Travel agents are saying that the newly refurbished Rhapsody of the Seas will make the ship easier to sell, thanks in part to the ship's new amenities.
The upgrades that Rhapsody of the Seas received is part of Royal Caribbean's $300 million Royal Advantage program, where the line is looking to upgrade features and services on its older ships to bring them in line with the newer vessels, such as Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
Yuki Battan, owner of a travel agency in Seattle,thinks seeing the upgrades in person will make a difference with clients, "t’s different seeing it and feeling it than just seeing little pictures,” she said. “I can tell clients I got to taste the food and it was great, or the service was excellent.”
Rhapsody of the Seas has several new dining options, including Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse, Chops Grill, and two restaurants that debuted on the Oasis: Italian restaurant Giovanni’s Table and Asian eatery Izumi.
The ship also has a Park Cafe, the salad and sandwich shop that was born in the Oasis’ Central Park neighborhood. On the Rhapsody, the Park Cafe is on the pool deck.
The ship's five-story Centrum was reinvented and given technology to allow for acrobatics shows done from two chandeliers.
Other new features are a giant screen on the pool deck, a concierge lounge and remodeled bathrooms in all cabins. The Rhapsody also now has the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for passengers under age 3.
