling very reassured.

 

It is helpful to know about boarding. We are in a jr. suite, so had been told we would have a special line and could arrive anytime. I was planning on eating a nice lunch in Seattle and then boarding, but thinking now we will switch to brunch and show up with full tummies prepared to be patient. Knowing what to expect makes it easier for me to have an upbeat attitude. :)

 

I don't really care about the entertainment because we are traveling with a large group of friends and family. We will entertain ourselves, I'm sure. And I assume if our cabin is not clean enough, I can just request housekeeping or whatever it's called to come and fix it. I can't imagine going a week in a dirty cabin and only complaining about it when I got home.:rolleyes:

 

Anyway, we sail this Friday, and I can't wait!

[Debitoo]

I was on the Rhapsody one year ago today. Wonderful ship and crew. Graham was so much fun! Side note: His wife works at the rock climbing wall (well, she did on our sailing)!

[Pumbaamd]

She was there last week.

[cruisepup]

We were on Rhapsody for the May 30 cruise. Loved the ship, loved the cruise, staff was happy and friendly. We concur with prior comments about the boarding process. We were in a Suite and there was a priority boarding LINE, but absolutely no priority. All lines seemed to merge into one. It was pretty much chaos. But we survived and were onboard within about 45 minutes. All of that is quickly forgotten once you get on the ship! Food quality actually seemed better in the WJ than in the MDR this cruise. Not a complaint, just an observation. I love not having to cook so unless something is really awful, I'm OK with it. And the food was overall just fine. Worry not! You will have a great experience.

[Eng23]

I agree, Graham is a hoot.:)

 

I also agree about Graham Seymour!!! :D

[twoontheisle]

Our first two cruises were on Rhapsody....BEFORE she was refurb'd and we loved her. We have also been to Alaska and it was most exciting, even though we tend to focus on "beach vacations". So. You will combine a lovely ship, with an exotic location! Take all reviews for what they are.....just someone's opinion of what they experienced in a certain situation. If you get a chance....do the helicopter that lands on a glacier in Juneau. The most amazing experience of my life. (The cost is well worth it!).

[critterchick]

And I would have been happier if the Captain hadn't broadcast his sailaway and noon reports into the cabins.QUOTE]

 

Perhaps it has something to do with Alaska Environmental Noise regs. Cruise ships are forbidden to make any public announcements on outside decks. There are actually audio sensors on land listening for any violations. Capt. Rob said he was recently called from shoreside Alaskan authorities questioning him about a possible announcement they picked up.

Rick and Deirdra

 

We were on the Honolulu to Vancouver run, so nowhere near Alaska. Even during our five sea days, every announcement he made was broadcast into the cabins, except for the midnight sail by the Kilauea lava flow. Have never experienced that before.

[Beardface]

I always find that the best reviews to read if you're truly unsure of something are the 3* (and to a lesser extent 4*) reviews. These reviews tend to be the most helpful because the author generally went out of his or her way to include positives and negatives. Generally, if someone goes on and absolutely slams whatever they're rating with a 1* or 2* review, there's an agenda that's being played out on the internet, and vice-versa, there's also an agenda being played out on a review that is a 5* that doesn't state any drawbacks (or only lists the drawbacks as 'the only negative is that the trip wasn't longer!'). You can always find something to complain about no matter where you are, and just in the same, you can always find something to compliment, even in the most distasteful of situations.

[Silverloc]

I was just on the Rhapsody on the 6th for a ship tour, she seemed to be in top shape, rooms looked nice, paint appeared to be good, staff was happy and helpful, food was excellent in MDR and in Windjammer. I was wishing I could have sailed out with her, instead of being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic trying to get out of Seattle. :)

Edited June 9, 2014 by Silverloc

[CGBCruiser]

Most of the time bad reviews come from someone who just had a bad _____ (something). You fill in the blank. For every bad review there are 1500 or so happy satisfied cruisers. We love all of the Vision class ships. What the smaller ships lack in fixtures they make up for in personality. We have never had a bad cruise because of RCI. That's why we come back over and over: the consistent fine product, especially the crew! It just doesn't matter which ship. Everything will be fine. Go and enjoy :)

 

This is so true!!!

[bigque]

Naked man lying in the hallway....DANG! I'm busted! LOL!

[Fa-Li]

Naked man lying in the hallway....DANG! I'm busted! LOL!

 

 

Hahaha! I knew someone would "confess!"

