Name: Jason & Julie Takeshita
Email: julienjason@hawaii.rr.com
Age: 32
Occupation: Airline Customer Service Agent
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: May 16, 1998
Itinerary: 7 day Alaska Inside Passage
FoodDiningRoom: 97
CruiseDirector: 93
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 97
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 93
CabinQuietness: 93
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 89
FoodVariety: 92
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 89
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 92
BeautySalonStaff: 97
EntertainmentLounges: 97
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 92
BeautySalon: 98
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 92
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 May 1998
Time: 03:23:46
Remote Name: 204.210.96.14
Remote User:

Comments

My family and I have just returned from our Inside Passage tour of S.E. Alaska. All I can say is it was everything I expected and more. The Rhapsody of the Seas
is an absolutely beautiful ship. The embarkation process was a bit slow and divided between main and second seating dining. The delays could have been
because of passengers not having their paper work filled out ahead of time rather than the fault of RCCL since our family of 9 were done in 5 minutes. Once we
got aboard they already started feeding us while we waited for the rest of the passengers to embark. My wife and I took a tour of the spa facility while still at the
dock which was very informative and gives you a good opportunity to make an appointment while there are still lots openings.

The dining room service was very good. We had main seating with a table by the window which gave us a very nice view. While the second floor may be nice I
think I prefer the view from the first floor since there's no deck outside the window obstructing your view. Our waiter Phillipe and assistant waiter Hakan were
great. On our first formal night my 4 year old nephew decided to be difficult but Phillipe came by with a coloring book and a plate of french fries and saved the
evening. Both were very entertaining and eager to please. The food was great! One of the best filet mignon's I've ever had. My only complaint is the ice cream
always seemed to be melted. Be sure to bring your video camera on the final dining night as the dining room staff puts on a great parade.

Our cabin steward Byron was very creative. If you leave any clothes laying around the room be ready for a surprise when you come back. A couple of things he
made with our clothes was a turtle and crab. He even made some sailboats with the pillows one night.

Glacier Bay: This place was breathtaking. Capt. Remo positioned us 400 yds. in front of the Margerie Glacier where we were treated to some spectacular calving
(breaking off) of the glacier into the water. Our room had a veranda which was worth the extra money for the private viewing rather than elbowing for position
up on deck. The Rhapsody is equipped with thrusters which allowed Capt. Remo to spin the ship around to let the other side enjoy the view. We were fortunate to
have rooms with verandas on both sides of the ship.

Skagway & Haines: Not much to do in either town. Take an excursion or just enjoy the ship. The Haines stop is only 4 hrs. so dinner is served 1 hr. early to allow
time for shore excursions. We went on the Eagle Preserve & Float Trip. Barely saw one eagle, however the guides were very interesting and entertaining. If you
want to see eagles wait until you dock at Juneau & Ketchikan. They're all over the place. I think it would be better to drop Haines and add more time to Juneau.
Juneau: This is the place to do your shopping. Lots of shops and stores near the docks. Unfortunately we booked 2 excursions which left us with just 30 minutes
to shop around. Ketchikan: Last stop for us. Good place to go fishing. Unfortunately no salmon in town when we were there. The cruise ship price for a 5hr.
fishing excursion is about $175 after you include license and salmon stamp. We booked a charter through the internet which saved us $55 per person. We
used Northern Lights Charters. Very nice people. We actually saw more wildlife here than on any other tour. We followed some porpoises, whales and even saw
an eagle pick up a fish. Hot Tip: If you're one of the unfortunate ones that get purple debarkation tags you have about a 3 hr wait to get off the ship. Go to the
8th floor and head for the bow. Since all the rooms are vacant you can take your own mini tour of the suites. Don't miss the Royal Suite!

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