Here are some interesting facts about the ship...
Rhapsody of the Seas was built in France for Royal Caribbean in 1997. She is the fourth in the series of Vision Class Vessels, and the third iteration of the Vision design. Although quite similar in appearance to the Finnish built vessels, Grandeur, and Enchantment of the Seas, and, while being one foot shorter, Rhapsody is larger, the additional tonnage having been derived by extending Rhapsody’s superstructure towards the stern, creating additional interior space in the process. For ship watchers, readily apparent external differences between Rhapsody and Grandeur include: a fin above Grandeur's/Enchantment's Viking Crown, that is absent on Rhapsody; a slightly wider appearance to the funnel on Rhapsody; windows below the bridge on Grandeur, replaced with a cutout deck area on Rhapsody; and, the tenders, located forward on Grandeur, are placed amidships on Rhapsody.
Like her Finnish sisters, the designers of Rhapsody place a reduced emphasis on speed, while increasing that placed on passenger capacity. Rhapsody carries 2,000 passengers, based on double occupancy, and has a maximum of 2,435, if sailing with all available berths filled.
Rhapsody began life on an ominous note. After leaving the shipyard in St Nazaire, France, en route to America, one of the ship’s huge electric motors began to overheat, damaging it. The ship returned to France, where it was determined the damage was not repairable: the motor needed replacement. To maintain it's commitments, and, in spite of the faulty motor, Royal Caribbean accepted delivery of Rhapsody, anticipating only a slight reduction in service speed. During the crossing, it was determined the starboard propeller was able to function at only 50% power, maximum. Service speed was still at an acceptable 22 knots providing the capability of meeting her ambitious schedule in Alaska. The decision was thus made to delay replacing the faulty motor until her first scheduled dry-dock, 2.5 years away.
With use, the motor soon deteriorated to the point where Rhapsody no longer had the speed to meet her Alaskan Itinerary. After several disastrous cruises filled with missed and curtailed port stops, the decision was made to remove her from service at the completion of the Alaskan season to install the replacement motor. She’s been performing reliably since.
Originally, Rhapsody was gauged to be the same size as her Finnish sisters, Grandeur and Enchantment of the Seas. Meanwhile, then competitor Celebrity, began an aggressive marketing campaign for it’s new Galaxy, promoting her as the “newest and largest vessel in Alaska”. Royal Caribbean, had their newest ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, re-measured, arriving at the new figure of 78,491 tons, versus the 75,000 of her original spec. It was now Royal Caribbean who was sailing the "newest & largest vessel in Alaska. Celebrity soon dropped their campaign! Shortly thereafter, it was announced, that Royal Caribbean was purchasing Celebrity, ending the competition.
Rhapsody, like all of the latest breed of Royal Caribbean Vessel, through the generous use of oversized windows and glass walls, provides guest's constant reminders of their being "at sea." Wide, outside promenades, which circle all but the forward section of the ship, provide ample opportunity for passenger's to enjoy romantic, moonlight strolls.
Once again, Royal Caribbean has installed a Dynamic Positioning System, providing Rhapsody the ability to visit ecologically sensitive regions of the world, without the need to drop anchor, potentially, damaging the undersea reefs. Computers, working in conjunction with Global Positioning Systems, control forward and aft thrusters, to maintain the ship within inches of the desired position.
Rhapsody is 915.3 feet in length, 105.6 feet wide, with a 24.9 foot draft. She is 78,491 tons. Registered in Norway, she is operated by Norwegian Officers and an International crew. Many service staff now come from Eastern Europe. Power is supplied by 4 diesel/electric generators.
Rhapsody has one identical twin, Vision of the Seas. Enchantment and Grandeur of the seas are close sisters. Legend and Splendour of the Seas, while sharing similarities, and stemming from the same yard, are more properly classified as prototypes, and cousins in design.
A few other details:
Rhapsody’s keel was laid on December 11, 1995. Royal Caribbean received delivery 16 months later, on April 22, 1997.
There are 14 staterooms designed for physically challenged guests.
Rhapsody’s top speed has been determined to be 23.58 knots. When approaching top speed, those on board should expect some vibration!
Four CEG Alstholm Diesel Generators provide electric power for propulsion. These ARE NOT the same engines which have proven so problematic on Grandeur and Enchantment of the Seas.
Rhapsody was built at a cost of 275 million US Dollars.
During a typical one week cruise, Rhapsody passengers consume:
2, 173 pounds of Striploin
2,200 pounds of Chicken
587 pounds of Lobster
359 pounds of Fresh Salmon
13,038 Eggs
6,500 pounds of Potatoes
1,800 bottles of Wine and Liquor
10,200 cans of Beer
6,120 cans of Soda, and,
543 Gallons of Ice Cream.
