Rhapsody of the Seas, first timer on RCI 4/8, any pointers?

[firefly333]

I wanted to get on NCL Dream since it will be pulling out of Texas soon, but it doesn't seem meant to be. I sure am not paying extra to go on the Dream. My sister and I just started to cruise together, so we have not been very many places. I used to live in S. Fl. so can't wait to see Key West again.

 

Our TA is giving us a bottle of wine (or champagne). Do you get a coupon for it when you board like you do on Princess?

 

Can I sign up for early dining or late Traditional dining or is it anytime?

 

I just called the TA back to confirm it, she only had it on hold earlier but she said Traditional Dining is wait listed. Well darn, seems thats not a choice (again). But Im sure open seating is good. Can someone tell me about open seating on RCI, does it just mean a different dining room?

[andrew76092]

Your post is a little confusing......are you actually going on the ROS on April 8? If so, is your question about seating? I know NCL has open seating but this is not offered on RCL. You either select the early or late option.

 

As far as this cruise goes, it is AMAZING!!! The ROS is an awesome ship. Not to big, not to small. We sailed her last year on the same itineary. From what I understand, the employees are some of the nicest in the fleet.

 

My TA gave the pros and cons for each line....NCL is good if you don't like agendas (hence the freecruising) and RCL is more structured. Also, since we have two children, the kids programs are much better on RCL.

 

Hope this helps! Also, sign up for the Meet and Mingle! We hope to see you there...

[firefly333]

Thanks, yes I am booked and confirmed on RCI Rhapsody of the Seas and posted to you on the roll call.

 

Since the last sailing out of Houston on the NCL Dream is April 7th, I planned to do that, but prices kept going up and got a better deal on the Rhapsody. So, Rhapsody here we come.

 

Iv been reading the Norweigan Threads, guess I will have to come over here and learn about RCI. I havent a clue at this point. I have not even pulled up RCI's page, I assume you have to sign in the way you do for other cruise lines? I just got emailed the confirmation #, so its official.

 

Sorry to confuse you, Im feeling confused too. I had not even really been considering this particular ship until I saw it today and wham bam, I grabbed it. So now I have to change my thinking. I just saw how late we are in Key West, so we will be there to cheer when the sun goes down with the locals hahahahhahah. I love Key West. This itinerary is actually better for us.

[BonNYTX]

You made the right choice! I've only read one negative review of the Rhapsody and that was because of some personal issues the passenger had that had nothing to do with the ship itself. The crew is friendly, warm and will do anything to make your cruise perfect. The ship is very people friendly, easy to find your way around and in no time it will feel like "home".

If your TA has you waitlisted for early dinner seating (6PM) go to the dining room and speak to the matre d' when you first board. There will be people with early seating that would like to switch to late (8:30PM).

No other advise except have a wonderful cruise. Any specific questions, ask away. We were on the Rhapsody on July 3, 2005 and again recently on January 14, 2007.

[WindinmySails]

Rhapsody does have open seating in the dining room on the night you are in Key West. This way you can sign up for late or early seating and not miss any of the SunSet festival.

You'll love Rhapsody: the itinerary, the crew, the ship and fellow passengers!

[vickiw0318]

You do select late or early option dining. You will have one of these - no one is excluded from traditional dining. The seating time your TA requested may be waitlisted. Usually, there's not been a problem with the waitlists any time I've been on one. I have always eventually gotten whatever option I've requested. If there's still a problem with your requested time, you can go see the maitre d' when you board. (Guess I don't get the bit about freestyle dining. It seems to me that you pretty much have to set your schedule on a NCL ship on the day you board and that becomes as "structured" as late or early seating.)

 

By the way, there are other dining options on the Rhapsody in the evening. You can go to their buffet venue (the Windjammer) at any time from about 5 to 9. They do have it set up more nicely in the evening and offer bar/wine service there. They usually have some of the same foods as are offered in the dining room and the standard buffet fare. (Yes, it changes every day.)The Windjammer is being redone during its drydock and I hope they'll add a stirfry station like they did when they redid the Windjammer on the Splendour. There is also a pizza/hot dogs/etc available in the Solarium (until late) and full dinner service from room service. There are snacks in the late night venues.

 

I don't have any idea how the champagne/wine bottle thing works, but I am sure someone else will.

 

You will have a great time - trust me. The Rhapsody probably has the most loyal group of past cruisers of any ship out there.

[texaskeystone]

I just got off Rhapsody this morning. It was her final trip before going into dry dock later today. We had a pretty rough week because of 15 foot seas and Gale force winds that caused one of the ports of call to be cancelled. However, the crew is incredibly friendly. It seemed like they knew my name even when I didnt know theirs. I think they enjoy the Texas group that generally dominates Rhapsody's passengers.

[scotts8826]

You made the right choice booking on the Rhapsody instead of the NCL Dream. I admit, I have not sailed the Dream but really considered her for my March trip since I could get an OV for the same price as an inside on the Rhapsody. I decided to stick with Rhapsody which I sailed last year. Cruisecritic comments are not very flattering for the Dream. It was made before Freestyle dining so the restaurants were not set up to acommodate this service style. The mid section was patched in some time ago to make it larger but traffic flow is not smooth and can be confusing. Read the ship reviews and boards and you'll see how much more people like the Rhapsody over the Dream.

