Rhapsody of the Seas inspection report

We toured the Rhapsody of the Seas last week as part of a TA group
mostly from the Houston area but also one agent from Dallas. This
report was originally written for other agents in my agency.


We (Carol and I) toured the Rhapsody of the Seas on Sunday. She's a
nice ship, 78,491 GRT. The first impression (this being my first RCI
ship) was that she's more sedate than Carnival. But still oriented
towards the same demographics. The port building was kind of plain,
with some seating outside of security (so don't get there before about
10:30 or 11:00). Inside they had plenty of agents but we didn't get
to see the lines in action. We boarded about 11:45 (for an 11:30
schedule). The Centrum is dominated by a floor to ceiling abstract
sculpture that we found rather attractive. The Centrum elevators (and
all the elevators) were quite a bit larger than the Elation's (at
70,300 GRT). The Centrum appeared smaller than the Atrium on the
Elation, which contributes to more space elsewhere.

We met in the Crown & Anchor Study and from there toured some of the
suites, starting with the magnificent Royal Suite. At 1140 sq ft, it
is easily is bigger than some houses. The comments included "I could
do this" and "champaign tastes, beer budget". We also saw an Owner's
Suite, a Royal Family Suite (sleeps up to 8), a Grand Suite and a
Junior Suite. The Junior Suite, at 241 sq ft plus a 61 sq ft balcony,
is an easy sell to me. We then went down a level to deck 7 to tour a
D1. These are 195 sq ft (the same size as a Carnival standard
oceanview/inside) with a 41 sq ft balcony. Also an easy sell. We
went to the stern and saw some very nice balconies. If you have
enough lead time, book your clients into one of the corner stern D1s
or JSs, as the balconies are HUGE. From there we went to deck two and
toured an oceanview and an interior. I will have to admit that, at
between135 and 175 sq ft, I'd have some trouble selling a client on
one of these, although if inside is what they want, the rooms are very
well laid out. The card room is rather big and laid out for four
handed games (bridge, etc). The library was small and had an odor of
stale cigars, since "cigar aficionados" meet there once a week. It's
also the meeting place for Friends of Bill W. We never made it to the
conference room.

From there we went to the Crown & Anchor Lounge, a two story bar with
a beautiful panoramic view of a parking lot and a cement plant,
although I'm sure this changes. :-)

Next was lunch. The two story dining room was open and airy, as
opposed to the Elation's single story with what felt like a very low
and confining ceiling. The food was great, the service spotless,
efficient and only there when you needed them, but always there when
you needed them. What was funny was seeing passengers disappointed
that they couldn't eat in the main dining room. Well, not all that
funny, but there was one guy who made a little stink about it and had
to be "escorted" away.

Next we visited the public areas. The pool was a nice size, there
were plenty of deck chairs, both in the sun and in the shade. The
Solarium was nice, although rather hot with the top in place. The spa
was large, with plenty of treatment rooms. The Solarium and spa are
both reserved for 18 and up, although they do have teen spa visits.
The children's program was a little less than I expected. It's
supposed to be award winning, but nothing compared to Disney. There's
an arcade and a teen hang out that has a DJ and small dance floor and
video wall. The bar serves "mocktails", although nobody knew exactly
what a whisky, straight up and neat, would be, although one fellow
suggested an empty glass.

The Schooner Bar had a wall of windows out the starboard side. She
had a small mall with the usual duty free and ship's stores. They
were pushing "inch of gold" and art auctions by this time. Next was
the theater, which appeared to have no obstructed sight lines. Finally
was the casino, which was big, dark and full of slots. Some blackjack
tables, a "Wheel of Madness" and the usual Caribbean Stud Poker
tables, although it appeared that one had been converted to Texas Hold
'Em. At least one of the slot machines had a bill slot that would
take anything from a one dollar bill to a 100 dollar bill. Either it
had BIG payouts, or you got 100 plays.

