Rhapsody of the Seas Review
Older/smaller ship still going strong
Rating by category
Additional details
We'd not been on RCL for a number of years, having done our last 2 cruises on Carnival. We wanted to see what a higher rated cruise line had to offer above what we'd gotten in the past.
Rhapsody is 20 years old. Its been 4 years since the last refurbishment, and some signs of age were noticed during the week. For the most part, however, the ship is in good condition.
Once the largest cruise ship afloat, Rhapsody holds a modest (by today's standards) 2450 or so guests. It did not feel at all crowded during our spring break cruise versus how the 3000 guest Carnival ships felt.
Cabin Review
Large Ocean View Stateroom
"Large" refers to the window size I believe. The 154 sqft was smaller than what we've gotten on Carnival and was simply adequate. Nothing special about the cheaper outside cabins on deck 2.
Port Reviews
Costa Maya
We stayed on the boat this time - saw all there was to see 2 years ago. They have some shops and a few ruins you can visit via excursion, but inferior to what you can do at the other ports.
Cozumel
Just a sixteen dollar cab ride away from Punta Langosta is a beach resort named Paradise Beach. Three dollars gets you in with access to the pool, private beach, and lounge chair. They have other amenities as well for those who want to rent a kayak or play on the blow-up items anchored just off the beach. Great place for a quiet beach day at a price point significantly lower than what the cruise lines charge.
Tampa
Easy on/off the ship; great port