Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas

Cruises
Year of construction/Renovation
1997 / 2012
Tonnage
78,878 t.
Number of decks
12
Passengers
2040
Maximum speed
22 knots
Length
279 m.
Width
32.2 m.

Updated: 9 min read

Description

Rhapsody of the Seas - a Royal Caribbean International Vision-class cruise ship that combines sea panoramas, dining relaxation, and getting to know the ports along the route. The vessel has been in operation since 1997 and is designed to accommodate approximately 2 040 guests with double occupancy.

The liner is ideal for those who enjoy spending the day on excursions, and then returning in the evening for dinner, live music, and a theatrical show. Large windows in public areas help preserve the feeling of traveling by sea, and among the places to relax are an outdoor pool and Solarium with a retractable roof.

On board, there is a main restaurant, the Windjammer buffet, Park Café, and specialty restaurants. For active leisure, there is a rock climbing wall, a fitness center, a running track, and table tennis. Children have access to age-based Adventure Ocean programs.

Cabins on Rhapsody of the Seas
Category Features
Interior Accommodation without a window for those who spend a lot of time in ports and public areas
Window, Ocean View Natural light and a view outside; in some categories the view may be limited
Balcony Private outdoor space to relax and watch the sea
Suite More living space; layout and additional privileges depend on the category

Before choosing a cabin, check its number on the deck plan: the area, number of berths, availability of connecting doors, and any possible restrictions on the view. For a family, it’s important not only how many people can stay there, but also what type of accommodations they are: a sofa, an upper berth, or a separate bedroom.

Itineraries and the upcoming European program

Departure ports and sailing regions depend on the season. Choose a sailing by the schedule of a specific date, not just by the ship name.

For the 2028-2029 season, Royal Caribbean has announced a year-round European program for Rhapsody of the Seas. The general schedule lists sailings from Piraeus, Barcelona, and Lisbon with durations of 7-12 nights.

From May to October 2028, in particular, weekly trips to Greece, Turkey, and Egypt are planned. On selected sailings, overnight stays in Istanbul or Alexandria are included.

Starting in November 2028, cruises of 9-12 nights have been announced, with visits to the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, and Eastern Mediterranean countries. The list of ports and the port of embarkation vary between sailings. This is a future program that may be adjusted.

Check the available cruises on Rhapsody of the Seas in the catalog Simple.Cruises or contact us for route and cabin selection.

We recommend Rhapsody of the Seas for adult travelers and families for whom port calls, sea views, and a classic cruise atmosphere are important.

The liner will be a great choice if you’re planning busy days with shore excursions, enjoy live music, theatre, and relaxing by the pool. Families can combine shared activities with age-appropriate Adventure Ocean programs.

When comparing it with larger ships, consider the difference in onboard entertainment: on Rhapsody of the Seas there is no FlowRider, ice rink, carousel, or a large water park. If these attractions determine your choice, it’s worth comparing other Royal Caribbean ships.

Programs on board

The daily schedule will help you plan your vacation between port calls. On board the liner, there are quizzes, dance classes, musical performances, themed evenings, games, and open-air movie screenings.

Check the time and location of the events in the Royal Caribbean app and in the daily Cruise Compass program. The schedule changes depending on the itinerary, weather, and the length of the cruise.

Some events are included in the fare. Tastings, select workshops, excursions through the ship’s service areas, bingo, and some other activities may require booking and an additional fee.

Dining

On Rhapsody of the Seas, you can alternate dinner with table service, a buffet, and light snacks.

Venue Format Payment
Main Dining Room Main restaurant with set menu and table service Standard menu included in the fare
Windjammer Buffet with international cuisine Standard meals included
Park Café Sandwiches, salads and light snacks Standard dishes included
Chops Grille Steakhouse Additional charge
Giovanni’s Table Italian cuisine Additional charge
Izumi Japanese cuisine, sushi and rolls Additional charge
Chef’s Table Tasting dinner for a small group Separate booking and payment

For dinner in the main restaurant, Royal Caribbean offers either a traditional fixed dining time slot or My Time Dining. Availability of the desired option depends on your booking; for My Time Dining, it is recommended to reserve your time in advance.

Coffee drinks from the Café Latte-tudes menu and drinks in the bars are paid separately or may be covered by the corresponding package. Additional menu items, including premium dishes, may also have an extra charge.

A continental breakfast delivered to your stateroom under standard conditions is included; for other orders, a service charge may apply for Room Service. The operating hours of venues and the applicable terms are available in the cruise program.

Entertainment

Your otdih on Rhapsody of the Seas can be built around the pools, music, and evening shows.

  • Pools and jacuzzis. The ship has two pools and six jacuzzis.

  • Solarium. An adults-only relaxation area with a pool under a retractable roof; access rules are set by the company.

