RCI Sends Rhapsody to Singapore

Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas has been sent to Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore to begin a month-long $54 million drydock where she will undergo a major revitalization. The ship revitalization is the largest of its kind to take place in Singapore and will employ more than 800 local workers from the region.

One of the Vision Class ships, Rhapsody will receive new dining and entertainment venues as well as an assortment of technological upgrades. The ship will also have a bow-to-stern refreshment of all furniture, carpet and upholstery, with renovated staterooms, similar to the November transformation of sister ship Splendour of the Seas.

“Rhapsody of the Seas’ drydock is part of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to continue to deliver the Royal Advantage to our guests,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO. “With our $300 million investment through 2014, no ship in our fleet will go untouched, and our guests will have an unrivaled vacation experience no matter which destination in the world they visit or on which ship they sail on.”

Rhapsody will receive new dining venues, including Chops Grille, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Chef’s Table experience and Park Cafe. Additional offerings include a Diamond Lounge for Crown and Anchor loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top tier loyalty guests, a transformed Viking Crown Lounge and the popular Royal Babies and Tots Nursery.

New features for guests include shipwide Wi-Fi access, a digital way-finding system, electronic mustering and an outdoor movie screen — as well as iPads in every stateroom, carrying content about the ship’s amenities and activities. The ship’s Centrum, with its sweeping views and central location, will become a sophisticated venue with enriching daytime activities, nightly entertainment and aerial spectacles. Rhapsody’s Champagne Bar in the Centrum will re-emerge as the R Bar, featuring a 1960’s look and feel.

When the enhancements are completed on March 28, Rhapsody will sail a 15-night voyage from Singapore to Sydney. From there, she will sail across the Pacific with a combination of cruises from Australia and Hawaii before beginning her Alaska season in May.

In Alaska, she will offer seven-night, open-jaw itineraries from both Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Wash.

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