Review - Rhapsody of the Seas – the friendliest ship - We agree!

[surfoz]

Sydney to New Caledonia and Vanuatu 13 Dec 2008

 

 

Overall we loved this cruise, not only because it was a fun cruise but also because we love snorkelling. Many of the ports visited offered good snorkelling.

 

The Business Analyst in me does have a few tips for RCI which I will share a little later.

 

 

Precruise –

 

We caught an early morning flight out of Brisbane to Sydney on the morning of the cruise. We paid for a shuttle transfer and were at the terminal within 30 minutes.

 

Embarkation –

 

Because we were early, there was no queue at all in customs or check in. Within 10 minutes we were on the ship having lunch in the Windjammer.

 

Ship Info –

 

Although the ship is showing its age, it is very well maintained and we just loved all the glass everywhere.

 

Stateroom –

 

We were forward on Deck 2, large oceanview room which was quite adequate for our needs. Being at the front of the ship meant we got a bit of a roll but no problem for us old sea dogs.

 

Service –

 

It didn’t matter where we went, we were always greeted with a good morning, big smiles and exceptional service.

 

Activities –

 

We don’t normally join in shipboard activities but we did join in on the Quest which was a real laugh. Did we (the men) really do those things on stage and on camera? I think some guys enjoyed it more than they might own up to.

 

We also watched the belly flop competition and joined in with the “Name that theme song” trivia.

 

We watched two cooking shows and paid to attend the cocktail mixing which was quite good considering the cost included 4 cocktails each.

 

My wife attended the environmental lecture while I attended the passenger talent show.

 

We both attended the captain’s question and answer which was very informative.

The captain mentioned that Rhapsody has not had one disease outbreak in 2008 which I thought was great advertising if true. He also mentioned that the entire fleet has been disease free for the past 2 years except for one outbreak on a ship this year in the northern hemisphere. By the way the captain was very approachable and was often seen mingling with passengers. Great to see!

 

The rock climbing wall was popular but due to a knee injury, it will have to wait till next cruise.

 

Casino –

 

It never really seemed to be busy but we had a few drinks at the bar.

 

Shore Excursions –

 

They were expensive so we decided to do our own thing.

 

Ports visited –

 

Noumea – New Caledonia

 

I had heard a lot of negative things about Noumea so decided to have an open mind. Sadly I agree, I won’t be returning to a dirty, expensive town where I didn’t feel that welcome.

 

We joined our Canadian friends (hi Gordon and Sandra) and travelled via local bus to Duck island. The snorkeling was quiet good especially the underwater pathway.

 

Vanuatu – Lugenville

 

We hired a taxi who took us to Million Dollar Point and the Blue Hole.

We snorkeled in both places, the wreckage at MDP was quite interesting.

 

Vanuatu – Vila

 

We loved the friendly people. We visited the Cascades which was very nice, we had a beautiful refreshing swim. Our taxi driver told us the people who own the land are quite rich and at $AU 20 entrance fee per person, I am sure of it… Total rip off.

 

He also drove us around the town, up to a lookout for photos, past the Australian High commission, to the city for duty free and back to the ship.

 

Isle of Pines – New Caledonia

 

Just beautiful, like everyone else, we snorkeled here for hours around the Sacred rock.

Loved the Isle of Pines.

 

Gym & Spa –

 

We had a tour of the spa on the first day, but that was as close as we got. I used the gym three times and it is well equipped with Life Fitness machines and a small free weights area. Fairly good layout for a ship, if I was to be very picky, I would say it lacked a leg press.

 

Food

Patisserie –

 

Too expensive and wasn’t going to pay up $AU 8 for a cappuccino.

 

Dining – Edelweiss

 

We only ate dinner in the Edelweiss and every meal was hot and well presented along with great service by our waiters. Additional or alternative dishes were offered if you didn’t eat the last morsel on your plate.

 

Dining – Windjammer

 

We ate breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer. Although the food was generally very good, we felt none of the dishes to be hot enough.

