The Best Rhapsody of the Seas  Pools & Amenities for an Epic Family Vacation

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 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, Rhapsody of the Seas itinerary options are among some of the most interesting in the cruise world — think jaunts across the Aegean, adventures into Alaska and more.

Part of the Royal Caribbean 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 Rhapsody of the Seas 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 already booked or are thinking about booking a family-friendly cruise, here are just a few ways Rhapsody of the Seas pools and amenities make it easy to plan a fun vacation for the whole family.

Key Takeaways

● Rhapsody of the Seas has two main swimming pool areas, one for people of all ages and one for adults only.

● The ship offers plenty of ways to enjoy some friendly competition with your group, whether through the Rock Climbing Wall or the arcade.

● Parents can get away for a bit as kids play at Adventure Ocean Youth Program, a childcare program for kids ages three to 11.

● Every meal on board is sure to be memorable, with dishes even your pickiest eater will adore.

● The entertainment is top-notch, and you can look forward to something different each night.

● Enjoy a movie night under the stars on the pool deck.

● Explore Rhapsody of the Seas cruises to enjoy these amenities and more.

Rhapsody of the Seas Pools: Dive Into Family Fun

Rhapsody of the Seas has two main swimming pools. The family-friendly pool is on Deck 9, which has plenty of room for kids — and the kid in us all — to take a dip. There’s also a large screen nearby to catch an outdoor movie, and plenty of room for sunbathing and relaxing. 

Outside of the main pool area, adults can visit the Solarium, which is for anyone 16 years or older. With a retractable glass roof for indoor and outdoor use and multiple whirlpools, this haven is the perfect spot to take a much-needed reprieve from life’s stresses. 

Now, let’s explore all the Rhapsody of the Seas amenities that equal amazing adventure for people of all ages, on top of the actual end destination.

1. 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 on board 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

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

The main pool isn’t the only option for a swim on board 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 on 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 is 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 three to 11 entertained and engaged with fun, supervised cruise activities for kids, tots and tweens.

4. Every Meal On Board Is 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, free dining option that serves up delicious global fare 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 Hibachi & Sushi®. 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, With Something Different Each Night

6. Have a Movie Night Outside Under The Stars

Enjoy Rhapsody of the Seas Pools and Amenities for Yourself