Israel trip (part 2) – Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean cruise from Haifa to #limassol and back on Rhapsody of the Seas

Our transfer from #telaviv to #Haifa port took just over an hour and we were dropped right near the baggage drop area. It was well organised that our luggage was taken from us, and we were free to board the ship. We went through security, passport control and checked in to receive our Set Sail passes. Then it was along the port to our ship. As I am new to cruise the ship seemed massive, even though it was a pretty small ship with only a couple of thousand passengers!

Once on board we popped to our cabin then immediately off to explore the ship. Obviously first stop to check out the bars. So, we went to the pool deck and sat watching out over Haifa. Then as we were a bit peckish as it was lunchtime, we went to the Windjammer café. This is the buffet restaurant with masses of choice. There were fresh salads, a counter where the chef prepares dishes fresh then lots of other options from burgers to roast dinners and then an amazing selection of desserts. Staff were friendly and checked on us. There was also a chap with an ice trolley with cold beers.

After lunch it was back on deck (after our safety demo) to watch as we set sail and join the sail away party. Then back to our cabin (our luggage waiting for us outside) to get cleaned up ready for dinner. I’d booked our dinner in the Edelweiss restaurant each night at 7.45pm. We popped by the Schooner Bar for an aperitif. Dinner in the Edelweiss restaurant was delicious, and our serving team were friendly and helpful. Obviously back to the Schooner Bar after dinner for digestives.

Next day we arrived in Limassol. After breakfast on board, we disembarked. Once off the ship there were coaches waiting to take passengers to either the shopping mall or marina. We took the marina coach and then walked along the sea front to the beach and found a bar to cool down in … with a beer. Then back to the ship for lunch in the Windjammer restaurant with some Greek delights.

Afternoon was chilling by the pool then cleaned up for another fantastic dinner in the Edelweiss restaurant. We then popped to the Schooner Bar again and a slightly messy (but fun night) with various other passengers resulting in Karaoke.

Bit of a slow start the next day but it was a day at sea so a deserved rest day. Today we had breakfast in the Edelweiss restaurant then headed out by the pool. Lots of activities happening including a belly flop contest that we just had to watch.

So, our final night was another lovely dinner in the Edelweiss restaurant and a farewell to the fabulous bar staff at the Schooners Bar then an early night as we had to disembark by 7am!

My verdict on the #royalcaribbean cruise: it was fun probably more suited to party people and families. The food was lovely, and we didn’t even try the speciality restaurants. Staff were all friendly and happy. It was a good taster to cruising. There’s always something happening on board from the entertainment, games around the pool, climbing wall, art gallery, shopping or just chilling with a cocktail.