Rhapsody of the Seas

From Cruise Wiki

Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean. It is part of the Vision Class, alongside Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the ship entered service in 1997 and is known for its intimate size, glass-heavy design, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Overview

  • Class: Vision Class
  • Operator: Royal Caribbean International
  • Entered Service: 1997
  • Gross Tonnage: ~78,878 GT
  • Length: 279 m (916 ft)
  • Passenger Capacity: approx. 1,998 (double occupancy), up to 2,416 maximum
  • Crew: ~765

Rhapsody of the Seas was designed to emphasize natural light and scenic views, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a more intimate cruise experience compared to larger Royal Caribbean vessels.

Ship Features

  • Glass-Centric Design – Extensive use of glass throughout the ship, including panoramic lounges.
  • Solarium – Adults-only retreat with a pool and whirlpools under a glass roof.
  • Rock Climbing Wall – Signature Royal Caribbean adventure activity.
  • Dining Options – Specialty restaurants including Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, and Windjammer Café.
  • Entertainment Venues – Broadway-style productions at the Broadway Melodies Theater, live music lounges, and a casino.
  • Vitality Spa & Fitness Center – Full-service spa and gym facilities.

Destinations

Rhapsody of the Seas sails primarily from European and Caribbean homeports.

  • Mediterranean Cruises – Ports include Italy, Greece, Spain, and France.
  • Northern Europe Cruises – Voyages to Norway, the Baltic, and the British Isles.
  • Caribbean Cruises – Eastern and Southern itineraries including St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, and Puerto Rico.
  • Transatlantic Cruises – Repositioning voyages between Europe and North America.

Things to Do Onboard

  • Family Fun – Adventure Ocean kids’ program and arcade games.
  • Adventure Activities – Rock climbing wall and sports court.
  • Relaxation – Solarium, Vitality Spa, and multiple pools.
  • Entertainment – Broadway-style musicals, live music, and themed parties.
  • Dining – Specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and international cuisine options.

Accommodations

Rhapsody of the Seas offers a wide variety of staterooms and suites:

  • Interior cabins with modern amenities.
  • Oceanview and balcony staterooms.
  • Family staterooms with extra space and kid-friendly layouts.
  • Luxury suites, including the Royal Suite Class with exclusive benefits.

Notable Facts

  • Rhapsody of the Seas was the second ship in the Vision Class, launched in 1997.
  • Its design emphasizes natural light, with more glass than most ships of its size.
  • The ship underwent a major refurbishment in 2012, adding new dining venues and updated staterooms.

See Also

References