Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
- Cruises
- 54
- From
- $353
Ship comparison
Rhapsody of the Seas vs Westerdam
Holland America Line
Westerdam
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $769
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Rhapsody of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 1,998 passengers, in service since 1997. Westerdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2004.
Choose Rhapsody of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, a lower starting fare or more of a party: it outscores Westerdam for active (8.0 vs 4.0) and party (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $353 (vs $769).
Choose Westerdam if you want a newer ship or more adventure and nature: it outscores Rhapsody of the Seas for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2004 (vs 1997).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Rhapsody of the Seas | Westerdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1997 | 2004 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2016 | 2017 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 78,491 | 82,348 |
| Passengers | 1,998 | 1,916 |
| Crew | 765 | 817 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.3 | 43.0 (better) |
| Decks | 11 | 11 |
| Length | 915 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 117 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 54 | 36 |
| Upcoming sailings | 115 | 77 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 14 nights | 7 to 49 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $353 (better) | $769 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Rhapsody of the Seas leads on 4 of the ten, Westerdam on 4, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas from Royal Caribbean delivers an unforgettable cruise experience, no matter the hemisphere. Get out to sea and relax away the stress of life on land at the Vitality Spa or glass-canopied Solarium adults-only pool.
Highlights
- Solarium, an adults-only retreat
- Vitality Spa's extensive treatment menu
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
- Gaming at the Vegas-style Casino Royale
Sailing now
54 cruises on sale, from $353.
About Rhapsody of the Seas Plan my cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas
Holland America Line
Westerdam
The ms Westerdam is the third in Holland America Line's series of Vista class ships. As such, it embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as its use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system. Most staterooms have ocean views and many have private verandas.
Highlights
- Andy Warhol, Dutch classics and pre-Columbian and Ecuadorian art dazzle the senses on board.
- Learn to cook or pick up some new techniques at America's Culinary Arts Center Program
Sailing now
36 cruises on sale, from $769.
Questions
Rhapsody of the Seas or Westerdam?
Which is bigger, Rhapsody of the Seas or Westerdam?
Westerdam is bigger at 82,348 gross tons, against 78,491 gross tons for Rhapsody of the Seas. Rhapsody of the Seas carries 1,998 passengers and Westerdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, Rhapsody of the Seas or Westerdam?
Westerdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2004 against 1997 for Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Westerdam, with 43.0 gross tons per passenger against 39.3 on Rhapsody of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Westerdam, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Rhapsody of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.5 out of 10, against 6.0 for Westerdam.
Still deciding?
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