We walked around the ship independently and then left about 2:45.

I'd highly recommend her to your clients, especially Texas, Oklahoma,
Louisiana and New Mexico. It's a long haul from either airport and
I'd recommend arriving a day early for anybody but the closest. For
our cruises out of Galveston, we've spent the night before in Houston
with Carol's folks. Unless your clients are driving down I45, I would
recommend they spend a few bucks and take Loop 8 around town. Well
worth the money.

The sales presentation was during lunch, so we'd have more time to
tour the ship. The talk focused on the Freedom and next year's
sailing of the Liberty, plus a third Freedom class ship in May of
2008. Then it was on to the Genesis project, a 220,000 GRT ship
currently planned for spring of 2009. Then the pitch went on to the
Voyager, which will be sailing out of Galveston for the winter of
2007-2008. Beyond that plans are not set, but Lindsay (Houston area
DSM) said that she might stay if revenue met certain levels. This is
great news, as it appears the Conquest is staying in Galveston for at
least another year. Galveston can definitely support at least two
mega ships, and three with the Grand Princess visiting during the
winter. The bad news is that the Splendour of the Seas will not be
returning after this winter. But we may get a second ship if, once
again, certain revenue goals are met.

If you're in the target area, it's time to start selling. If you're
on the West Coast, remember that flights to Houston are two hours
shorter than to Miami. Galveston is a beautiful city to visit and
there's too much to do for just an overnight visit. If you're clients
are driving down, several of the hotels offer free parking and
shuttles to the pier.

The port is well laid out, with both official parking (on site) and
off site parking with shuttles. Lanes are clearly marked for both
Carnival's and Royal Caribbean's piers.



We were pleased enough with what we saw to have booked a cruise the
next Monday. I hope having a junior suite doesn't spoil us too much.
Any suggestions on how to survive the privations of going back to an
oceanview?
--
dillon

How much power does it take to run a server farm?
A googlewatt.

"Dillon Pyron" <dmpyronINVALID@austin.> wrote in message
news:89ofe2hr52h88h15nn9u59d665361ndn6f@...
> We toured the Rhapsody of the Seas last week as part of a TA group
> mostly from the Houston area but also one agent from Dallas. This
> report was originally written for other agents in my agency.

Interesting report, Dillon,
Wonder how your review will compare after you take the cruise on her.
We took the Rhapsody of Seas in Feb.2004 and had the corner stern balcony #
7652..It was a huge wrap around balcony.
We had a cabin steward who was a cut-up and kept us laughing...One night, he
stood one pillow up against the headboard and put Ed's suit jacket on it, a
pillow next to it length wise covered by a blanket with Ed's shoes standing
up at the end as if he were sitting up in bed and he used a small sofa
pillow with the pointed corner as face with a nose and then he put my Mardi
Gras mask on it..(it was Mardi Gras week) He placed another pillow across
the lap part with an open magazine on it...I had returned to the cabin by
myself and the steward greeted me saying that, "Mr. Ed was in bed reading."
I didn't see how that was possible as I had left him a few minutes ago to
come and get something from the cabin...so when I walked in I really was
startled because it looked so much like a man sitting in our bed!!! The
steward got a big charge out of my expression and we both roared laughing!

I think that you and Carol will really have fun celebrating and toasting to
her success in fighting that horrible disease on this ship..I liked the
colors of shades of blue, maroon and gold on her. It was a cheerful ship and
crew.

--Jean

Jean O'Boyle wrote:

> ..One night, he
> stood one pillow up against the headboard and put Ed's suit jacket on it, a
> pillow next to it length wise covered by a blanket with Ed's shoes standing
> up at the end as if he were sitting up in bed and he used a small sofa
> pillow with the pointed corner as face with a nose and then he put my Mardi
> Gras mask on it..(it was Mardi Gras week) He placed another pillow across
> the lap part with an open magazine on it.

