Cruise Reviews

great holiday on msc rhapsody

Reviewed By: warner, west bromwich on 28th Jul 2008
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: MSC Rhapsody Sailed: July, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 46-55
Having booked a special offer cruise on msc rhapsody and then reading reviews we were very dubious about this holiday, but what a surprise. The ship although small in comparison to others was exceedingly clean and well maintained. The staff were very approachable and friendly. The cabins were cleaned twice a day and towels changed twice a day. The breakfasts and lunches in the buffett resturant were excellent with plently of choice. Cakes with afternoon tea were delicious.The evening meals are all al a carte in the main resturant. The food was excellent although I found that some of the choices were not for me, but the waiters were always willing to change the choice and bring something else. Some of the places we visited in Italy were not very nice and the shops closed at 1pm so if you didn't dock until midday you couldn't shop.
Entertainment in the main show lounge very limited but the lads in the 8 bells disco bar entained non stop day and night. They worked very hard and were very friendly. The entertainment did border on Italian and ballroom dances, but they also arrange club games for everyone and a good elvis night.

Sardinia was very pretty and easy to get around on the bus. No 4 bus at end of port will take you to pitulongu beach which was beautiful costs about 1 euro.
Malta is clean and excellent for shops. Bus at the end of the port will take you to Valletta town for 2 euros return. We visited The Pub where Oliver Reed died. Very friendly pub with lots of pictures and information about him. (archbishop street)

We also visited Portafino which the ship transfered us by tender to the shore. Lovely town and it is millionaires area very expensive but well worth the trip.

In general the plus points were service, food and a good experience of cruising. The minus points were expensive drinks and limited choice of eating areas for the evening.

But overall I would certainly not put anyone off booking this cruise.
Quality of Food5
All resturants
Entertainment5
Showboat lounge limited entertainment but 8 belles disco catered for all tastes and nationalities
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
Ramon Maitre d and the boys in the 8 belles disco
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins5
Overall Rating5
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Comment by warner, west bromwich (07 Aug 08 11:58) about this REVIEW.
They have gala evenings about 2 during the week.Some people wore suits but others wore trousers and shirt. They do not force the dress code. Some women wore cocktail dresses whilst others wore trousers and a blouse. It is pretty much what you feel comfy in. on the casual nights people wore jeans (men and women.)
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Question by Seager, Orpington (06 Aug 08 13:34) about this REVIEW.
Hello, Can you tell me the dress code for this ship? We have recently been on RCI (a few dressy evenings) and Ocean Village (wear what you like)! Thanks.
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Question by mckindland, Waterlooville (28 Jul 08 21:41) about this REVIEW.
Can you comment on the cabin you had.We're booked on the Rhapsody in 5 weeks and it's good to read a positive review-thankyou for that. We've an outside cabin on deck 2 (last minute). Have cruised before on bigger ships but chose this for its size and also note we are in the same age bracket as yourselves if it has any relevance. thanks
ANSWER
Answer by warner, west bromwich (29 Jul 08 00:05) to a QUESTION by mckindland (28 Jul 08 21:41)
we up graded to deck 4 and found the cabin about the same size as a bedroom in a static caravan. plenty of room for 2 people. A bit squashed if you have a cabin for 3 or 4 as the bunks take up the side of the beds. If you drink lager take the package 14 pints for 63 euros as it works out a little bit cheaper. You have to pay for water or fizzy drinks. But we filled water bottles during breakfast and lunch times from the water dispenser and brought water and coke in the ports and brought them back on ship. Duty free drinks in the shop on the ship were good value and you can keep them in your room.
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Question by Sutton, Ellesmere Port (13 Aug 08 18:16) about an ANSWER by warner (29 Jul 08 00:05)
Hi, thought your review very helpful. Could we ask what the dress code is? Are there any formal nights when we have to dress up i.e suits and ties for men. Also can women wear trousers on formal occasions? We are boarding on 27th august. Any other info/tips we would be very grateful. Many thanks Mary
ANSWER
Answer by warner, west bromwich (14 Aug 08 12:42) to a QUESTION by Sutton (13 Aug 08 18:16)
They have 2 formal nights. Some men wore suits with shirt and tie others wore trousers shirt and tie. Women wore dresses and trousers on these nights. They do not force the dress code. Drinks expensive on the ship but if you do drink ask the waitresses in the bar for a drinks booklet = 14 lagers 62 euros, soft drink booklets cheaper. Spirits on board in the duty free shop are a good price and you can take these to your cabin. Buy soft drinks and water off the ship each day this works out cheaper. You can fill water bottles during breakfast and lunch in the buffet area from the dispenser otherwise you have to buy them on the ship. food is excellent but if you ordered something and you dont like it the waiters will replace it for you. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. If you get the chance to go on the tender to Portafino it is well worth it. Hope you have a lovely time.
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Comment by Neill, Cape Town (13 Oct 08 08:14) about an ANSWER by warner (14 Aug 08 12:42)
Thank you. This information is very helpful. Do they sell beers in the duty free shop? If so, do you remember the prices? We sail on Rhapsody 5 weeks from today.
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Comment by warner, west bromwich (23 Oct 08 12:01) about a COMMENT by Neill (13 Oct 08 08:14)
can't remember seeing beers in duty free. mainly spirits, chocolate etc. the beers are expensive on board but if you buy the ticket books from the bar they do work out a little cheaper otherwise buy in the ports and take on ship.
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