Cruise Review-Rhapsody OTS-Alaska

[Peery5]

We just returned from Alaska yesterday. Sailed on Rhapsody of the Seas on June 5.

 

We stayed at the Seattle Marriot on the waterfront at Pier 66 even though we sailed out of Pier 91. Fairly easy getting in and out of the pier. If you have a lot of luggage, recommend asking about SUV picking you up versus two taxis. Cost was $28.00 [flat rate]for the four of us plus lots of luggage.

Getting into the cruise terminal was no problem. Junior Suites and above got preferential embarkation ahead of everyone else. If you are disabled and use a wheelchair, scooter, etc. you also moved ahead of everyone else. Arrived at 11:30 a.m. and there were tons of people. The Rhapsody is an older ship and badly in need of drydock for upgrades. the handicap JS was huge compared to a standard balcony stateroom. Had a couch, chair, stocked mini-fridge, large shower, flat screen TV, safe and plenty of room for my scooter, luggage and everything else. Large shower and bathroom. Carpeting in bad shape and needed to be replaced. The RCCL staff were very helpful to me with my disability. Be careful when getting on and off the ship using a scooter or wheelchair as the gangplanks are narrow and steep with hard right or left angles depending on the port. I almost turned my scooter over on me. thank GOD my family was with me.

 

For the smokers...The only place to smoke on the Rhapsody is starboard side on deck 5 and 9 and on your balcony. The casino is non-smoking as is the rest of the ship. Duty free shops are great if you want to bring alcohol or cigarettes home.

 

Entertainment, for the most part, was lacking. Definitely recommend going to QUEST and the LOVE and MARRIAGE shows. Musicals were pretty good. Also had cake decorating and scrapbooking:rolleyes:

Food was average[based on prior cruises] in both the dining room and the buffet. Room service is free, except for tips except from midnight-5:00 am.

Lots of rust on this ship although it was painted over. Some of the ceiling lights were loose and hanging down.

 

The best part of the cruise was Skagway and Juneau. Highly recommend renting a car and driving in both cities, especially in Skagway. We drove up into the Yukon for app. 3 hours way past where the excursions take you. Saw bears and other wildlife and the snow-capped mountains are so majestic it is hard to believe. Photographs cannot do justice to the beauty. Victoria, B.C. is a hustling place with lots of traffic. Recommend a taxi to the downtown and just walk around.

 

Trying to keep this review as short as possible by just giving the basics. Definitely would go to Alaska again but not on Rhapsody. If you desire additional info, contact me at: hurley@hughes.net

[plenox]

thanks for the review