Rhapsody of the Seas Mardi Gras 2004

2/22/04

SUN Galveston, Texas 5:00 PM Docked

MON New Orleans, Louisiana 4:00 PM Docked

TUE New Orleans, Louisiana Docked

WED New Orleans, Louisiana 6:00 PM Docked

THU At Sea

FRI Cozumel, Mexico 7:00 AM 4:00 PM Docked

SAT At Sea

SUN Galveston, Texas 8:00 AM Docked

SOLD OUT!!

Prices include port charges and taxes!

An unusual cruise sailing, this trip was one of a kind and the idea of the itinerary was inviting. We were a bit 'cautious' of this cruise. For two main reasons; it was one of the few times when we weren't traveling aboard one of the newer ships such as the Golden or Grand Princess. As for Royal Caribbean, the Adventure class ships simply dwarf the Rhapsody in many aspects, yet, as you will read during this review, we were pleasantly surprised at so many things this ship had to offer. Bigger is not always better! The second reason? Although having been to New Orleans many times we had not been during Mardi Gras and had alot of trepidation that this 'could' be a nightmare trip. We typically dislike very large crowds and had heard Mardi Gras can be horrible.

Departing from Tampa with a full day of sailing ahead in what could best be described as 'chilly' if not down right cold temperatures, we were to stay in New Orleans for two full days and nights. After which we sail to Cozumel and back to Tampa.

With these things in mind, plus the fact that we were traveling with our two children Ashley (eight), Spencer (almost six) and had to work during the cruise we knew there was a better than average possibility that we would be in our stateroom and inside the ships public areas alot more than usual on this sailing. We originally booked the aft cabin #8588 with a larger than normal outside balcony.

The odd thing about this sailing was it seemingly was not selling well at all. Many cabins had either price reductions or upgrades available. A few weeks before sailing we finally saw a family suite dropping down in price, allowed our fears to kick-in and switched to this cabin instead.

This sailing was after all, a once a year opportunity. In fact, we had heard onboard that many travel agents did not even know about this itinerary.  Indeed, if you were not paying attention you missed the opportunity for an inexpensive cruise that was very unique.  Upon arrival at the pier we inquired as to the other suites availability. The Royal Suite was empty and a steal for a family of four, so we booked it right away! More on the suite later in the review.

In New Orleans, hotel rooms at pier side were going for $300-$500 per night with a five night minimum! Here we had the best kind of floating hotel one could ask for...if the land experience was horrible, we would simply head back to the ship and enjoy! In fact the ship docked right on the Riverwalk downtown and was easily the best spot to hop on and off into the Mardi Gras atmosphere.

The Rhapsody is known as "The friendliest ship on the seas" and she certainly lived up to this reputation. Her Master is Captain Rolv Chr. Olaussen from Norway and has been with RCCL since 1993. He was the most enjoyable person to watch onboard the ship. Yes, we actually had a Captain that freely perused the ship at all hours and even dined at all the venues while saying hello here and there to the passengers. 

Sailing at 5:30 from Tampa the weather was brisk to say the least and simply turned colder from there. We dove into our Royal Suite and were certainly glad we had the extra room and amenities this trip. The main living room of the suite comes with a player-Grand piano as well as a nice sized marble wetbar and custom controlled digital lighting and draperies, stereo and speakers throughout. There also is a dining area with a table for four and two foldout couches and several chairs. The suite has a maximum capacity of five people, yet we would never suggest this to anyone until possibly after dry dock in April. The fold out couch was horrible. Even our two children found them uncomfortable. Adults would be miserable and in fact, our room attendant Anthony told us the week prior she sailed with this suite empty and they gave nights away as bingo prizes! We were also told most of the time it was booked for parties every night for large groups sailing’s.

The master bedroom is separated from the main room by two curtained French doors and has a television that is motorized to rise out of the marble countertop in front of the bed. The bath consists of a large glass shower with dual heads and a steamroom option, as well as a small marble sitting area.  Of course, the standard Jacuzzi tub and marble abound, and all areas have an extensive Bose sound system and individual room volume controls throughout.

