A New Face of Rhapsody

      One of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships, the 1,998-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas, has emerged from a month-long, $54 million makeover that the line says has transformed it into a "virtually new" vessel.
The top-to-bottom overhaul in a Singapore shipyard brought the 78,491-ton Rhapsody of the Seas a number of new venues that have debuted on newer Royal Caribbean ships including five of the line's most popular restaurant concepts and a nursery for babies as young as 6 months old.
 
     The line also added the infrastructure needed to support a new aerial show in the ship's five-deck-high Centrum atrium; a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members; a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests; shipwide Wi-Fi; and an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck. In addition, all cabins were completely refreshed and received new flat-screen televisions.

     The new eateries include Italian trattoria Giovanni's Table and Izumi Asian Cuisine -- both concepts that first rolled out on Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships. Also new is a Park Cafe deli-style restaurant (another Oasis class innovation), a Chop's Grille steakhouse and a 14-passenger Chef's Table. All but the Park Cafe come with an extra charge.

     The makeover also brought a new atrium bar concept called R Bar first introduced onboard Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas, and the line also overhauled the ship's iconic Viking Crown Lounge.
Rhapsody of the Seas this week will embark on a 15-night voyage from Singapore to Sydney before sailing across the Pacific via Hawaii to Alaska for the summer season. In Alaska, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail every Friday on seven-night, round-trip cruises from Seattle, calling at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, B.C.

     Built at the Chantiers de L'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, the 14-year-old Rhapsody of the Seas set sail on its maiden voyage on May 19, 1997.