Western Caribbean Cruise Reviewd by Ana

My husband and I have never been on a cruise ship before but have always been fascinated by the pictures and stories we have heard. This Christmas my husband surprised me with a 7 night cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas leaving out of Galveston, Texas on January 16th thru January 23rd and bound for stops at Key West, Florida, Georgetown, Cayman Islands & Cozumel, Mexico. This trip was a last minute decision as we had a year filled with stress due to a serious work related back injury my husband had suffered and a pending back surgery 2 days after the cruise was to end and an 81 year old mother that needs constant care.

I wondered how on earth we could possibly get everything together on time and break free of all the stress the year had put us through. My first response when he told me was utter shock, how could we begin to relax and enjoy ourselves with so much to handle. Somehow we managed to get all the arrangements in order and I found that the closer it got the more excited we became. Just the thought of the two of us all alone after very few vacations and almost 35 years of marriage was a fantasy.

From the moment our flight took off from Las Vegas, Nevada (we live in Utah) the fantasy became a wonderful dream come true. Our flight landed in Houston and we had a shuttle transfer by bus to the port in Galveston. Everyone on the bus was excited and the driver was very cheerful, when we pulled up and seen the Rhapsody of the Seas we were ecstatic. The ship was beautiful and we couldn't wait to board. Everything was handled quickly and efficiently and within a short time we had our Sea Pass card and we were welcomed aboard.

At every moment there was someone friendly and inviting with answers to any and all questions we had. We roamed the ship for the first couple of hours and couldn't believe how gorgeous it was. Delicious Pina Coladas, Jamaican Music, Country Music, Rock Music, and great live shows, excellent food in the dining room and buffet and so many things to see and do.

I can't say enough about all of our personal staff, whether in the dining room, poolside, lounges or even our room attendant. We no sooner would leave our room and everything was perfectly back in place. Each night became a treat as the pillows were uniquely arranged and there was an animal made out of towels on the bed with treats on our pillows and a schedule for the next day. We would lay on the bed each night and make plans for tomorrow.

Needless to say all good things have to come to an end and we were not ready to return home. The ship had become a comforting home away from home and the ocean and the experience provided us with the relaxation we needed so badly. We were not able to go to Georgetown because of the hurricane damage suffered there but instead were taken to Costa Maya where we enjoyed a day on the beach.

We cannot say enough about all the wonderful memories and times that Royal Caribbean Cruises and Rhapsody of Seas gave to us.An