How To Have An Epic Family Vacation Onboard Rhapsody Of The Seas

This guest-loved cruise ship is the perfect option for families that love sun-soaked days and entertainment-filled nights.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on Septemeber 22, 2023

Not every family getaway has to be packed with thrills and new discoveries to occupy every moment of every day. Sometimes, all you need is a spacious pool, some great food and drinks and a few ways to keep the vacation vibes going strong long after the sun goes down. It’s why many seasoned cruisers return to Rhapsody of the Seas. This longtime gem feels a more intimate and low-key than the bigger mega-ships with their next-level onboard attractions and head-spinning list of activities to choose from. What’s more, its smaller size makes it ideal for navigating hard-to-reach ports that larger ships can’t access. For this reason, itineraries onboard Rhapsody of the Seas are among some of the most interesting in the cruise world — think jaunts across the Aegean, adventures into Alaska and more.

Part of Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class, Rhapsody of the Seas is a mid-sized cruise ship that accommodates 2,000 passengers — in my opinion, it’s the perfect size for anyone looking to rest and recharge during a getaway. That said, the ship also offers plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained, so you never have to worry about getting bored during sea days. You’ll find several of the cruise line’s classic attractions onboard — its 40-foot Rock Climbing Wall, a large main pool with plenty of seating, whirlpools that are great for unwinding in, incredible entertainment every night and a food scene sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Parents will also be pleased to know the ship offers the award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program, where they can drop off little ones for hours of supervised fun with other kids their age.

If you’ve booked or are thinking about booking a family-friendly cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas, here are just a few ways this ship makes it easy to plan a fun vacation for the whole family.

1. It Offers Plenty Of Ways To Enjoy Some Friendly Competition

My family is a competitive bunch. From sports to board games, we forge some of the best memories together when we’re trying to score bragging rights over one another. Lucky for us — and for you, if your crew is anything like mine — Rhapsody of the Seas offers lots of activities to fuel your competitive fire. One of my favorites is the Rock Climbing Wall, because even if you’re the slowest one to reach the top, you’ll still feel like a winner once you get a load of the dazzling views that stretch in every direction. Even if you’re not a video game aficionado, the arcade onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas is another great way to compete with relatives during your family vacation while still having a blast. One of the ship’s top cruise activities for teens, it’s home to modern hits as well as classic games parents will remember from their own childhoods — plus interactive games even the littlest travelers can participate in.

2. The Pool Scene Alternates Between Lively And Chill

Another thing that makes Rhapsody of the Seas such a gem for family cruises is that it caters to a wide range of preferences. Take the pool deck, for example. In the mornings and early evenings, it’s a chill, tranquil place to enjoy the sea breezes and sunshine in between dips in the pool and whirlpools. During the main part of the day, though, you can look forward to live musical performances, bellyflop competitions and even line dancing — all hosted by the cruise director. And at night, DJs regularly host pool parties for anyone who wants to live it up after dark. The spacious, shaded hot tubs on either side of the pool are great hangout spots if you just want to kick back and watch the action unfold around you. No matter what time of day you arrive, you’ll find plenty of lounge seating.

3. Parents Can Get Away For A While As Kids Play At Adventure Ocean

The main pool isn’t the only option for a swim onboard Rhapsody of the Seas. There’s another lagoon-like pool located in an area called the Solarium, on Deck 9. This serene hideaway is my favorite place on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and the one onboard Rhapsody of the Seas is downright beautiful. It has a crystal canopy roof that’s retractable, so you can lounge or swim no matter what the weather or temperature is like outside. There are also a bar steps away that is always well-stocked with beers, wines, and classic vacation libations. Though it’s open to guests aged 16 and older, the Solarium is mainly a go-to spot for adults and parents who want to enjoy a little grown-up time after dropping the kiddos off at Adventure Ocean. In case you’re new to the brand, this is an award-winning (complimentary) childcare program that keeps little ones aged 3-11 entertained and engaged with fun, supervised cruise activities for kids, tots and tweens.

4. Every Meal Onboard Is Sure To Be Memorable

The best family cruises — scratch that, the best family vacations period — involve good food. For me, at least, delicious meals are a key component of any getaway. And on Rhapsody of the Seas, there’s no such thing as a disappointing breakfast, lunch or dinner. The ship offers a diverse array of cruise dining options, including both complimentary and specialty restaurants. Windjammer is a wonderful choice for families with little ones. It’s a casual, buffet-style complimentary dining option that serves up delicious global far all day long, with plenty of options that can accommodate any dietary restrictions. And because many of its stations rotate every day, you can enjoy something different every time you visit — or stick to your tried-and-true favorites. The Main Dining Room is another must. Dinners here are lavish, multi-course affairs in an elegant, sophisticated setting. Like Windjammer, every bite here is complimentary.

For an authentic taste of Old-World Italy, head to Giovanni’s^TM Table, a trattoria-style specialty restaurant that spotlights hearty pastas in homemade sauces and traditional entrees like polpette alla Romana and veal osso buco. For the finest sushi at sea, hit up Izumi. And for a spectacular steakhouse experience, there’s no place like Chops Grille^SM. The most coveted and exclusive reservation onboard, however, is Chef’s Table — a private, five-course epicurean journey for a small group of foodies led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine.

5. The Entertainment Is Top-Notch, And You Can Look Forward To Something Different Each Night

I love a great show, and the ones onboard Rhapsody of the Seas go above and beyond showstopping. There’s Ballroom Fever, a dazzling showcase of ballroom dance that includes the tango, the jive, the waltz, the rumba and more. If singalongs are more your jam, you’ll love Piano Man, which brings to life the greatest hits of contemporary “piano men” with extravagant costumes and world-class talent. And for some southern swagger, reserve seats for New Country, where the soundtrack cycles through honky tonk, bluegrass and new country in a knee-slappin’ show that’ll have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet. All the family-friendly cruise entertainment onboard this ship is free for guests — just reserve your seats at the Box Office or via the Cruise Planner App.

6. You Can Take Movie Night Outside Under The Stars

There comes a night during all family cruises when you just want to spend a relaxed evening in. Rhapsody of the Seas takes things a step further by taking movie night outdoors to the pool deck. Grab a few towels, claim some chaise loungers and snuggle up with your loved ones poolside as blockbuster hits and silver-screen classics play out on a massive projector screen. With the stars twinkling above, the waves crashing all around you and the cool whisper of sea breezes on your face, it’s the perfect way to end a day filled with family fun in the sun.

These are just some of the many ways families can maximize every moment of their cruise getaway onboard Rhapsody of the Seas. Discover what else this fan-favorite cruise ship has to offer, or find the perfect itinerary for your next vacation and lock it.