 

One of my wife’s patients used to send home her famous Banana pie for me. Unfortunately she passed away several years ago, so imagine my delight to see Boston Cream pie which was quite similar. Yes I just had to have several pieces.

 

We attended the BBQ on pool deck and the midnight buffet which were both good. Sadly, after a big day, our little eyes couldn’t stay up past 11.30pm for the midnight chocolate buffet. Probably a good think in hindsight, too much food.

 

Solarium –

We really liked the concept for a pool for the over 16. It meant that it was usually quiet enough to stretch out on a lounge for a good read. We also met many nice people in the spas here. The self service ice cream bar was a hit here as was the midnight pizzas that we become accustomed to.

 

Only complaint was that it could become a little stifling being indoors. Although the roof is retractable, I believe it was only opened one day, really need to open more often to let the fumes out.

 

Shopping –

 

The usual ship shopping was available including the cheap watches, jewelry etc.

Duty free alcohol was very fairly priced and we purchased 2 bottles of Baileys.

We also bought 2 bottles of Bundaberg Rum at Vila for $Au 17 each, a real bargain.

 

Passengers –

 

What can I say, this was our first Meet and Mingle and I’m so glad to have met so many fellow Cruise Critic posters. The many children on board seemed to be reasonably well behaved.

 

Entertainment

Shows –

 

The RCI singers and dancers were not so good, sorry to say. My ears still hurt.

The Variety shows were generally very good, the Las Vegas show was a bit boring

The Farewell show – very good, Matt the cruise director can sing, Wow.

 

Wildlife –

 

We didn’t see a lot of wildlife from the ship except for several flying fish and albatross.

 

Disembarkation –

 

It took awhile for Green 3 to be called, I think they were running about 40 mins late by the time we were shipped out.

 

Highlights –

 

The friendly staff and fellow passengers.

All the glass which provided fantastic views of the moonlight on the water, the wild electrical storms and the passing ship in the night, Dawn Princess – very close!

Does anyone recall the name of that passage where we passed DP?

 

Some thoughts for RCI –

 

For Australian cruises, please display comparative pricing in $AU as well as $US.

 

 

I happened to witness two incidents requiring medical assistance. I won’t go into them out of respect for the people involved but Security and nursing staff were very slow to react. Passengers had to take the iniative to assist. My wife is a health care worker and she was quiet horrified by the lack of assistance.

 

I changed some money at the Pursers office from Au to French Pacific francs. After our last port of call I went back to the Pursers to change the remaining francs back into Aussie $. They would only change back into $US. Hmmmm --- grrrrrrrr

 

Originally I requested on my Set Sail pass that I wished our account to be settled in $US and to allow my bank to convert to $AU. During the cruise I enquired at the Purser as to the state of our account, and I noticed that at the bottom of the account, it said that I had elected for RCI to charge my account in $AU. I marched back to the Purser and she confirmed that it would be charged in $US…. Surprise, surprise and sure enough now that we are back home, a quick look at my credit card account and it was charged in $AU…. Hello, why did I bother not once, twice but three times????

 

The drinks and shore tours are very expensive. If you make them more affordable, Aussies will spend up.

 

The percolated coffee was good!

 

Fantastic time – thank you Rhapsody!

 

[S&D]

Thanks for the great review, you covered all the main points, which is good, sounds like you had a nice time on there, and good to know the service and food got a positive report too!

 

Like the sound of the midnight pizza and buffett...:eek::D

 

and nice coffee!!!!...what a bonus...LOL...

 

S&D

[Tigerman00]

Well written Surfoz,

 

One thing I would like to add, The pool is open 24 hours along with the spa baths, very good for a lte night spa if you wanted to partake.

 

Tiger

[kimba_99]

Thanks for the review Surfoz, couldn't agree more.

 

We were also on the 13 December cruise and since our experience was almost identical to Surfoz I will not be posting a review, not much point since we did almost the same things and had similar experiences.

 

I will add: We bought the cruise recipe book and got a free tour of the galley with it... definately worth the money to get both.

