Very Nice Cruise

Item: Brilliance of the Seas
Rating: 4.8
Author: vicann1234

Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York

vicann1234

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 84

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5

9 Night Canada & New England (Boston Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 18, 2015

Ship: Brilliance of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9554

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

The Brilliance was brilliant. Boarding was a bit of a hassle because the ship had just arrived from Southampton and had a Coast Guard inspection. In spite of that, we boarded in time to grab lunch in the buffet and sit with (and meet) another great couple. The superior balcony cabin was spacious, comfortable and clean with a very comfortable king size bed. My brother and his roomie were travelling with us on their first large ship cruise - they've only done European river cruises. The cabin attendant separated their bed into twins in a flash. We opted for Anytime dining, but after showing up at the same time the first two evenings, the staff told us the table we'd had those evenings was our for the cruise. Food was wonderful and we never went upscale. Breakfasts in the main dining room were a wonderful opportunity to meet so many other nice guests, too. Excursions were great and went like clockwork. Onboard entertainment was also pretty good - only one night a little off. We mentioned to the wait staff captain that we would like to thank the kitchen staff. He invited us to a kitchen tour ($25 of course) limited to 200 guests and followed by a sumptuous buffet. We took it and it was just great. If offered to you, TAKE IT!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

No need to go upscale. The only gripe is that munchies in the dead of night are hard to come by.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

There's always something to do. And the centrum was awesome!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

These people leave their homes for long periods and deserve a vote of thanks for friendliness and service. We left some nice tips.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

We did Hawaii recently on the Norwegian Pride of America. It was great (best itinerary in the industry), but the Brilliance rode a little better.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Spacious, clean and comfortable. Best bed and bedding we've had on a cruise, but then we haven't really cruised all that much.

Ship tip

Get familiar with the ship's layout and read the daily bulletin. You have a choice any time you cruise: stay in your cabin and be bored or get out there and have fun. If you like to read, bring your own material since there's limited reading in a bookcase; no library.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Boston, Massachusetts

5 out of 5

We stayed an extra couple days at the Millinnium hotel across the street from Faneuil Hall. Fantastic location and convenient to so much history and local fare.

Thumbs Up 2

Portland, Maine

5 out of 5

Take the Duck Tour. We booked this separately as it didn't come up on RC's list. It take you through the town and around the harbor. Great fun!

Thumbs Up 2

Rockland, Maine

3 out of 5

Toured Mt Battie and they let you wander the town for a couple hours. But it's a bit of a tourist trap. Fish and chips were $35 out the door and not all that good.

Thumbs Up 1

Bar Harbor, Maine

5 out of 5

Water tour here booked on RC. Very nice.

Thumbs Up 0

Halifax, Nova Scotia

5 out of 5

Peggie's Cove is a must see. Included was a visit to the cemetery where 150 victims of the Titanic tragedy are buried. Booked by RC and well worth it.

Thumbs Up 4

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

5 out of 5

Panoramic Island Drive booked by RC. Very nice drive if you've never been there. The Confederation Bridge is an engineering marvel and this is the home of Ann of Green Gables (My wife is a retired librarian - what can I say?)

Thumbs Up 1

Sydney, Nova Scotia

3 out of 5

Ok. We didn't do an excursion here - just walked around a bit. The port is awfully touristy: three ships in at one time and they're ready for you and your money. But it is nice, clean and there is some history there.

Thumbs Up 1