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Royal Caribbean's
Rhapsody of the Seas
December 17 - 27, 2011
Cruise Review
by
Jason Griffiths

Date:  Sunday, January 1, 2012 8:06 PM
From: "Jason Griffiths" <jasongriffiths@bigpond.com>
Subject:  Review

Rhapsody of the Seas - December 17 - 27, 2011

As a first time cruiser I was hesitant about cruising instead of going on a 'normal' holiday to a specific location. We used this as a family Xmas for the whole family to get together(3 families). To my surprise this was one of the best holidays I have experienced and would recommend it to others. The Cruise was fantastic from the friendly crew, great food, very well maintained suite (Thanks Michael), excellent waiter service from Bozi & Claudio, to the varied and many activities on board. We could do as much as we wanted or as little and also could spend time with family without having to live in each others pockets as happens at Xmas time when families get together. We went on the 10 night South Pacific Cruise and the port stops were good. For those unsure a few tips would be:1. Excursions: pre-book your shore trips before departure to avoid missing out. Once on the islands it becomes limited to what you can experience and they book out quickly once on board.2. Currency:For French islands have Pacific Franc (XPF) especially Noumea. All other locations take Australian dollars. Don't take US dollars. Lost money converting from and back to AUD. You can exchange currency on board as well. Don't need cash on board as have seapass card. Would recommend using Visa or like as those with cash constantly had to go and top up their account and settle on last night. You get receipt for everything you purchase so you can stick to your budget or not.3. Islands: Noumea - Polenesians welcoming, remainder rude. Avoid cafe/takeaway shop near market as owner extremely rude. Noumea Least desired location. Next time I would remain on board. Villa - Unfortunately it rained when we were there and a lot of tours cancelled. Nice place, get bombarded by taxis when depart ship. negotiate price first. They will offer you tours to other areas as soon as you get in the cab. Mystery Is. - Small island with snorkelling, take some gear with you on the ship or buy it in Villa for $12 AUD. Take some cash as locals do offer reef trips etc from as little as $30 PP,which was not detailed on board as it is not part of liners shore excursions. Very nice people with some interesting photo opportunities. Lifou - Fantastic snorkelling about 15 min walk from where dropped off, lots of coral, clams, turtles and varieties of colourful fish. Local dancers and food good. Isle of Pines - Very picturesque with fantastic beaches and swimming. Have a half Lobster on the beach for $15.4. Pricing of drinks. I was surprised at cost of drinks. To compare, went to King Pin Townsville and wife had a cocktail at $12.50 on board range from $6.95 to approx $10 depending on what you get. Coronas at about $6. Very well priced for where I thought you would get hit hardest. I would only recommend soft drink package for kids not adults. Drink machines avail in Windjammer restaurant and other locations throughout ship for free at all times of day/night.5. Kids club activities were well enjoyed by my nephew who really enjoyed it.6. Shops - On board shops had all your basic toiletries that you would require if you forget to pack it. Also lots of jewellery, watches etc. Cheap duty free alcohol. 2 ltrs Bacardi for $20.7. Laundry - $15 for a bag of underwear, shorts and shirts.Boarding/Departing - Boarding took approx 1.5 hrs to get through customs and registered on the ship, departing was less than 20 minutes.Overall, rate it has one of our best holiday experiences and suffering from PCD "Post Cruise Depression" as we get back home to normal daily life. Already looking in to cruise for next year with Royal Carribean. Thoroughly recommend it.