 

The Quest (we have pictures of all you blokes!) and the Love & Marriage shows were great fun, don't miss them!:D

 

We also had a great holiday and enjoyed the ship and crew very much. We were on deck 4 midship and hardly felt any movement and I slept like a baby.

 

My 12 yo son did the rock climbing wall a few times and enjoyed it, he also had fun in the teen centre and met lots of other kids (just under 500 for this cruise!). He said it was the best holiday ever!

 

The islands, with the exception of Isle of Pines, left a lot to be desired.

 

 

Cheers,

Kim

[lizzy77]

We were also on the Rhapsody for 3 weeks on b2b cruises Nov 22nd and Dec 2nd. The only complaint that I have is that I got a severe ear infection on the last week, though I don't think I could blame the ship for that.

We also checked our account and the same issue with the currency happened to us on both cruises though it was rectified.

We also enjoyed the Barrier Reef Cruise more than the Pacific Islands.

[Guest012]

 

The friendly staff and fellow passengers.

All the glass which provided fantastic views of the moonlight on the water, the wild electrical storms and the passing ship in the night, Dawn Princess – very close!

Does anyone recall the name of that passage where we passed DP?

 

 

 

Thoroughly enjoyed your review.........wasn't passing so close to the DP in that crazy storm......eerie....it took a few moments before we realized what we were looking at..... were you in the Viking Crown Lounge at the time...... going to take a punt and guess it might have been the Boulari Passage...:confused:;):D cheers Shiona

[luckiestmitw]

Hi Jeff and Pam,

Thanks for writing your review...really enjoyed it...I agree it is definitely "a friendly ship".We must have boarded about the same time as you guys...it's a wonder we didn't bump into each other!

 

Regards Sandie :)

[raringtogo]

hi and thank you for the great review

 

can I ask what the advantage is to having your final account settled in US$?

 

thanks

marilyn

[arxcards]

7 sleeps to go for us, and your review has added to the fever.

 

Thanks Jeff

 

...and be sure to let us know when the pictures are on Webshots.

[Pacific Sandy]

Hi Jeff & Pam - So wonderful to hang out with you guys on the Ship.

 

We are still trying to dig our way out of the Snow we came home to. Makes the Cruise withdrawl that much harder to deal with. YUK.

 

Here's what I miss the most:

 

The Sun

Temperatures above freezing

The friendly Staff

The Solarium

Room Service

Matt Soles - Cruise Director - What a genuinely nice guy - great CD

Losing at Trivia

Snorkeling & diving - We could dive here but - chipping through the ice to get into the water is not my idea of fun.

 

Most Especially - All of the wonderful people we met on the Ship.

 

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie !!!!!

 

Sandra

[surfoz]

Hi Sandra

Oi Oi Oi

While you are freezing we are having days of 34C, just like being on the islands. We came home to a lawn that had turned into a jungle and I am sill recovering from the 2.5 hour slog mowing.

 

We have decided our next cruise will be in Alaska probably 2010, so get ready for us to come and bludge on you, oops i mean visit you.

Any tips, we hear that Holland America is good in this area???

 

Say hi to Gordon!

 

Hi Geoff

I will try to edit my hundreds of pics before uploading to Webshots, shouldn't be too long. No more Princess coffee for me, it is RCI all the way for me.

 

Hi Marilyn

Not a great advantage to most but my credit card doesn't charge international fees so it would have been cheaper for me ( better exchange rate) if they processed in US as they should have.

 

Hi Sandie

Loved your reviews. Did you also submit in the reviews section? So glad the boys not only loved the holiday but apreciated you taking them on the cruise.

 

Hi Shiona

Yes that was us... Didn't we speak that night in the Viking? We shared the best spot in the South Pacific that night.

 

Hi Lizzy

Glad you enjoyed the cruise as well, so much fun.

 

Hi Kim

We often think about the cookbook but we always decide not too as it is another thing to squeeze into our cases.

 

Hi Ken

Yep the 24 hour pools is a nice gesture and was much appreciated.

