Vision class · Royal Caribbean · In service since 1997

Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas is a Vision class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, in service since 1997. At about 78,878 gross tons, it carries roughly 765–1,998 guests and ranks #28 by size in the 30-ship Royal Caribbean fleet we cover.

78,878 gross tons
765–1,998 guests
915 ft long

Photo: Sid Mosdell from New Zealand, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Ship class: Vision class
Entered service: 1997 (29 years ago)
Gross tonnage: 78,878
Guests: 765–1,998
Length: 915 ft (279 m)
Speed: 22 knots
Builder: Chantiers de l'Atlantique
Flag: The Bahamas
IMO number: 9116864

About Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas, a 1997 Vision-class ship built in France, is among the smallest ships Royal Caribbean operates. Over its career it has sailed everywhere from Alaska and the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, which suits a mid-size ship that can reach ports the mega-ships skip. Its glass-walled Centrum and Solarium give the interiors an airy feel, and the Viking Crown Lounge is a quiet spot for sail-away views. Activities are low-key compared with newer ships, so it works best for travelers who plan to spend most of their time ashore.

Best for: Port-focused travelers who want a smaller, calmer ship and don’t need water parks or big-ship nightlife.

Rhapsody of the Seas highlights

Viking Crown Lounge for sail-away views
Solarium pool with a glass canopy
Glass-walled Centrum atrium
Rock-climbing wall
Main dining room spanning two decks

How Rhapsody of the Seas compares in size

Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.

Vision class sister ships

Sailing with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the big-ship, high-activity line: surf simulators, water slides, ice rinks and Broadway shows on some of the largest cruise ships ever built. It suits families, groups and active couples who want a floating resort and a private-island beach day, and it’s less suited to anyone who wants quiet, small ships or an all-inclusive fare.

Read our full Royal Caribbean guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →

Where Royal Caribbean sails

Rhapsody of the Seas FAQs

How big is Rhapsody of the Seas?

Rhapsody of the Seas measures about 78,878 gross tons and is about 915 feet (279 m) long. That makes it #28 of 30 Royal Caribbean ships we cover by tonnage, and #167 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.

How many passengers does Rhapsody of the Seas carry?

About 765–1,998 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.

When was Rhapsody of the Seas built?

Rhapsody of the Seas entered service in 1997 and was built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.

What class of ship is Rhapsody of the Seas?

Rhapsody of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean's Vision class, alongside Grandeur of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Vision of the Seas. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.

Is Rhapsody of the Seas good for families?

Kids are a core audience. Adventure Ocean runs supervised, age-grouped programs for children 3 to 12 (with group babysitting late in the evening for a fee), and teen clubs give 12- to 17-year-olds their own lounge and activities. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Rhapsody of the Seas offers for your kids' ages.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Royal Caribbean official site.