Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
- Cruises
- 54
- From
- $353
Ship comparison
Rhapsody of the Seas vs Zuiderdam
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
- Cruises
- 111
- From
- $429
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Rhapsody of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 1,998 passengers, in service since 1997. Zuiderdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose Rhapsody of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, more of a party or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Zuiderdam for active (8.0 vs 4.0), party (5.0 vs 3.0) and family friendly (7.5 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Zuiderdam if you want more adventure and nature, a newer ship or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Rhapsody of the Seas for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its maiden voyage was in 2002 (vs 1997) and it has 111 cruises on sale (vs 54).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Rhapsody of the Seas | Zuiderdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1997 | 2002 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2016 | 2017 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 78,491 | 82,305 |
| 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 | 15 |
| Length | 915 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 117 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 54 | 111 |
| Upcoming sailings | 115 | 128 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 14 nights | 4 to 28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $353 (better) | $429 |
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, Zuiderdam 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
Zuiderdam
The first ship in Holland America's Vista class series, the ms Zuiderdam uses the latest industry and environmental technologies, such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system.
Highlights
- The Waterford crystal seahorse greets visitors and introduces them to the art throughout the ship.
- The Lido Deck pool offers a retractable roof for colder days, along with a large polar bear statue to keep you company.
- The Greenhouse Spa offers a full hydrotherapy pool.
- Le Cirque at Pinnacle Grill brings the famous New York restaurant to life on the ship.
Sailing now
111 cruises on sale, from $429.
Questions
Rhapsody of the Seas or Zuiderdam?
Which is bigger, Rhapsody of the Seas or Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam is bigger at 82,305 gross tons, against 78,491 gross tons for Rhapsody of the Seas. Rhapsody of the Seas carries 1,998 passengers and Zuiderdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, Rhapsody of the Seas or Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 1997 for Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Zuiderdam, 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?
Zuiderdam, 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 Zuiderdam.
Still deciding?
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