With Reuben Goossens
Cruise’n’Travel Journalist / Cruise Reviewer
& Maritime Historian
Cruising from
The elegant Rhapsody of the Seas at Circular
Quay Sydney
Photo © 2008 Kosta Specis – Cruise-Australia
The long and sleek MV Rhapsody of the Seas of one of six Royal Caribbean
“Vision” Class ships which was built in
The Scooner Bar Starboard aft Deck 6
The Rhapsody of the Seas will be cruising from
A stern view of the Rhapsody of the Sea
Rhapsody of the Seas features huge panels of glass throughout the ship
and this provides ample sea and sky views and making her light and bright!
The spectacular Atrium – What can one say?
But then there is the breathtaking centrepiece the “Diadem,”
which is a huge hanging six-story construction of wood, metal, enamel and
composites, in which an orb of blue and green cloisonné is embraced by seven
sixty-three-foot swirling "reeds," seemingly like a planet carried by
a ship, and this sets the Rhapsody’s artistic theme, a blend of images
from the sky and the sea, which is carried forward through every aspect of the
ship's design. Ceilings and carpets often utilize stars and planets in their
designs, while rich woven wall hangings picture undersea life. More than a
million dollars was spent on Rhapsody's art collection, an unusually high
figure for a ship with fares in the low midrange. Passageways are like the
Sound of Music, as they all depict a musical theme.
The Atrium looking down
Eight lifts serve the 10 passenger decks. The Rhapsody has eight bars and
three superb entertainment lounges that feature comedy, dancing, deck parties
and musical groups. All
Viking Crown Lounge located in front of the
funnel
The main Theatre on board is the grandiose “Broadway Melodies Theatre”
which is decorated in rich jade-green marble with furniture upholstered in
matching leather and peach and turquoise brocade, Rhapsody's Broadway Melodies
Theatre is one of the most functional and intelligently designed compared to
many other ships! Sightlines from the main floor or balconies are excellent.
Seating are on fixed banquettes, which guarantees adequate space to enter and
exit rows, and space is maximized by eliminating tables in favour of drink
holders on armrests. The Theatre offers spectacular Las Vegas-style Revues as
well as Broadway-musical performances.
The magical Broadway Melodies Theatre
The rather glitzy to say the least, astrologically themed Casino Royale
has an array of table games and plenty of slots. The elegant library contains
well overt 1,500 books. Then there is the duty free shopping and fine boutiques
which are well-stocked. Full internet access is available at the Internet café.
Casino Royale
For those who whish to arrange a conference voyage, a conference center,
four alternate rooms for use as meeting/breakout rooms, with TV, VCR,
overhead projector, slide projector, podium, microphone, video projector, easel
and dry-erase board available at each.
Dinning
Aft of the ship is the multi level grand Edelweiss Dining Room,
featuring crystal lighting and fine etched-glass accents. It offers open
seating for breakfast and lunch. There is a vast variety of foods available, as
well as that for those who have special requirements. Vegetarian, sugar free
and low-fat choices supplement seafood, steak and pasta fare at dinner. The
Windjammer Café (Buffet) offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch as well as
for dinner. In addition, if you wish to dine in, room service is available 24
hours. Service on the Rhapsody is sublime!
The crystal adorned Multi Level Edelweiss
Dinning Room
Windjammers Café (Buffet) far forward of the pools
Re service: There is one well known aspect of the main Royal Caribbean
ships is present on the Rhapsody and that is an energetic, friendly, accessible
cruise staff, whose infectious ebullience creates the casual fun counterpoint
to the artistic refinement of the physical ship. The ship itself exudes class;
the cruise director and staff make sure that that touch does not come with
white gloved stuffiness.
The
Outdoors there is the Main pool amidships on Deck 9. Further aft there
is the Solarium indoor/outdoor pool as it has a giant glass sliding roof above.
This area leads to a massive two-deck, Egyptian-themed Solarium, and the beauty
salon, the Spa and Sauna as well as the Gym. The ship has a total of six
whirlpools. Up on Deck 10 is the excellent Jogging Track.
Main Pool and showing the Viking Crown Lounge
The jogging track is located on Deck 10
Accommodations
Almost 60% of the 1,000 cabins on board have ocean views. Each room has light
wood and brass appointments and good wardrobe and drawer space. Twin beds
convert to queen sized beds with all accommodations having private facilities
and the usual conveniences, such as a hairdryer, television, radio, mini bar
and phone. Suites also have a mini bar, fridge, balcony and separate living
area. In all there are 18 grades of accommodation and all have 8-inch thick
mattress and excellent pillows, ensuring a great nights sleep! Also, there are
14 staterooms suitable for wheelchair excess or those with special needs.
Royal Suite is very grand indeed and comes with
a baby grand piano and a separate bedroom
This is a Deluxe suite
This is the Owners suite with a huge King sized
bed
A balcony cabin
Inside cabins are bright and airy and comfortable indeed as well as
affordable!
Come and join the superb MV Rhapsody of the Seas in 2009 and 2010!
Closing
comments.
I rate this
ship very highly and feel that she offers superb value for money. Yes she s
American and has American dollars, but, guess what, the minute you step onboard
you will feel like you are overseas, rather than still in an all Australian
environment! Let’s face it, you are going on a cruise holiday, so
let’s get away from it all and enjoy different parts of the world whilst
we can!
Reuben Goossens
Cruise/Ship
reviewer
Maritime
Historian, Author & Lecturer
Page One … “A
Company with a Distinguished History
Page Two
… Oasis of the Seas
Page Three
… Freedom of the Seas - This class are second largest cruise ships
Page Four
… Rhapsody of the Sea -
Based in Australian during our summer
***********************************
Who is
the Author of Cruise-Australia & ssMaritime?
Commenced in the
Passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960
Contact the Author …
Please
Note: Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and
privately owned cruise site. The author has been in the passenger shipping
industry since 1960 and is currently semi-retired, but continues to write
cruise and ship reviews and articles in order to better to inform cruise and
ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in the
future.
However, if you are interested in a cruise, I
am happy to refer you to a dedicated cruise agent in
Classic Liner enthusiasts visit
gold coast mechanics Counter