Picking the Best Cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Rhapsody of the Sea's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas?

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Rhapsody of the Seas Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary
Best Cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas are staterooms and suites on Deck 8.
Cabins to be wary of on the Rhapsody of the Seas are accommodations on Decks 3, 4, and 7.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas

Deck 2

All of the cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 2 have cabins above them -- this means that they are typically more quiet compared to cabins beneath public venues. Please keep in mind, however, that the ship's engine rooms and propeller system is beneath this deck

• In the Rhapsody of the Seas' exterior and interior cabins in the aft section (2110-2138 and 2609-2638) there could be concerns with propeller vibration.
• Interior cabin 2535 is right next to an elevator, where noise could be a concern.
• The roomiest staterooms on the Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 2 are unquestionably the two Family Ocean View Staterooms (2032 and 2532) which are over 80 sq. ft. more spacious than average ocean view cabins. The family cabins are in short supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early to get a family cabin. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Forward exterior cabins 2010-2014 port side and 2510-2514 starboard are larger than average ocean view cabins, and each have two portholes rather than windows on Deck 2 of the Rhapsody of the Seas.
• Ocean View Staterooms 2102 and 2602 are a bit larger than standard and are wheelchair accessible.

Related: Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 2 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 3

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 3 on the Rhapsody of the Seas can be a good choice if you're looking for a basic stateroom with no balcony. There are cabins above in the forward and mid ship section of this deck, where accommodations are going to be more quiet. However, the main dining room is located aft on Deck 4, so there could be noise in cabins in the rear of Deck 3 when the main dining room is serving, as well as before and after hours when staff are involved in preparation and cleaning.

• More quiet accommodations on Deck 3 of the Rhapsody of the Seas are exterior and interior cabins 3000-3076 and 3500-3576. This is because decks immediately above and beneath have cabins in these areas that buffer noise from public areas on the ship.
• Forward, exterior cabins 3000-3014 port side and 3500-3514 starboard are larger than standard, and each have two portholes rather than windows. Given that these staterooms are in the more quiet area, these cabins are your best choices on Deck 3 of the Rhapsody of the Seas.
• Ocean View Staterooms 3102 and 3602 are larger than the others in their respective categories, and are all wheelchair accessible.
• Interior Staterooms 3069- 3087 and 3575- 3587 are beneath a staff service area and the R Bar. Noise could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• Cabins likely to be affected by main dining room noise on Deck 3 of the Rhapsody of the Seas are 3132-3157, and 3632-3657. Noise while the dining room is open, and when staff are busy cleaning, could be of concern in any of these cabins.  If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on this deck, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds). 
• While we are not suggesting this deck be entirely avoided, some of the worst cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas are on Deck 3.
• Family Staterooms 3032 and 3532 are the most spacious accommodations on the Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 3. As mentioned, family cabins are in short supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They do sell quickly, so it is best to book early to get a family cabin. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.

Related: Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 3 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 4

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning: Several cabins on this deck may have potential problems.

Along this entire deck, you should be aware that a main drag of the Rhapsody of the Seas runs above your cabin, including the theater and the casino areas which are above Deck 4 cabins.

• We are not suggesting this deck be avoided at all costs, but some of the worst cabins aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas are on Deck 4 because of the after hours noise from above. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds). 
• Forward on Deck 4 of the Rhapsody of the Seas, 4000-4006 and 4500-4506 are more spacious than average Ocean View Staterooms.
• Forward, cabins 4000-4321 and 4500-4530 are under the theater area. Not only might there be noise during performances, but before and after as well because staff will be up there either preparing for a performance or cleaning up after one.
• Cabin 4535 is next to an elevator, and this could also introduce a noise factor on Deck 4 of the Rhapsody.
• We do not recommend most of the interior cabins on Deck 4 of the Rhapsody of the Seas due to possible noise factors, as well as the fact that several of these cabins are cramped and wedged together. If you are looking for an interior cabin, there are several other nicer picks on other decks of the Rhapsody of the Seas. This said, Deck 4 does offer public areas including the champagne bar and the main dining room. If noise is less of an issue and accessibility to a main public area is, you might enjoy a cabin on this deck.
• Cabins 4036-4076 and 4536-4576 are under the casino. Interior cabins in this area will likely be most affected by noise above.
• Most spacious accommodations are Family Staterooms 4032 and 4532. These are highly desirable cabins as a rule, so booking one early is always suggested. There may be minimum number of guests stipulated to reserve one of these staterooms.

Related: Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 4 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 7

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning: Some cabins on this deck may have potential problems.

Along this entire deck, you should be aware that a main drag of the Rhapsody of the Seas runs beneath your cabin. However, all of the exterior staterooms have balconies, and it is possible to find a spacious and relatively quiet cabin on this deck with some careful thought.

• Staterooms including spacious accommodations aft on Deck 7 of the Rhapsody of the Seas (7106-7158 and 7606-7660) are just above the aft lounge area, and this could generate some after hours noise. If you are light sleeper, booking a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bringing earplugs, or investing in a wave machine are all worth considering.
• Cabins directly above the theater are 7013-7032 and 7512-7532. In this area, it may be possible to hear noise from rehearsals and performances.
• Most spacious accommodations on the Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 7 are the two Royal Family Suites, 7102 and 7602, which boast over 460 sq. ft., not including the 55 sq. ft. balcony. These suites do sell quickly, so we advise that you make reservations as soon as possible if one is of interest. Royal Caribbean may request a minimum number of guests when reserving a Royal Family Suite.
• On Deck 7 of the Rhapsody of the Seas, interior cabins are less cramped together than cabin decks below.
• Aft, nine Ocean View Superior Staterooms (7166-7666) are highly recommended. These are all have much larger balconies, and command the best (and least breezy) ocean view.
• Superior Ocean View Staterooms 7032 and 7532 are more spacious, have roughly twice the balcony square footage, and are wheelchair accessible.
• While we do not suggest totally avoiding this deck, some of the worst cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas are on Deck 7.

Related: Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 7 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 8

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Deck 8 is arguably the high-rent district of the ship. The best cabins on the Rhapsody of the Seas are generally on Deck 8. This is where the penthouse or Royal Suite, the Owner's suites, and Grand Suites are located. Given that this is where the high-dollar cabins are, this is also where the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Sea's best cabin stewards are usually assigned. 

• While you are in the luxury zone on Deck 8 of the Rhapsody of the Seas, bear in mind that you are also just beneath Deck 9 which is Lido Deck. Luxury minded travelers need to know that suites including exterior Royal Family Suites, Grand Suites, and Junior Suites (8014-8076 and 8514-8576) could have after hours noise from the pool areas just above, such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning. Interior cabins numbered in this area, including cabins 8011 and 8511, would be the most affected by the after hours cleaning in the Lido Deck, so budget minded cruisers will likely be happiest with inside cabins more aft on this deck.
• Aft, Junior Suites 8066 and 8586 have obstructed views.
• Superior Interior Stateroom 8013 is larger than all other interior cabins and is wheelchair accessible.
• Royal Family Suites 8020 and 8520 are rivaled in spaciousness by Owner's Suites and the penthouse or Royal Suite on the Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 8. The family cabins are in short supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early to get a family cabin. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Junior Suites 8010, 8510, 8042, and 8542 are larger than usual, have bigger balconies, and are wheelchair accessible on Deck 8 of the Rhapsody.
• Aft, seven Junior Suites 8088-8588 have among the most spacious balconies on Deck 8. These are highly preferred for the incredible ocean view which also tends to be less windy. Junior Suites 8088 and 8588 have particularly unique and expansive balconies!

Related: Rhapsody of the Seas Deck 8 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)