Today in Cruise port St. Maarten: Rhapsody of the Seas
As one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, visitors of St. Maarten see a lot of ships pass by the St. Maarten Cruise Port often with unique designs and features. Visitors enjoying their breakfast or lunch in the many hotels on Great Bay Beach might wonder about what vessels they see in port. This blog tries to share background information and stories behind the ships disembarking in the Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port. Today we explore some facts about Royal Caribbeans Rhapsody of the Seas.
1. A Grande Dame of the Royal Caribbean Fleet
Royal Caribbeans Rhapsody of the Seas has been a frequent visitor of the St. Maarten cruise port. Experience helps in this frequency: the ship was built in 1997 in St. Nazaire, France. But do not be fooled by this respectable age for a cruise ship; she was profoundly refitted in 2012 and 2016. Royal Caribbean seized the adjustment opportunity amongst others to add specialty dining experiences Chef’s Table, Izumi, and Giovanni’s Table.
2. A Cruise Ship Designed with Vision
The 264 meter vessel can hold 2435 passengers. She is part of the Vision Class of the Royal Caribbean fleet. Her sister ship is Vision of the Seas. Living up to this panoramic claim, one of the most renowned features of this ship is its views of the ocean, reinforced by big windows in public areas.
3. For the Relaxed Passenger
Another appreciated feature of the ship is its spacious architecture, going beyond just the abundant vistas. Passengers praise the tranquillity compared to the lively “amusement park” parts of its larger counterparts Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. With todays port of call St. Maarten on the horizon, Rhapsody of the Seas passengers will not worry too much about the offer of things to do on their cruise regardless.
4. A Binational Character
Like binational St. Maarten / St. Martin, Rhapsody of the Seas has a dual nation heritage. From its inception to 2005 , Rhapsody of the Seas carried the Norwegian flag; as of that year the ship became a Bahamian vessel. Adding to its international features is the fact that previously the Rhapsody of the Seas was also stationed in Galveston (Texas), Sao Paolo (Brazil) Seattle (Washington), Singapore, Busan (South Korea) and Hong Kong (China).
5. Popular Vessel for A Cruise from St. Maarten to St. Thomas
Contrary to most cruise ships departing from Florida to St. Maarten, Rhapsody of the Seas has San Juan as its home base. From there its Eastern Caribbean round includes the Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Basseterre and Bridgetown.
6. See the Panoramic Vistas (from the vista side, that is)
Special features to look out for when this ship is in the Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port today: The many large windows providing great views of the ocean and ports of call.
Back to Visit St Maarten main page
Back to Visit St Maarten blog main page