Brilliance does not have all the bells and whistles nor entertainment venues of the Voyager, Freedom and Oasis classes. What it does have is a more intimate less crowded feeling and is perfect for a more relaxing cruise.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
I checked in 10:30 with no lines and enjoyed complimentary coffee and pastries while I waited in the Diamond area. I was onboard by 11:00.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Enjoyed dinner in the main dining room 3 nights and ate at the buffet the other 2 nights. Food ranged from okay (the free steak) to good (the lamb shanks) to very good (the lobster tails, yum). I also enjoyed the roast beef sandwiches in the Park Cafe.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I loved the decor and the heated pool in the covered solarium. I did not like that the casino was so small with very narrow paths making it hard to squeeze by people. I lucked out in that Mike Szwajkowski had just returned to Royal Caribbean and it was his first week as cruise director on the Brilliance. Great guy!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Brilliance has a really great orchestra and some wonderful entertainers. I enjoyed the headliner and comedy shows.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I had one of the best room stewards ever in my 15 cruises on Royal Caribbean. I found the bar staff throughout the ship to be friendly, happy and efficient. I had the Replenish Package which covers all non-alcohol drinks including things like virgin Pino Coladas.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was well maintained and clean. I did miss the Royal Promenade and prefer that over just having a Centrum.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I’m used to sailing in balcony cabins but, since I was sailing solo on this cruise, I booked an inside studio cabin as I was only going to be in it to sleep, bathe and dress. Booking cheap, I figured I wouldn’t get a very good room steward. I had one of the best room stewards ever in my 15 cruises on Royal Caribbean! I had a couple of requests he immediately fulfilled. He would open my door anytime he saw me coming. Whenever I returned from breakfast or dinner, my cabin was already serviced. My cabin had more than ample storage (suitcase fit under the bed). I found the location of the cabin great. While located right off the centrum on deck 4, it was nice and quiet located in a private hallway for just the 9 cabins there.
Ship tip
There is a helicopter pad on the front of deck 5. Great views when leaving port. Even better views when going under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge around 6pm.
I booked the Conch Train excursion through Royal Caribbean for only $20 when they had a sale. At just over 90 minutes, I thought it was a great way to see all the sights and learn a little about the history of Key West, with a funny and informative tour driver.
While I understand disembarkation was a little delayed for those first off, I had requested a later time and was given number 18 with anticipated time of 9:30. I left the ship at 9:40, retrieved my luggage and sailed through a short line for customs in about 5 minutes.
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