After a month-long $54 million dry dock, Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas has emerged from Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard (a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine Ltd.) as a virtually new ship. The newly revamped Rhapsody of the Seas will offer guests a host of new dining options, entertainment and unique features after the ship’s bow-to-stern transformation. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy all of Rhapsody of the Seas new features onboard the ship in Alaska this summer or Australia in the autumn. 

“Rhapsody of the Seas’ dry dock is part of Royal Caribbean International’s multi-ship enhancement and revitalisation strategy to deliver the world’s most innovative cruise ships and exciting itineraries to our guests,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “With every inch of Rhapsody of the Seas renewed, five new restaurants added, the evolution of entertainment in our iconic Centrum, plus an array of new touches, guests will be wowed by what is virtually a new ship.”

The comprehensive make-over introduces a range of guest features and experiences, from the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery designed for the cruise line’s youngest guests, 6 - 36 months old, a Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests and completely refreshed staterooms. Guests will also find staying connected at sea easier with Wi-Fi availability throughout the ship and will be able to enjoy a host of technology enhancements that include, flat-panel televisions in all staterooms, an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck, as well as a digital way-finding system all of which debut on Royal Caribbean International’s latest and world’s most innovative sister ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

For guests looking to tickle their taste buds, Rhapsody of the Seas features an array of new dining options with the addition of five of the fleet’s most highly acclaimed dining concepts: 

·      Giovanni’s Table: An Italian trattoria featuring Italian classics served family-style (open for lunch, $15, and dinner, $20)
·      Izumi Asian Cuisine: Pan Asian cuisine featuring a sushi bar with hot-rock cooking (open for lunch and dinner, $3.00 cover charge for lunch and $5.00 for dinner plus a la carte menu pricing) 
·      Park Café: An indoor/outdoor gourmet market featuring salads, sandwiches, soups and pastries (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, complimentary)
·      Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean International’s signature steakhouse offering premium cuts and quality meats (open for dinner, $25 per person) 
·      Chef’s Table: An exclusive and private experience co-hosted by the executive Chef and Sommelier for a wine pairing dinner of five courses (open for dinner, $95 per person). 

The brand new Centrum features enriching daytime activities, nighttime entertainment and a new high-flying performance which includes aerialists gliding through the five-story atrium. Guests can enjoy a cocktail in the 60’s inspired R Bar, a new bar concept first introduced onboard Splendour of the Seas.

Rhapsody of the Seas will embark on a 15-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney (Australia). From there, the ship will sail across the Pacific via Hawaii to its Alaska season in May 2012. In Alaska, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail every Friday on seven-night cruises from Seattle, calling at Juneau and Skagway (Alaska), and Victoria (British Columbia). Guests also will travel through Alaska’s Inside Passage, as well as venture up Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier.