Decided to try a cruise out of Tampa since we just moved close by. It was a smaller ship than we’re used to but we had a really nice cruise. We traveled with some good friends from out of town and it was their first cruise. The itinerary was really nice, Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. Key West was beautiful sight seeing but pricey shopping. Grand Cayman was just ok for us. We shopped and ate at a really nice seaside restaurant, Paradise Bar & Grill. Great fish tacos! Next was Cozumel. A nightmare! We were supposed to dock but due to the large number of ships, 11, we were forced to tender and it was horrible! From the time we got our tender tickets til we go ashore was 2 irritating hours. Then we decided to take the ferry over to Playa del Carmen. Huge mistake! The extremely windy, rough seas going and returning proved to be sick inducing. We will never take the ferry again. We’ll just visit Playa like we normally do via a resort. Upon returning to Cozumel we shopped but the vendors weren’t dealing due to the high volume of cruise ships in port. Oh well, maybe next time. Next port of call was Costa Maya which is pretty but basically a big tourist trap with high prices.

On board the Rhapsody the food was delicious, the entertainers, 2 comedians, were really funny and the production shows entertaining. Our main focus as always was dancing. There were two bands, one not so good and the other, Music Motion, flat out excellent. Super talented with all members being excellent singers and musicians. We cha-cha-ed, swing danced, bolero-ed, and free styled. Music Motion is one of the best bands we have ever had on our 19 cruises! Because of them we’ll probably cruise Rhapsody again.

Now for my complaint, the so called Adults Only area. What a joke! First of all the sign on the door says “Adults Only, must be 16 years of age and older. Sixteen is not an adult. They can’t vote, can’t serve in the military and can’t drink alcohol. But it doesn’t stop there. There were small children in there about 8yrs old! When I complained I was told children are allowed in to sit and eat if they behave. How in the world is that Adults Only???