  • Rock climbing wall. Sessions are held during specified hours; there are requirements for age, equipment, and participation.

  • Sports. Fitness center, running track, and table tennis.

  • Theater. Productions, dance and music performances, and guest artists.

  • Evening program. Live music, themed parties, poolside movie screenings, and game shows.

For a calmer evening, Schooner Bar with piano music, the panoramic Viking Crown Lounge, or R Bar are ideal. Drinks are paid according to the menu or the terms of your package.

On board, you can also enjoy Casino Royale, arcade machines, and Vitality Spa. Wagers, games, purchases, and procedures are paid separately. Use of the gym is usually included, while some group classes may be paid.

Tips

As of October 18, 2026, Royal Caribbean publishes the following daily gratuity amounts per guest:

Accommodation Category Amount per person per day
Cabins not in Suite category 18,50 USD
Suite 21,00 USD

If gratuities are not paid in advance, they are automatically added to your SeaPass onboard account. Check the rate for your category and the prepayment terms in your booking confirmation.

Separately, the company specifies 20% gratuities for purchases of drinks and drink packages, specialty dining and restaurant packages, the SPA and salon, Room Service and the minibar.

Under Royal Caribbean’s current policy, gratuities can be adjusted or removed via Guest Relations until the morning of disembarkation. For future cruises, especially the 2028-2029 season, the amounts must be rechecked before payment.

Beverage Packages

Drinks package can be selected according to your usual vacation style. The price depends on the sailing, the purchase date, and the offers available in My Royal Cruise.

Package Main contents
Deluxe Beverage Package Alcoholic beverages within the terms of the package and a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages
Refreshment Package Non-alcoholic cocktails, specialty coffee and tea, bottled water and juices according to the terms of the package
Classic Soda Package Fountain soft drinks
Water Package Order a set of bottled water with delivery to the cabin

Each package is intended for one guest. As a general rule, the alcoholic package must be purchased for all guests of the same stateroom who have reached the permitted drinking age. Other packages may be arranged individually.

Room Service and the minibar are not covered by standard beverage packages. For the alcoholic package, check the per-drink price limits and exclusions; these conditions may change.

The package is not mandatory for dining onboard. Drinking water, regular coffee and tea, and some beverages at designated venues are available within the standard fare. Before purchasing, compare the full package price with your expected menu expenses.

Kids clubs

Adventure Ocean with activities for children aged 3-11 years operates on Rhapsody of the Seas.

Group Age
Aquanauts 3-5 years
Explorers 6-8 years
Voyagers 9-11 years

The program includes creativity, team games, themed activities, and getting to know peers. To participate in Adventure Ocean, the child must be able to use the toilet independently and be without diapers. Please confirm the session schedule and registration order onboard.

Separate activities and a space to socialize are provided for teens. The composition of the program depends on the number and ages of participants on the voyage.

Standard Adventure Ocean activities are included in the fare, but late evening supervision may be available for an additional fee. For children under three years old, the availability, hours, and cost of Royal Babies & Tots Nursery must be confirmed for the specific voyage; this is not part of the free program for children aged three and above.

The cost of the cruise includes

The standard fare on Rhapsody of the Seas usually includes:

  • accommodation in the cabin of the booked category and standard cabin cleaning;

  • main dining in Main Dining Room, Windjammer and Park Café;

  • basic non-alcoholic beverages in designated venues;

  • main theatre shows, live music and many activities included in the daily program;

  • use of pools, jacuzzis and available public areas;

  • gym, running track, table tennis and rock-climbing wall in accordance with the participation rules;

  • standard Adventure Ocean age programs.

Port fees, taxes, gratuities and additional packages should be checked for the specific offer. The price breakdown must be stated in the booking confirmation.

Suite privileges are determined by the booked category. Access to lounges, priority service and other benefits should be checked separately; the set of services in a Junior Suite may differ from higher categories.

Additional charges apply

If not directly included in your offer, the following are paid separately:

  • tips and applicable charges for additional purchases;

  • alcohol, soft drinks, special coffee, bottled water and beverage packages;

  • Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, Chef’s Table and other paid menu items;

  • internet VOOM;

  • shore excursions;

  • SPA, beauty salon, separate fitness classes and paid workshops;

  • casino, arcade games, photos, shopping and laundry services;

  • paid Room Service orders, minibar and medical services;

  • infant care and additional evening kids’ sessions under the applicable terms;

  • flight, transfers, hotels, insurance and travel documents.

The Simple.Cruises team will help you compare the total cost of different sailings and choose a stateroom based on your budget, the group makeup, and your vacation preferences.

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Deck plans

Choose a deck to see its plan and the cabin categories on it. The colour of a badge in the list matches the colour of those cabins on the plan.

Deck 12

Cabin categories on deck 12

This deck has no cabins: restaurants, bars, pools and other public areas are here.

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