Magic makeover for veteran vessel

AFTER a $54 million facelift, the Rhapsody of the Seas is more sophisticated and will appeal to those after finer cuisine and exclusive retreats, writes Caroline Gladstone.

rhapsody of the seas escape

AFTER five summer seasons plying Australian waters on coastal itineraries and cruises to the South Pacific islands and New Zealand, Rhapsody of the Seas has been given a $54 million facelift.

The 15-year old ship, which has carried more than 175,000 Australian and New Zealand passengers since 2007, emerged from a month-long refurbishment in March all shiny and new.

Cruising from Sydney to Hawaii on its second sailing since the refit, I revelled in excellent service on a mid-size ship with all the trappings of modern cruising.

The refurbishment, in which all cabins were redecorated from floor to ceiling, seemed designed to raise the vessel to a more sophisticated level and appeal to passengers who wanted affordable cruising but were prepared to pay a little extra for finer cuisine and exclusive retreats.

Rhapsody is the third vessel in Royal Caribbean International's 22-ship fleet to be made over.

Extra dining options, a radically redesigned Centrum area, more entertainment options and new carpets, curtains and re-upholstered furniture are the main changes.

The ship has three new speciality restaurants, as well as a Chef's Table private dining venue, a modern poolside cafe and a coffee nook serving Starbucks beverages to complement the existing dining room and buffet restaurant.

Also new are 21 cabins on Decks 7 and 8, added to spaces previously taken up by the library, card room and other small venues, together with a brand new owner's suite.Despite the extra accommodation, the ship now carries about 100 fewer passengers, with a maximum capacity of 2000.

The Centrum area on Deck 4 now sports the 1960s-style R Bar and a bigger dance floor/stage area for bands, dance lessons, cooking demonstrations and aerial gymnastics displays.

Not all of the 1940 passengers on my cruise embraced the new look  - there were gripes about the removal of the library and card room, and the now busy and noisy Centrum. However, most flocked to the entertainment provided there, which included line dancing, hula lessons and late-night dance parties.The three additional-charge restaurants have brought the ship in line with competitors, while the Chef's Table  - a 14-seat private room offering a five-course degustation menu and matching wines  - was a hit.

New speciality restaurants are Giovanni's Table and Chops Grille, both on Deck 6 in spaces previously used as lounges and meeting rooms, and the Japanese eatery Izumi, which has been hived off from a section of the Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 11.

Giovanni's serves three courses of Italian fare for $US15 ($A15) at lunch and $US20 at dinner; Chops Grille is an elegant steakhouse with a surcharge of $US30 a person for a three-course meal.

The fourth new venue, Park Cafe, near the adults-only Solarium Pool on Deck 9, serves light and healthy fare and was one of the most popular places on board.

Open for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks, its concept is similar to the spa cuisine cafes on Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line, Celebrity Cruises.Also popular, although not to my taste, was the new Lattetudes, which serves hot and cold Starbucks coffees and ice creams (at extra cost), and free pastries.

The constant queues no doubt reflect the generally poor coffee included in the tariff. Despite the refit, Royal Caribbean really needs to spend some money on new coffee machines and better beans.

Beyond the good food, the entertainment and service are the ship's stand-out features and each area has been enhanced. A huge outdoor screen has been added to the main pool on Deck 9, with movies shown twice a day, while an excellent digital touch-screen system is on each deck near the elevators to help passengers find their way around and view the day's activities.

And WiFi is now available shipwide.

All in all, Rhapsody of the Seas is a very smart-looking ship, with an ultra-friendly vibe. Each cabin has been refreshed with new flatscreen TVs, bedding, carpets, drapes and bathrooms, although it is a pity the curtains and carpets clash, despite each being quite attractive.

Extra benefits for families include a new Royal Babies & Tots Nursery for children aged six months to three years, while suite guests and frequent cruisers have private lounges where perks include complimentary evening drinks and canapes.

-- The writer was a guest of Royal Caribbean International.

 Go2

- RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS

 Cruising there

Rhapsody of the Seas is cruising in Alaska until mid-September and will return to Australia in October for a six-month season.

Fares for an 11-night Tropical Queensland cruise in December start at $1095 a person, twin share (based on an interior cabin).

The cost of the 18-night cruise from Sydney to Hawaii, via Fiji and Samoa, which departs in April next year, starts at $1905 a person, twin share.

All fares include taxes, fees and onboard gratuities.

Ph 1800 754 500 or see www.royalcaribbean .com.au