 

Hi S&D

The pizza at midnight after eating all day and night was just a bit too much.... so why couldn't I stop going there?

 

still a few days before i go back to work on 5 th.

 

Cheers guys and have a great new yesr

Jeff & Pam

hanjatthreedotcomdotau

[raringtogo]

thanks for than Surfoz- my credit card doesn't charge fees by the sounds of your experience it might not be worth the bother of asking

[Brossy]

Hi Surfoz

 

Thanks for posting your review. It's nice to read that you had a great trip!

 

Do you mind me asking what brand of credit card you have that doesn't charge international rates? We want to go to the states in 2010 and book a cruise via US online t/a's. I'd like a card that I can use o/s without worrying about the additional 1-2% conversion fee....thanks in advance.

[raringtogo]

hi Brossy

I just received a refund from RCI (for the discounted portion of the cruise we booked) my credit card is with Citibank - I couldn't see any mention of a 2% conversion fee on this refund but I have seen the 2% conversion listed on the past on my ANZ visa. Also, with citibank gold or platinum, as with most gold or platinum cards, you get automatic travel insurance included if you book your trip on the card.

I guess a quick phone call to them can clear the question up though.

[surfoz]

Hi Surfoz

 

Thanks for posting your review. It's nice to read that you had a great trip!

 

Do you mind me asking what brand of credit card you have that doesn't charge international rates? We want to go to the states in 2010 and book a cruise via US online t/a's. I'd like a card that I can use o/s without worrying about the additional 1-2% conversion fee....thanks in advance.

 

Hi Brossy

 

Wizard Clear Advantage mastercard - no fees whatsoever, not yet anyhow so keep it quiet :)

I applied online and it only took a few days to arrive in the post.

[Brossy]

hi Brossy

I just received a refund from RCI (for the discounted portion of the cruise we booked) my credit card is with Citibank - I couldn't see any mention of a 2% conversion fee on this refund but I have seen the 2% conversion listed on the past on my ANZ visa. Also, with citibank gold or platinum, as with most gold or platinum cards, you get automatic travel insurance included if you book your trip on the card.

I guess a quick phone call to them can clear the question up though.

 

Hi Brossy

 

Wizard Clear Advantage mastercard - no fees whatsoever, not yet anyhow so keep it quiet :)

I applied online and it only took a few days to arrive in the post.

 

Thankyou Raringtogo & Surfoz...I will have to look into both of these :).

[arxcards]

Hi Geoff

I will try to edit my hundreds of pics before uploading to Webshots, shouldn't be too long. No more Princess coffee for me, it is RCI all the way for me.

 

Cheers guys and have a great new yesr

Jeff & Pam

hanjatthreedotcomdotau

Drinkable Coffee - now that would be a bonus!!

[Pacific Sandy]

Hi Sandra

Oi Oi Oi

While you are freezing we are having days of 34C, just like being on the islands. We came home to a lawn that had turned into a jungle and I am sill recovering from the 2.5 hour slog mowing.

 

We have decided our next cruise will be in Alaska probably 2010, so get ready for us to come and bludge on you, oops i mean visit you.

Any tips, we hear that Holland America is good in this area???

 

Say hi to Gordon!

 

 

Hi Geoff - We have a guest room ready & waiting for you and would love to show you OUR beautiful Island.

 

No Crocs just grizzly bears & mountain lions !!!!

 

I have never sailed Holland America so can't say. I would think HAL or Celebrity would both be good choices.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. :D We are going to our favorite SKI Hill for New Year's Eve - There should be tons of snow - and the Hot Toddies will be flowin'.

 

Sandra

[Ela 2]

Hi Sandra,

It is nice to hear from you. I am trying to imagine the snow when it is hot, hot, hot here in Brisbane. The Weather Bureau is forcasting flurries of snow for Mt Wellington (Hobart) and more extensive snow in South West Tasmania. What extremes.

 

Have a lovely New Year and I wish you good health and lots of cruises. :):)

Evon.