I think the cabin staff were very creative. We had a man sitting in a
chair reading one of Kevin's books, very cool!! I find it intersting
that you and I have so many good memories of our "cruise from hell".lol

sue

"Sue and Kevin Mullen" <kjmullen@> wrote in message
news:4kr9ktFctkqpU2@...
>
>
> Jean O'Boyle wrote:
>
>> ..One night, he stood one pillow up against the headboard and put Ed's
>> suit jacket on it, a pillow next to it length wise covered by a blanket
>> with Ed's shoes standing up at the end as if he were sitting up in bed
>> and he used a small sofa pillow with the pointed corner as face with a
>> nose and then he put my Mardi Gras mask on it..(it was Mardi Gras week)
>> He placed another pillow across the lap part with an open magazine on it.
>
> I think the cabin staff were very creative. We had a man sitting in a
> chair reading one of Kevin's books, very cool!! I find it intersting that
> you and I have so many good memories of our "cruise from hell".lol

I really not think of it as that bad, Sue...I know our itinerary was changed
but it was fun..Looking in my photo album of that cruise, I'd like to take
her again! Our accommodations were superb, thanks to Lori!

--Jean

Jean O'Boyle wrote:
> "Sue and Kevin Mullen" <kjmullen@> wrote in message
> news:4kr9ktFctkqpU2@...
>
>>
>>Jean O'Boyle wrote:
>>
>>
>>>..One night, he stood one pillow up against the headboard and put Ed's
>>>suit jacket on it, a pillow next to it length wise covered by a blanket
>>>with Ed's shoes standing up at the end as if he were sitting up in bed
>>>and he used a small sofa pillow with the pointed corner as face with a
>>>nose and then he put my Mardi Gras mask on it..(it was Mardi Gras week)
>>>He placed another pillow across the lap part with an open magazine on it.
>>
>>I think the cabin staff were very creative. We had a man sitting in a
>>chair reading one of Kevin's books, very cool!! I find it intersting that
>>you and I have so many good memories of our "cruise from hell".lol
>
>
> I really not think of it as that bad, Sue...I know our itinerary was changed
> but it was fun..Looking in my photo album of that cruise, I'd like to take
> her again! Our accommodations were superb, thanks to Lori!

Between the change in itinerary and both me and kevin being sick, it
was the cruise from hell for us, but we still had a good time. I was
looking at one of the itins and really like it. It is something we
have to talk about and find the time to do. If kevin and I pick the
right date, getting another Grand Suite is very doable price wise.

sue

Thus spake Sue and Kevin Mullen <kjmullen@> :

>
>
>Jean O'Boyle wrote:
>> "Sue and Kevin Mullen" <kjmullen@> wrote in message
>> news:4kr9ktFctkqpU2@...
>>
>>>
>>>Jean O'Boyle wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>..One night, he stood one pillow up against the headboard and put Ed's
>>>>suit jacket on it, a pillow next to it length wise covered by a blanket
>>>>with Ed's shoes standing up at the end as if he were sitting up in bed
>>>>and he used a small sofa pillow with the pointed corner as face with a
>>>>nose and then he put my Mardi Gras mask on it..(it was Mardi Gras week)
>>>>He placed another pillow across the lap part with an open magazine on it.
>>>
>>>I think the cabin staff were very creative. We had a man sitting in a
>>>chair reading one of Kevin's books, very cool!! I find it intersting that
>>>you and I have so many good memories of our "cruise from hell".lol
>>
>>
>> I really not think of it as that bad, Sue...I know our itinerary was changed
>> but it was fun..Looking in my photo album of that cruise, I'd like to take
>> her again! Our accommodations were superb, thanks to Lori!
>
>Between the change in itinerary and both me and kevin being sick, it
>was the cruise from hell for us, but we still had a good time. I was
>looking at one of the itins and really like it. It is something we
>have to talk about and find the time to do. If kevin and I pick the
>right date, getting another Grand Suite is very doable price wise.