The ship was in remarkably good condition in almost all areas, public and private. We actually expected more of a three or four day-itinerary ship condition. Of course, there were worn carpet areas and some well-worn chairs and couches, but overall all was comfortable and clean. We were very pleased with the layout and truly had forgotten how easy it is to navigate onboard a ship this size. We definitely did not walk near as much as on any of the mega-ships, and that was a pleasure. In fact, oddly enough, we had almost forgotten what it was like to not have to plan exactly where you were going to meet someone, say for a cocktail or just to chat. She is small enough that you will eventually run into them before dinner, etc. in one of the main areas. 

Here we are on a nice ship, good friends, and family, it is as cold as anyone would want it outside and on our way to New Orleans (where it is even colder). What could be better? The staff. One word...friendly.  They absolutely were the nicest people on board. From the bus boys and girls to the porters and room attendants the staff were smiling and having a great time.  So much so I had to ask the question, starting with one of the nice young men who brought up our luggage.  I met him in the hallway a day or so later and asked 'if it was my imagination or was it always like this’.  He told me it usually was, however many of the staff were anxiously awaiting Mardi Gras.   For instance, he was from Brazil and wanted to know if it really was like 'Carnival' he was used to back home.

This summed up the situation, the crew all had lots of time coming up in New Orleans. After all, the shops were closed for two days straight and the crew worked around getting their time off and getting off the ship.  In fact, one 'chief' (who asked not to be identified) said that they all had been lectured about being careful not to over-indulge and miss curfew (or worse, miss the ship) and that the consequences were being fired and left in New Orleans. 

That being said, the dining staff was great, the food was well beyond what we expected in quality and presentation.  We honestly cannot think of a bad dish served throughout the trip. Oh well, maybe a soup or something here and there but nothing serious. Well prepared appetizers, main entrees, etc. made it a joy to go to the dining room. The only criticism about food we have on the Rhapsody is they have the worst breakfast food selection and quality we have had in a long time. If it wasn't for the Omelet station we would have been really upset. What exactly are the scrambled 'eggs' anyway? They must be the same reconstituted eggs from our college days. Please RCCL, fix this immediately. Your first meal of the day should not be a bad one.

On a happy note, for lunch,  they served various combinations of Mexican foods (cheese dip, chips, fajitas, and salsa) or Chinese stir-fry. We loved how it spiced up the otherwise normal lunch carving stations, buffet, etc. And there, enjoying himself with his wife, was the Captain virtually everyday eating along-side the passengers.

Bar service was fabulous throughout the ship. No shot pouring here or half glasses of wine for $4.50, they aimed to please! Excellent bartenders that hustled to make sure they made an impression on you, not simply poured you a cocktail. In fact, more often than not we overheard staff calling customers by their first names and checking on them to insure they were nice and comfortable.  Even though the pool bars were never busy during the day (it was way too cold to sit outside) and it being cold at night, the Mardi Gras party thrown on day four was the hit of the cruise. Dancers, musicians, ice-bars (iced bottles of your favorite beverages and bottles of liquor displayed like an ice sculpture), costumed everyone made this a great party atmosphere. Indeed, people were even dancing in the atrium!

As far as Mardi Gras goes, we could live without it. It's a nice place to visit but we wouldn't visit again without a ship to take us there. As our daughter Ashley said..."these people litter and it's really yucky". Well, it was not that bad but it was wisdom out of the mouths of babes.  We love New Orleans though, and want to venture that way without the extra three million people there with us.

Off to Cozumel after two days and nights in New Orleans. Very rainy and cold yet oddly enough, no one seemed to be complaining too much. Most people took advantage of the time by playing cards or napping the day away.

Once in Cozumel, we rented a jeep for $50.00 and went around the lesser-known regions of the island.  There are some wonderful stretches of beaches with small restaurants and bars scattered about the island.