[firefly333]

Thanks all, I'm still confused on the dining. I called RCI who said I was NOT wait listed. But now I'm reading about OPEN dining. Is there Open dining and Traditional Dining. We wanted Traditional dining where you sit with the same passengers each night. I think I need to call them back to clarify unless someone here can explain. I still don't understand.

 

RCI is closed today, I got two messages saying that, none of which say when they were open however. RCI should fix that. It makes no sense to keep repeating to call back when they are open without some message following saying when that is. They assume you know when they are open?? If I did would I have called today on a Saturday?

 

I also cant find the deck plans on their site. I had no trouble with either Carnival's site or Princess's site, but cant find them on RCI's site which is why I was not even monitoring RCI's prices, I cant figure out their site very well and on a dial up the first page took forever to load. I now have broadband, but just recently.

 

Im trying to look at the deck plans ahead of time and see where the dining rooms and things are. Do they give you the deck plans in your room or when you board like Princess does?

 

As you can see I'm just full of questions.

[firefly333]

You made the right choice booking on the Rhapsody instead of the NCL Dream. I admit, I have not sailed the Dream but really considered her for my March trip since I could get an OV for the same price as an inside on the Rhapsody.

 

I was only considering the Dream because of the current promo, they give you a OBC for any bookings until 2/28. We have 2 OBC's the next time we book Princess, but just were on the Grand in December so wanted another cruise line out of Texas this time.

 

I just saw RCI out of New Orleans for $40 less pp than we paid, havent a clue if its a worse RCI ship or why New Orleans has been so cheap. I am hearing good things about the Rhapsody which is more convenient for me. I'm in the North Dallas area. I'm trying to make myself not look at other fares and second guess myself and just concentrate on the Rhapsody and learning about her.

 

I'm pretty indecisive as it is and can beat myself up to death if I let myself look at fares between now and then. I'v read it's the Libra in me, Libra's can see all sides of things so can't make up their minds. But this cruise is now bought and paid for. The Dream will be gone and that's that. lol

[Nitra]

Rhapsody does NOT offer open dining, except in the Windjammer buffet. Dinner times are set, 6pm or 830pm, depending on when you are scheduled, also you will have an assigned table to sit at every night.

 

On Key West night, the dining room is open seating but no reservations, you just go when you are ready to eat, during set hours, this is the same for breakfast and lunch when at sea. During these times you go in, they sit you at the next open table, you do not get to sit anywhere you want.

 

During port days I have heard they close the dining room for lunch, but the Windjammer is open.

 

Stay with the Rhapsody, she is a great ship, just look how many times I have been on her.

[vickiw0318]

The deck plans are on the RCI site. (http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.do). On the pull down menus, click on "plan a cruise" then choose "ships" then look under the "vision" family for the Rhapsody of the Seas. When her info comes up, click on Deck plans.

 

As Nitra said, you will be assigned a "traditional" dining time and you will have the same tablemates each night (except for Key West when so many people are ashore).

[TEXASMUNK]

You have chosen a great ship versus a garbage scow!!!!!!

 

Early seating and late seating. No anytiime.

 

Ship is in for refurb right now so she will be beautiful when you board!

 

Re-confirm your itinerary since she is changing the itinerary in the coming weeks...

[firefly333]

Stay with the Rhapsody, she is a great ship, just look how many times I have been on her.

 

lol I paid in full, I don't think I have a choice? Done deal, now I just am figuring out what I signed up for.

 

Vicki I'll try again. I found out last night the reason the cabin pics are not coming up was I was set for 56 modem and when I switched to broadband the room pics showed. So, that might be part of my problem. Thanks ever so much for the link.

 

Jim thanks for the heads up that the ship was just refurbished. That is great news. The initernary is still showing starting with Key West, same as when I booked. I didnt realize it at the time, but they switch off between Key West and Jamica, both of which Id love. I got Key West. RCI shows only one more sailing after mine to Key West. I just figured that out yesterday. Hopefully, in the next 2 months, I will get more figured out.

 

Glad to know I will get traditional except on Key West night.

 

Thanks again....I tried your link Vicki, but it gave me an error message about the page no longer existing...but I think I was there before, will keep looking for the link to deck plans. I still have almost 2 months, lots of time.

 

sorry for all the dumb questions.

[brendajv]

You might want to try one of the big travel sites -- like the one with the gnomes in their ads, lol. They have the deck plans, too...

 

Don't worry -- you will love the Rhapsody! She is beautiful and great in every way, far better than my experience with what NCL has to offer.

[brn2crz]

I like these deckplans.

http://smillay.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruises/virtual_tours.jsp?pg=0

 

.I keep them on my favorites,and it seems to be a lot easier than the ones on RCI...Just go down to RCI and click on your ship...

 

You will love Rhapsody...We are all very sad to see her leave..:(

Have a great cruise,and don't worry...

