Rhapsody of the Seas – Transatlantic – April 29th 2017
Overview
A fantastic vacation! We love the smaller ships and this one did not disappoint. They have a very friendly staff in all parts of the ship. The food was very good the entertainment was mostly excellent. We booked the Vision for a TA next year, so that says something I guess.
Embarkation
A snap. Tampa is a great port. The Diamond line seemed longer than the regular line, but not much waiting. We were on board by 11:30, the cabin was ready by 1 pm. after a windjammer lunch. One big beef! We were not welcomed in any way as we boarded the ship , IN FACT we were bombarded by advertising for specialty restaurants and extras that you have to pay more for. RCCL, how about a hello and a glass of bubbly?
Cabin – Ocean view 3624
Adequate size for us to store all our stuff. We chose to have the bed separated into two singles as it made the layout a lot friendlier with access to the window. There is no comfortable place to stay in the room for any length of time (so we didn’t). The TV was sketchy on the crossing and I was disappointed in the channel that showed our position. Most of the time it was a camera from the bow that showed nothing and there was no weather information at all. Our room steward Gloria was very nice and did her job perfectly.
On Board
Nit-picks first –
The Windjammer buffet was not 24 hours. It closed after every meal and if you wanted something at other times you had to go to the Park Café at the other end of the ship. It had a very limited selection which was always the same.
The hot tubs had very little bubbles (for our safety?) and the main pool ones were not hot.
There was a stink at the midship elevators that they tried to cover up with chemicals. No idea what it was. It was strong in the first few days, went away, and returned every once in a while. Not Nice.
The casino was smoking (and smelled like it!) and cold as a meat locker! So we didn’t go there but had to walk through it a few times.
The theatre venue is very old and as a result the design is lacking, but the shows were good!
The good-
The Schooner Bar is the best ships bar we have been in! Great location with floor to ceiling views of the sea and a great staff!
Food in the MDR was awesome as well as the service. The best we can remember.
Food in the Windjammer was good, but the same every day.
Food in the Park Café was exactly the same limited menu every single day.
We did not go to a specialty restaurant
Entertainment on board varied, the piano bar guy was bad, but the “Tea for Two” duo of guitar and violin were awesome. The “pool” bands were hot and cold.
In the theatre, the headliner shows were consistently great. We did not attend the “ships singers” shows but we did hear them sing in other venues and that’s why we didn’t go to the shows (if you know what I mean). There were also some matinee performances by the headliners, usually at 3 p.m.
There was also a guest speaker talking about astronomy which I attended and enjoyed on each sea day
Ports
Key West – got off and looked around, had a beer at Sloppy Joes did some shopping and went back to the ship. Looks like a fun place.
St. Maarten – Have been many times. Took the water taxi to town to look at the shops and had a beer and lunch at “Pirates in Paradise”. It’s owned by an Ohio State guy but I went anyway and shouted “Go Blue!”
7 days at sea – HEAVEN!
Malaga – (Spain Rocks). We took the shuttle to town (5 Euros return). We went on the big Ferris wheel for the views (20 euros) and had some Tapas and beer.
Cartagena – What a great place! Everything is close to the port. We walked around town and did some souvenir shopping. Narrow streets all, paved in tile and mostly pedestrian malls. I would love to go back here.
Barcelona – after debarking we stayed for two nights at the Hostal Khronos, a boutique hotel six block from Sagrada Familia. Day one was visiting the Sagrada Familia. I would suggest that you book your tickets online ahead of time to avoid lines on the day. Amazing place and not to be missed on any visit to Barcelona. The send day we had a day pass on the Hop on Hop off bus. (The Barcelona Touristic) It provided a great day of seeing all parts of the city. Very enjoyable. Don’t miss the Gothic District, the port area, Place de Catalunya and the rambala.
Note: we bought a coffee card ahead of time for the Lattetudes but found out on board that the specialty coffees were free (and better) in the diamond lounge! Live and learn. BTW the Lattetudes barista guy was the only un-friendly staff member we met on the whole ship. He looked pissed off when you ordered!
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Sail Away!
