Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Aerial show in the Centrum
Aerial show in the Centrum / Royal Caribbean International
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Viking Crown
Viking Crown / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Outdoor Movie Screen
Outdoor Movie Screen / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Chops Grille
Chops Grille / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Windjammer Restaurant
Windjammer Restaurant / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Nursery
Nursery / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Junior Suite
Junior Suite / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Cruise

Rhapsody of the Seas

Our Ship Review
by Aaron Saunders
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Rhapsody of the Seas is no spring chicken — having made her debut in 1997 — but the ship has aged well thanks to continued refits. There’s a lot to love about this comfortable, 1,998-passenger ship, which has more expansive glass windows than many of her bigger, flashier counterparts. The fifth ship in Royal Caribbean’s six-vessel Vision class, Rhapsody of the Seas is a look-alike sister to Vision of the Seas, featuring the same general appearance and layout.  This vessel was last refurbished in 2012.

What We Love

Great Space: Even when fully loaded with 2,416 passengers, Rhapsody of the Seas feels infinitely more spacious than other ships her size, as well as many of her newer, larger Royal Caribbean fleetmates.

Cool Features: It’s amazing what a $54 million refit can do. An extensive refurbishment program in 2012 added new digital signage and Wi-Fi, an outdoor movie screen located poolside, new Concierge and Diamond lounges for Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor members, a new nursery, and specialty dining experiences Chef's Table, Izumi, and Giovanni's Table.

Best Known For

A Connection with the Sea: Rhapsody of the Seas offers spectacular views from nearly every public room on board, including a massive, skylight-topped atrium that spans nearly the entire height of the ship. Even while enjoying the glass-enclosed adults-only Solarium pool or whirlpools, windows offer ocean views.

Warm-Weather Itineraries: This ship sails some of Royal Caribbean’s most popular routes in the Caribbean and South America.

Who It's Best For

Anyone with a Mega-Ship Phobia: Sailing with 6,000 strangers just isn’t for everybody, and this ship offers some of the mega-ship amenities without the capacity.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

All Staterooms Are Not Sized Equally: Select your accommodations carefully — interior staterooms range from 132 square feet to 164 square feet while ocean view staterooms measure  151 square feet to 193 square feet. 

Aaron Saunders
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger
After a career editing animated television shows, Aaron Saunders pursued his love of ships and the sea. He writes regularly about the cruise industry for the Vancouver Province newspaper, Canadian Traveller, Avid Cruiser, River Cruise Advisor, and USA Today. He is the author of two books on maritime history: Giants of the Seas (Seaforth Publishing, 2013) and Stranded (Dundurn Press, 2015). When not at sea, he makes his home in the land-locked city of Calgary, Canada.