Royal Caribbean International’s
Rhapsody of the Seas, built in France and launched in 1997 with Norwegian registry, weighs in at 78,491 tons, extends 915 ft with a 105-ft beam, and cruises at 22 knots. Staff and crew total 765, with Norwegian officers and 55 nationalities represented. At maximum capacity,
Rhapsody carries 2,435 passengers.
Rhapsody begins the year in Tokyo, where she departs on 3- and 5-night sailings through Asia. The ship repositions in late April, making the journey to Seattle. From there, Rhapsody takes visitors on 7-night Alaskan cruises during the summer months. In October she heads back across the Pacific and will make her home in Sydney where she will embark on 10- and 11-night Australian and New Zealand tours through the end of 2008.
Large panels of glass throughout the ship keep the sea and sky in view. The six-deck tiered atrium amidships has a cheerful contemporary California ambience featuring light woods, palm trees, polished brass and upholstered furniture. Passageways depict musical themes, and potted plants adorn public areas. Eight elevators serve 10 passenger decks. Eight bars and three entertainment lounges feature comedy, dancing, deck parties and musical groups, with RCI's trademark Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 10 in action until the wee morning hours. The main show room, Broadway Melodies Theater, with plush theater seating and unobstructed views, offers Las Vegas-style and Broadway-musical performances. The glitzy, astrologically themed casino has an array of table games and plenty of slots. The superb library contains about 1,500 books. Tax-free boutiques are well-stocked. Internet access is available, but at a hefty fee of fifty cents per minute! Lounge chairs can clutter the walking area around the outdoor pool, but the jogging circuit is unobstructed. An indoor pool leads to a massive two-deck, Egyptian-theme solarium, beauty salon, spa and fitness center. Youth counselors on hand in a playroom and teen center conduct activities by age group.
The smoke-free Edelweiss dining room, featuring crystal and etched-glass accents, offers open seating for breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian and low-fat choices supplement seafood, steak and pasta fare at dinner. The Windjammer Cafe offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and while midnight buffets have been discontinued, room service is available 24 hours.
About 60 percent of the 1,000 cabins are outsides. All have light wood and brass appointments and reasonable closet and drawer space. Twin beds convert to queens, and the baths are small but adequate. There are 14 units that accommodate the physically-challenged.
For all North America reservations, a fuel supplement of $5.00 per person, per day for the first two occupants in a stateroom (subject to a maximum of $140 per stateroom) applies.