Meet on Deck 10, Port Side near the jumbo screen. They should have a temporary bar set up there. Long-term forecast is calling for sunny, in the upper 80's. Nametags would be great so we can recognize each other and wear mardi gras beads if you have them. We have Cruise Critic nametags from prior sailings.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Updated list for tours inMalaga and Cartagena 3/1/17
PLEASE ADVISE OF ANY CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS
Malaga to Granada Tour
Please contact Spain Day Tours directly if you wish to join the tour. Just let them know you are with Liz's group from Rhapsody of the Seas.http://www.spaindaytours.com/
The cost of the tour is 79E and the admission fee to Alhambra is 13E. I can highly recommend this company as we have used them previously. They generally have a large (comfortable and air-conditioned)bus if we have a large group. However, when you arrive at Alhambra, they form small groups with their own guide so that it is pretty much like a private tour except for the bus ride. To do a private tour, the cost is 149E p/p, so it is a substantial savings to go as a group.
If you are interested in this tour, please post on the Roll Call or email me at LizC_1123 at my hot mail account.
Liz & Rick - 2
Amelia & Bobby - 2
Cathy & Lenny - 2
Kim & Robb - 2
Judith & Rob - 2
Sue, Rick and Barbara - 3
Carmen ? 1
Stu ? 1
Jeff and Cindy ? 2
John and Lori ? 2
Gloria & Bob
Total 21
Cartagena to Murcia
Please contact Spain Day Tours directly if you wish to join the tour. Just let them know you are with Liz's group from Rhapsody of the Seas.http://www.spaindaytours.com/
The tour is approx. 4-5 hours. Description: We will pick you up straight from the pier and depart to the city of Murcia which is only 50 km(31 miles)away.
On the way we will stop at the baroque sanctuary of Fuensanta virgin located at a natural park with great views of the city ofMurcia and the Segura valley.
Once we reach Murcia we will explore the old quarter with its magnificent cathedral (which continued to grow for 500 years)and the largest mosque at the time.
Cost is 55 Euro p/p. I would want to schedule it early since the ship leaves at 2 pm. If we leave at 8 am, there would possibly be some time to wander around Cartagena if you wish.
If you are interested in this tour, please post on the Roll Call or email me at LizC_1123 at my hot mail account.
Liz & Rick
Amelia & Bobby
Cathy & Lenny
Jim & Ginny
Jeff & Cindy
TOTAL 10
Monday, February 27, 2017
Pre-Cruise Planner
(Print & bring with you for best results)
Friday 28 April Tampa
* Pre-cruise dinner in Ybor Historic District (location TBD) near the cruise port. Organized by Mike (Wine-O)
Saturday 29 April Tampa Departing 5pm
Sunday 30 April Key West 1100am - 6pm
Monday 1 May Cruising
* Meet & Mingle 10:30 or 1100 (subject to change, check stateroom invitation)
* Slot Pull 1200 (subject to change based on M&M schedule)
Tuesday 2 May Cruising
Wednesday 3 May St. Maarten 7am-4pm
Thursday 4 May Cruising
Friday 5 May Cruising
Saturday 6 May Cruising
* Poker pub Crawl 1:30 pm at R-Bar Deck 4. Organized by HandE (Hugo & Elayne)
Sunday 7 May Cruising
Monday 8 May Cruising
Tuesday 9 May Cruising
Wednesday 10 May Cruising
Thursday 11 May Malaga, Spain 8am - 6pm
* Excursion to Grenada organized by Liz (Shakespeare). Tour is 79E and the admission fee to Alhambra is 13E. Contact: http://www.spaindaytours.com/malaga-...excursion.html
Friday 12 May Cartagena, Spain 7am-2pm
* Murcia city tour organized by Liz (Shakespeare). Excursion is 55Epp contact: http://www.spaindaytours.com/cartage...-excursion.htm
* Cartagena Tapas, Wine, and Sangria gathering. Pay as you go. Meet at 11:30. Organized by Michael & Maureen (Wine-O).
Saturday, 13 May Barcelona, Spain Arrive 6:00 AM
Thanks
W
Cruisedafewtimes
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Slot Pull!
SLOT PULL ON THE RHAPSODY
******************************
HOW DOES IT WORK? - Everyone who wants to participate will bring their $ 15.00 to the Casino . ( It is easier that way ) You will each get five (5) pulls on a dollar slot machine that utilizes $3.00/pull. The winning money will accumulate and that will be divided among the participants at the end of all pulls. The payoffs will be in even dollars.
The extra money above the even dollars will be awarded to the player who gets the group the highest amount on their slot pulls. Each person’s winnings will be recorded at the time of their pulls so we know who will get the side pot of the money after the even dollar pay-out.
WHEN WILL WE DO THIS? - We will meet ( 1 st Sea Day --- May 1 st after the M & G in the casino just outside the Cashier. We will all choose our machine together and start our play.