 

 

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[MichaelCMTX]

On our last 2 trips the reviews immediately prior were both 'cause for concern' but both times found nothing amiss at all.

 

With several backing up the claims of disorganized check in, we've basically made an "Executive decision" that maybe we'll just go a little later, even having Priority check in. In New Orleans we showed around 2 or 3 and the place was DESERTED. Likewise, in Honolulu we showed around 4 and just basically walked right through and on. Face it, if the ship doesn't depart until 8:00, you'll be fine. They're not leaving early.

 

I know, some will think it's heresy to not get to the ship soon as you can but I figure, you wait in a long line to do little except wander around or eat. No luggage, can't go to your cabin, casino closed.

[The_Big_M]

I always wish they would broadcast them into cabins. It's annoying to have to go out into the hall just to hear the announcements.

[papaflamingo]

I really appreciate all the replies. I'm feeling very reassured.

 

It is helpful to know about boarding. We are in a jr. suite, so had been told we would have a special line and could arrive anytime. I was planning on eating a nice lunch in Seattle and then boarding, but thinking now we will switch to brunch and show up with full tummies prepared to be patient. Knowing what to expect makes it easier for me to have an upbeat attitude. :)

 

I don't really care about the entertainment because we are traveling with a large group of friends and family. We will entertain ourselves, I'm sure. And I assume if our cabin is not clean enough, I can just request housekeeping or whatever it's called to come and fix it. I can't imagine going a week in a dirty cabin and only complaining about it when I got home.:rolleyes:

 

Anyway, we sail this Friday, and I can't wait!

 

Your cabin will be wonderful. We were in a JS aft (8596) and it was wonderful. You'll find the same. The boarding process (as stated) was a mess, but (also as stated) was only about 45 min. If you show later in the day, then likely it will be faster. One caution, Solstice boards there too. As I watched the line from my balcony, it was, at times, quite daunting. However I think it was all Solstice passengers. They appeared to be held in line outside and metered into the building. It looked like Rhapsody passengers walked straight into the Rhapsody side of the building. So before you get into any long lines, make sure you let someone know you're on Rhapsody and you may avoid the line completely.

I am confident that you will board the beautiful ship, roll your eyes and ask yourself "what the heck was I so worried about, this ship is beautiful." Again, I think the one poster took a wrong turn and boarded a garbage scow by mistake. :)

[negc]

I always wish they would broadcast them into cabins. It's annoying to have to go out into the hall just to hear the announcements.

While I agee with you to an extent, I also realize that as many, or more, guests would complain if the peace and quiet of their stateroom were interrupted by some of the PA announcements. It is my impression that any announcements of significant importance can be fed directly into all staterooms at the discretion of the bridge. What I fear would happen if "all" announcements were broadcast into cabins is that we would be bombarded with announcements for Bingo, the art auction and other events that we are better off missing.

As far as bad reviews go, I find that one bad review gets much more attention than dozens of good ones and all too often, when I read someone's post that claims that there have been "plenty" of bad reviews about a particular ship or cruise, a search usually finds one or two negative reviews mixed among a dozen positive ones. For some reason the negative ones seem to have more impact than should be appropriate given their number.

Edited June 10, 2014 by negc

[The_Big_M]

While I agee with you to an extent, I also realize that as many, or more, guests would complain if the peace and quiet of their stateroom were interrupted by some of the PA announcements. It is my impression that any announcements of significant importance can be fed directly into all staterooms at the discretion of the bridge. What I fear would happen if "all" announcements were broadcast into cabins is that we would be bombarded with announcements for Bingo, the art auction and other events that we are better off missing.

 

I do agree with that, it was more a quick response rather than a detailed one. Some ships have had audio controls - but which I haven't seen work - where you could control whether general announcements were played in the cabin. That way, the passenger can choose what suits them.

 

Of course, emergency announcements override this.

[Firefighterhoop]

I have been on the Rhapsody a handfull of times, and have not had a major problem, with the most recent time being August 2013. (Of course if I did the number of times I had been on it would be much smaller!)

 

One thing I have noticed is that folks will go on the Much Larger ships (Oasis or Freedom Class) and then compare the Vision Class (Which the Rhapsody is) to them. It is a 17 year old ship, so obviously not as big and modern.

 

To be honest, the only thing I found that I don't like about the ship is that the hot tubs in the Solarium just have jets and don't bubble... Thats it.