As far as any potential seasickness is concerned (since we're sailing
during hurricane season), Carol has a bottle of phengran from her
chemo. We'll pack that along with the Bonnine.

>
>sue
--
dillon

How much power does it take to run a server farm?
A googlewatt.

Dillon Pyron wrote:

>>Thus spake Sue and Kevin Mullen <kjmullen@> :


>>Between the change in itinerary and both me and kevin being sick, it
>>was the cruise from hell for us, but we still had a good time. I was
>>looking at one of the itins and really like it. It is something we
>>have to talk about and find the time to do. If kevin and I pick the
>>right date, getting another Grand Suite is very doable price wise.
>
>
> As far as any potential seasickness is concerned (since we're sailing
> during hurricane season), Carol has a bottle of phengran from her
> chemo. We'll pack that along with the Bonnine.

Our being sick wasn't seasickness. Mine was a sinus infection made
worse by very bad weather and Kevin's was from over indulging shall we
say.lol

I am so glad to see you and Carol cruising again and being prepared!!
Remember that ginger, even just ginger ale helps with any motion
sickness.

sue

"Dillon Pyron" <dmpyronINVALID@austin.> wrote in message
news:89ofe2hr52h88h15nn9u59d665361ndn6f@...


> But still oriented
> towards the same demographics.


What demographics would that be?

Thus spake Sue and Kevin Mullen <kjmullen@> :

>
>
>Dillon Pyron wrote:
>
>>>Thus spake Sue and Kevin Mullen <kjmullen@> :
>
>
>>>Between the change in itinerary and both me and kevin being sick, it
>>>was the cruise from hell for us, but we still had a good time. I was
>>>looking at one of the itins and really like it. It is something we
>>>have to talk about and find the time to do. If kevin and I pick the
>>>right date, getting another Grand Suite is very doable price wise.
>>
>>
>> As far as any potential seasickness is concerned (since we're sailing
>> during hurricane season), Carol has a bottle of phengran from her
>> chemo. We'll pack that along with the Bonnine.
>
>Our being sick wasn't seasickness. Mine was a sinus infection made
>worse by very bad weather and Kevin's was from over indulging shall we
>say.lol
>
>I am so glad to see you and Carol cruising again and being prepared!!
>Remember that ginger, even just ginger ale helps with any motion
>sickness.
>
>sue

Oh, I'm a great believer in ginger. When we dive in Hawai'i we always
eat ginger snaps on the way to the boat, and take some for between
dives. Once the trades start blowing after about 10, the water gets
very choppy. I've seen 8 foot seas at times, particularly in the
early evening. Nothing quite like trying to climb a ladder to get
back on the boat with all your gear on.
--
dillon

If you can't figure out how to unmunge my
address, email me and I'll explain it.

Thus spake "Von Fourche" <Khonakong@m> :

>
>"Dillon Pyron" <dmpyronINVALID@austin.> wrote in message
>news:89ofe2hr52h88h15nn9u59d665361ndn6f@.. .
>
>
>> But still oriented
>> towards the same demographics.
>
>
> What demographics would that be?
>
20 to 50, families, mainly middle class. People who are taking the
vacation of a life time.

We're the oddballs here. Most people cruise one to three times (well,
most that take a cruise in the first place). What's the average
around here? Fifteen? Twenty?

I say the same thing in the Disney NG. Most people go to Disney World
twice in their life, once as a kid and once as a parent. I've been
there 13 times since 1979 and that makes me a slacker. There are
people who go two to three times a year for 7 to 10 days at a shot.
One friend has gone over 100 times since the first park opened.

I've been to Hawai'i 10 times since 1985 and have dived the four main
islands. That makes me a freak.

Celebrity, HAL and Princess tend to sell towards a more experienced
cruiser, although Celebrity has been going after the rookie market
more in the last five years.
--
dillon

If you can't figure out how to unmunge my
address, email me and I'll explain it.