Cruise Reviews

Brilliant Holiday.
Reviewed By: Hawkins., Eastleigh, Hants. on 28th Jul 2008
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: MSC Rhapsody Sailed: July, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 56-65
If you want bold/brash and bling this is not the cruise for you, M S C Rhapsody is a small ship with big appeal. The decor is mutted being an older ship (1977) but it has charm and ellegance of an old lady.
The cabins are small and can be noisey when children are around, high summer should be avoided if you are looking for peace and relaxation.
The food we found to be excellent, we tried the outrigger buffet a few times but it gets busy (of course) so we moved to the Meridian Restaurant, where the service was excellent as in the evening and the food delicious.
The activities were varied and with something for everyone. Their was plenty to do in the pool area, lots of fun and activites for those who wanted a break from sunbathing.
With a different port each day we had a problem fitting in all the things we wanted to do. Shore excursions were availabe and the guests we spoke to enjoyed them, although they can be expensive, but good value for money, especially as the tour guides are english speaking. We made our own arrangments to go ashore as we had visited most of the places before.
Plenty of informstion given in the Daily Program, also Port information, with lots of facts and background history/culture and gastronomy tips. The entertainment was very visual, the contents of the show's were limited becouse of no real stage, so viewing was a little difficult. Approriate for the size of Ship and the different nationalities. Rhapsody is an Italian Ship and although plenty on board. we had a good mix of Brits, French, Germans and others. Not to much intercom noise, mostly nessersary information.
The service was excellent all through the ship. Helpful, certious and happy. Tips were given to individuals on leaving ship, no gratuities added to bills, as is the way with some cruise lines. Rhapsody is a good small ship, value for money however if you want rhazamataze go for larger MSC ship.
Quality of Food5
Entertainment3
Shore Excursions5
Staff5
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins3
Overall Rating5
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Question by Baker, Kent (24 Aug 08 15:23) about this REVIEW.
There are four of us going on Rhapsody in October ages from 65 - 85 what dress code - if any is there and are there non-smoking restaurants?
ANSWER
Question by Dixon, Wymondham (15 Aug 08 19:51) about this REVIEW.
I'm booked on a 21 day fly/cruise 3 march to Durban then East Africa etc to Genoa. Any info on the following please:- a. Standard of the library. Is it good, bad or indifferent b. Is there a self-service laundry c. We are booked on Deck 3, midships, outside cabin. What's it like I wonder? Thanks Stan Dixon
ANSWER
Answer by Longland, Southampton (29 Sep 08 18:01) to a QUESTION by Dixon (15 Aug 08 19:51)
Try to change from midships to fore or aft see my review 29th sept; library small no laundry
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Answer by Hawkins, Eastleigh, Hants. (16 Aug 08 18:01) to a QUESTION by Dixon (15 Aug 08 19:51)
Hi WE found the library very good, better than on some larger ships, however, we took some books with us (obtained at our local charity shop) and left them on board at end of holiday. Their is no self service laundry on board however, their is a laundry service via cabin steward, but a bit pricy! Our cabin was on deck 3 number 3040,two small portholes, bit tight for hanging space but kept very clean and we found it very comfortable. Hope you enjoy your holiday as much as we did. Regards Phil & Shirley
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Question by Sutton, Ellesmere Port (13 Aug 08 18:14) about this REVIEW.
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 Hawkins., Eastleigh, Hants. (25 Aug 08 10:36) to a QUESTION by Sutton (13 Aug 08 18:14)
Hi All the food areas are none smoking including the restaurant. The norm is smart casual ie no shorts or tee shirts in restaurant. On gala nights dinner jackets and bow tie or suit and tie preffered. In general people tended to dress for dinner even on none gala nights. Enjoy your holiday, regards Phil & Shirley Hawkins.
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Answer by Hawkins, Eastleigh, Hants. (14 Aug 08 12:22) to a QUESTION by Sutton (13 Aug 08 18:14)
Hi The norm is smart casual, ie no shorts or tee shirts in restaurant. Their were two gala nights during our cruise, dinner jacket and bow tie or suit and tie preffered but the few who did not conform on gala nights were not turned away. A number of the woman wore trousers and it seemed quite exceptable. The carafes of wine were we found very acceptable and good value. We tried lunch in both self service and restaurant and found we preffered the restaurant. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate served in cabin free of charge. Drinks from bar were served in cabin at normal bar prices. Any other questians will be happy to answer, regards Phil & Shirley Hawkins.
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Question by Fripp, Gillitts (26 Oct 08 13:38) about an ANSWER by Hawkins (14 Aug 08 12:22)
Hi do you have by any chance a bar list with prices?
ANSWER
Answer by Hawkins., Eastleigh, Hants. (27 Oct 08 21:37) to a QUESTION by Fripp (26 Oct 08 13:38)
Hi Afraid not however, drinks tended to be around the 6 Euro mark for cocktails and double / treble spirits. Carafe of house wine red, white or rose was 9 Euros. Large beers also around the 6 Euro mark. Regards Phil
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COMMENT
Question by Coombe, Iver (01 Sep 08 14:11) about an ANSWER by Hawkins (14 Aug 08 12:22)
Do the ladies wear evening dress (long dresses)for Garla Nights.
ANSWER

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