We enjoyed getting back to cruising. Looked for a short cruise to "test the waters". Never sailed from Tampa before. Ship, though smaller, was enjoyable. Brilliance staff worked very hard to make it as enjoyable as possible.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Ship was delayed 5 hours due to fog. Passengers were not allowed to enter terminal area till after 2:00pm. We had to "hang around" a nearby park for several hours. Hot but a least no rain but also no toilets. When finally allowed to enter terminal "grounds" we still had to stand outside in the hot sun for 2 more hours before starting the "embarkation" process. Boarded ship at 4:30pm. RC not responsible for fog but there was no RC staff outside the terminal to give us updates/ information; just 2 very frustrated sheriffs!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was very good; staff happy to see & serve us. Windjammer buffet was fine with staff serving your plates. Deserts in Windjammer were "hit/ miss" but very good in the main dining room. Good variety at all venues.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Smaller ship with fewer venues than larger ships but staff worked hard to maximize the opportunities. Covid precautions also limited certain activities. We did enjoy the ship. Played mini-golf & ping-pong. Attended 3 "Spa" infomercials. We did not use the pool but it was popular at least for those seeking a tan.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Production show (farewell night only) was "OK" but the "venue musicians" were much better. The Sensations Duo (Lea/ piano & Veronica/ violin) were very good and should be a "headliner" act. Kelly Goodrich on the piano was very good especially Beatles & Elton John night. On the 3rd night, the "production show" in the theater featured all the "venue artists" performing with the Brilliance orchestra. This was actually better than the "production singers/ dancers" performance.
Children's Programs
no children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All the staff was happy to have us aboard; everyone was very courteous and helpful. As ship was at 58% capacity, there was plenty of time to interact with the crew. All the staff had to waer masks on our crise but they wore "picture buttons" so youn could see there face; a novel touch.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Staff was working constantly to clean & sanitize the ship. Lots of Covid related precautions.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Balcony was nice; room was good size with plenty of storage space. Room was cleaned twice daily.
Ship tip
Looking for "peace & quite" go to the Colony Club on deck 6 at the rear of the ship. It was very seldom used during the day. If eating in the Windjammer, go outside to the rear of the ship (aft) fewer crowds and pleasant to eat outside..
Looks like a port built just for/ by the cruise lines. Did not do any excursions but enjoyed the port area. there is a "dolphin experience" pool that you can visit at the port without going through RC. There is also a large pool and access to a beach next door. Lots of shops rented to locals as well as those owned by the cruise lines. Local pricing was better the further away you got from the dock.
Very smooth and organized. After breakfast, you stayed in your room till your group is called. This was different but may have been due to Covid precautions. There were no forms to fill-out and a only quick passport check and out the door. Took a van back to the airport but for those driving, parking deck was across the street.
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