Payoffs will be handled immediately afterwards and handed out to all who joined in the Slot Pull.
· If you wish to participate, please give me your name and cabin # in case there is any change at all in the schedule and I can notify you. We need more people to make this lots of fun, so please join in. This is what I need for those who want to participate:
o Your names – first names only for each person who is going to participate and partner/s first
o Your cabin # in case there is any change in plans and I can call and leave a message in your cabin
If you do not want to post that information here, you can email me at
ww10520travel at gmail dot com and state DON'T POST MY INFORMATION
By having this information in advance, I can make up a chart at home to track the names & the amount each person wins on their pulls.
My cabin number is 8515
Hope to see you all at the Slot Pull and we win lots and have a blast.
There usually is some prize from the Casino for the highest money winner ?
Wayne
cruisedafewtimes
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Shore Tour Update!
Malaga to Granada Tour
Please contact Spain Day Tours directly if you wish to join the tour. Just let them know you are with Liz's group from Rhapsody of the Seas. http://www.spaindaytours.com/
The cost of the tour is 79E and the admission fee to Alhambra is 13E. I can highly recommend this company as we have used them previously. They generally have a large (comfortable and air-conditioned) bus if we have a large group. However, when you arrive at Alhambra, they form small groups with their own guide so that it is pretty much like a private tour except for the bus ride. To do a private tour, the cost is 149E p/p, so it is a substantial savings to go as a group.
If you are interested in this tour, please post on the Roll Call or email me at LizC_1123 at my hot mail account.
Liz & Rick - 2
Amelia & Bobby - 2
Cathy & Lenny - 2
Kim & Robb - 2
Judith & Rob - 2
Sue, Rick and Barbara - 3
Carmen – 1
Stu - 1
Cartagena to Murcia
Please contact Spain Day Tours directly if you wish to join the tour. Just let them know you are with Liz's group from Rhapsody of the Seas. http://www.spaindaytours.com/
The tour is approx. 4-5 hours. Description: We will pick you up straight from the pier and depart to the city of Murcia which is only 50 km (31 miles) away.
On the way we will stop at the baroque sanctuary of Fuensanta virgin located at a natural park with great views of the city of Murcia and the Segura valley.
Once we reach Murcia we will explore the old quarter with its magnificent cathedral (which continued to grow for 500 years) and the largest mosque at the time.
Cost is 55 Euro p/p. I would want to schedule it early since the ship leaves at 2 pm. If we leave at 8 am, there would possibly be some time to wander around Cartagena if you wish.
If you are interested in this tour, please post on the Roll Call or email me at LizC_1123 at my hot mail account.
Liz & Rick
Amelia & Bobby
Cathy & Lenny
Jim & Ginny
Please contact Spain Day Tours directly if you wish to join the tour. Just let them know you are with Liz's group from Rhapsody of the Seas. http://www.spaindaytours.com/
The cost of the tour is 79E and the admission fee to Alhambra is 13E. I can highly recommend this company as we have used them previously. They generally have a large (comfortable and air-conditioned) bus if we have a large group. However, when you arrive at Alhambra, they form small groups with their own guide so that it is pretty much like a private tour except for the bus ride. To do a private tour, the cost is 149E p/p, so it is a substantial savings to go as a group.
If you are interested in this tour, please post on the Roll Call or email me at LizC_1123 at my hot mail account.
Liz & Rick - 2
Amelia & Bobby - 2
Cathy & Lenny - 2
Kim & Robb - 2
Judith & Rob - 2
Sue, Rick and Barbara - 3
Carmen – 1
Stu - 1
Cartagena to Murcia
Please contact Spain Day Tours directly if you wish to join the tour. Just let them know you are with Liz's group from Rhapsody of the Seas. http://www.spaindaytours.com/
The tour is approx. 4-5 hours. Description: We will pick you up straight from the pier and depart to the city of Murcia which is only 50 km (31 miles) away.
On the way we will stop at the baroque sanctuary of Fuensanta virgin located at a natural park with great views of the city of Murcia and the Segura valley.
Once we reach Murcia we will explore the old quarter with its magnificent cathedral (which continued to grow for 500 years) and the largest mosque at the time.
Cost is 55 Euro p/p. I would want to schedule it early since the ship leaves at 2 pm. If we leave at 8 am, there would possibly be some time to wander around Cartagena if you wish.
If you are interested in this tour, please post on the Roll Call or email me at LizC_1123 at my hot mail account.
Liz & Rick
Amelia & Bobby
Cathy & Lenny
Jim & Ginny
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