Rhapsody of the Seas Review
Our 5th European cruise was hit and miss.
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Husband and I in our late 40's, royal caribbean Diamond status. We have been on 27 cruises and this was actually our 5th European cruise. Cruised departed on September 6, 2015 with ports of call in Chania, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Athens, and Katakolon. We arrived 1 day early, flew direct on United (although the flight was 2.5 hours delayed) from Washington/Dulles. Flight was good, no complaints. Arrived in FCO about 2 hours late. Took train from FCO to Civitavecchia without a problem (traveled on a Saturday, which really helped). Stayed one night at Hotel Traghetto (very budget, but adequate). We were able to successfully walk from the Civitavecchia train station to the hotel, which took about 20 minutes, tops.
Next morning check out, after very sparse breakfast "buffet" and walked to the cruise bus area, literally 2 minute walk from the hotel. At about 11:00am, buses were waiting to take us to the ship (there were multiple ships in port, so make sure you get on the right bus). Check was very quick and there was no wait to board the ship. Rooms were ready at 1pm, but there was no announcement, so they may have been ready earlier. Windjammer was adequate on embarkation, but we found that the food changed very little throughout the cruise.
We had an oceanview cabin 2072. At first, we were kinda upset that we were on the lowest level, but it ended up being very convenient for disembarking during ports of call and at the end of the cruise. Cabin steward, Avalon, was outstanding. Cabin was adequate in space, and you can store your luggage under the bed, which helped. Hated the shower, because it is old school with the curtain and the curtain always sticks to you when you are trying to shower...ugh! We did smell a sewage order a couple of times and our toilet did clog a few times, requiring a call to maintenance. We ate at the main dining room 3 times, and service was always great. We also ate at Izumi, which was very delish, and highly recommended (they were offering a 30% off special). We ordered room service once for lunch, and delivery was quick but the food was awful. We ordered breakfast in once due to an early shore excursion and the food was adequate.
Cabin Review
Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom
We had an oceanview cabin 2072. At first, we were kinda upset that we were on the lowest level, but it ended up being very convenient for disembarking during ports of call and at the end of the cruise. Cabin steward, Avalon, was outstanding. Cabin was adequate in space, and you can store your luggage under the bed, which helped. Hated the shower, because it is old school with the curtain and the curtain always sticks to you when you are trying to shower...ugh! We did smell a sewage order a couple of times and our toilet did clog a few times, requiring a call to maintenance.
Port Reviews
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Took train from FCO to Civitavecchia without a problem (traveled on a Saturday, which really helped). Stayed one night at Hotel Traghetto (very budget, but adequate). We were able to successfully walk from the Civitavecchia train station to the hotel, which took about 20 minutes, tops. Next morning check out, after very sparse breakfast "buffet" and walked to the cruise bus area, literally 2 minute walk from the hotel. At about 11:00am, buses were waiting to take us to the ship (there were multiple ships in port, so make sure you get on the right bus).
Mykonos
Tender to center city. Very walkable; great food, people. Keep the water to the right to get to the Windmills. Easy DIY
Crete (Heraklion)
CHANIA: We took the bus from the cruise ship (purchased RT tickets (1,70 euros each way). Trip is far, so it is not walkable to center of town. Once off the bus, walk through the market, but please know, that the market is not IT...keep walking to the waterfront...it is absolutely beautiful. We really enjoyed our stay. Bus was waiting to take us back. Easy DIY.