 

you picked the better ship!!:)

[sross6019]

go to http://www.cruiseclues.com and click on Rhapsody. There will be loads of pictures and revuews about her. We have been on the Rhapsody 3x and she is a great ship.

[firefly333]

Thanks both of you. I am now looking at the deck plans and see the dining room and still moving up the decks to see where things are. I like to have some familarity with the ship before I board.

 

I did read a lot of reviews on the CC site here, but will read the ones on the links you provided as well. thanks bunches. The more recent reviews on this site were mostly young parents with kids or honeymooners for the most part, not many who had turned 50.

 

I'm sad to see the Rhapsody and so many ships leaving Texas as well, just when I decided to start cruising and moved here.

[SAILVESTER]

I think they enjoy the Texas group that generally dominates Rhapsody's passengers.

 

The Key West locals are certainly going to miss the Rhapsody after she leaves Galveston.

 

According to one of the local vendors near the pier (who happened to be from Texas) Tuesdays in Key West are known as "Texas Tuesdays".:)

[Pradagal]

You will love her. The crew is sooo great. We had a corner aft balcony(our favorite). Even bad weather in the beginning couldn't damper our time. The food is great in the dining room and the Windjammer not too bad for a buffet. WE love the vision ships, not so big you get lost but not so small you bump into the same people all the time.

Have a great time!!

[texaskeystone]

Thanks both of you. I am now looking at the deck plans and see the dining room and still moving up the decks to see where things are. I like to have some familarity with the ship before I board.

 

I did read a lot of reviews on the CC site here, but will read the ones on the links you provided as well. thanks bunches. The more recent reviews on this site were mostly young parents with kids or honeymooners for the most part, not many who had turned 50.

 

I'm sad to see the Rhapsody and so many ships leaving Texas as well, just when I decided to start cruising and moved here.

 

Don't worry about Rhapsody. You will love it. Its a beautiful ship and I just can't say enough about the friendliness of the crew as well as the typical passengers that sail out of Galveston. Since it just went into dry dock yesterday, it should be in fresh shape for you with refurbished Windjammer, new bedding, and a new Concierge lounge.

 

I just came off of a 5 day on Rhapsody yesterday - we blogged and logged the whole trip if you want to check it out here.

[BonNYTX]

I like these deckplans.

http://smillay.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruises/virtual_tours.jsp?pg=0

 

.I keep them on my favorites,and it seems to be a lot easier than the ones on RCI...Just go down to RCI and click on your ship...

 

You will love Rhapsody...We are all very sad to see her leave..:(

Have a great cruise,and don't worry...

 

you picked the better ship!!:)

 

Cat, I'm waiting for my husband's 2008 business travel plans to be firm. We just might join you on the Voyager!!!

On our recent Rhapsody cruise I was so excited to finally meet Henry. I was unaware of his existence on previous cruises. The first morning when I opened my cabin door, there he was!!! Awesome sight and I fell instantly in love!

[Lightsluvr]

We are jealous that we can't join you on Rhapsody just one more time...We agree with all of the posters that you will really enjoy her. When in Key West, see if the trained cat is still performing over by the Hilton. I'd love to know if the cat and its trainer are still there... :)

 

Have a great cruise!!

 

LL

[firefly333]

Texaskeystone I just loved seeing your pictures. I kept seeing references to Sugar is hiding under the table and trying to figure out who she was and finally saw her :) Looks very sweet to me. Did you come home ahead?? Boy I saw lots of winnings, you must have the luck of the Irish, I began to wish you were on my upcoming sailing too so we could meet up.

 

BonNYTX now who in the heck is Henry?? lmao.

 

Lightsluvr, I will have to see if I can find the cat you mean. My mom tells me all the cats at Hemingways house have 6 toes and that I need to go look at his cats too. I wish you could go too. I'd love to meet all of you nice people one day face to face. Come on along??....

 

I'm really looking forward to seeing Key West again. I moved here from Boca because my parents live in Texas and were getting older and I used to be able to drive down to Key West, and loved the drive, so this will bring back lots of memories. The good news is it is so much cheaper to live in Texas now than Florida and Im not working so have time to cruise for the first time in my life.

[texaskeystone]

Texaskeystone I just loved seeing your pictures. I kept seeing references to Sugar is hiding under the table and trying to figure out who she was and finally saw her :) Looks very sweet to me. Did you come home ahead?? Boy I saw lots of winnings, you must have the luck of the Irish, I began to wish you were on my upcoming sailing too so we could meet up.

 

Hi Firefly, six of is went on the cruise: me, my best friend (Roseanna), my mom, our great friends Gary and Melinda, and Gary's mom, the famous "Sugar". And you are right, she is as sweet as her name indicates. She loves to dance, so when she had the opportunity, she jumped at it every time. As far as luck, mom had none whatsoever. She lost it all in the casino. Roseanna had a lot of luck on the slots and won at Bingo, and then I won a Bingo game and also the Name That TV Tune contest. I think Gary broke even on Blackjack, and poor Melinda had her hands full just keeping all of us in line. Enjoy your cruise on Rhapsody. She will be all shiny for you!