Quick Weekend Getaway
Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 22
Helpful Votes: 811
4 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)
Sail date: February 23, 2023
Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 9204
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
Overall this was a relaxing weekend getaway, exactly what we needed. Still, having done this cruise many times over the years, we were disappointed in the very apparent cutbacks that are being made by Royal Caribbean, especially with food quality and selection. We are acutely aware of the losses the cruise lines suffered during the shutdown, but paying a much higher price for this cruise for a lot less quality is hard to justify. Additionally, the drinks package price has gotten out of control, and the Diamond lounge's cutbacks have rendered the idea of having a lounge in the first completely useless. Overall this cruise was full of hits and misses as an experienced cruiser. Having said that, first-timers would not know any difference and likely have a great time on this cruise. Also, for simple eaters (meat and potato types) the menu changes won't likely be a big deal but anyone that enjoys experimenting and trying new dishes is going to be hard-pressed to find anything worth trying and the menu has been dumbed down and lacks inspiration and overall quality...see note above now serving tilapia and looking like cafeteria food. As with most short cruises, there were a lot of weekend warriors looking to get as many drinks on their drinks package as possible as well as a bunch of groups from bachelor and bachelorette to birthday and special events/celebrations onboard. All of which was entertaining to watch for the most part. For those looking to get away with a group of friends, this cruise is a great option!Embarkation
Port of Tampa is super fast and easy from arrival time to boarding it was only about 10 minutes total
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Overall the food was pretty mediocre. We didn't go hungry but there was certainly no "wow" factor or anything that we raved about. The new dining room menus are mostly a miss and many of the entrees look more like cafeteria food than what RCI has served in past cruises pre-covid. The cut backs since the return to cruising are very apparent all over the ship but mainly in food quality, presentation and variety. For example, one of the dinner menu items is "Pan Roasted Fish Fillet" and the description says "flaky white fish over creamy potato..." well, it never says what the fish actually is, so we asked. Turns out it's tilapia...the cheapest and one of the most disgusting fish to eat. In years past, this would have been Chilean Sea Bass or at least cod or grouper. Now it's cheap farm-raised crap. There are many more examples of these cut backs and loyal RCI cruisers will be very disappointed in the food quality and selection.
As for drinks, most of the bars were understaffed, and what staff there was seemed fairly miserable. There were a few exceptions like the Schooner Bar - the ladies behind the bar were sweet and lovely and Noel at the Solarium Bar was very attentive and friendly. The Pub, not so much; the lady working in the Pub had a charism by-pass.
Onboard Activities
There were plenty of activities like trivia, bingo, and the usual complement of options to choose from. There were charges for things like the sushi-making class, which was $35 pp - the same price as eating at Izumi. I understand a nominal charge for something like this, but when it's basically paying to make your own food, that crosses the line of reasonable for me.
Entertainment
Each evening there was live music in the Pub, which was very good as well as a show in the main show lounge. We didn't go to the main shows as the guy singing in the Pub was entertaining and the crowd was fun.
Service and Staff
Overall the service was pretty good. Louie, our room steward, was great, and the wait staff in the dining room and Windjammer were excellent, always with a smile and super friendly. The bar staff, as mentioned earlier, was very hit-and-miss. Overall we were left with the feeling that most of the staff were trying very hard and friendly, but the ones that weren't stood out like a sore thumb.
Ship Quality
We love the size and layout of the Radiance class ships, as they are super easy to get around and nothing seems too far away like on the Oasis and larger class ships. The Brilliance inside the ship is in great shape and all the public areas and carpeting were in great condition. Where we noticed the age of the ship is outside on the walkways and on our balcony where the ship is in desperate need of painting in many areas. I've never seen rust on an RCI ship before and there were plenty of areas on Brilliance that needed attention. Again, the inside of the ship was very clean and in great condition so it could be that the outside maintenance crew were still getting up to speed.
Cabin / Stateroom
Room was exactly as we expected as we've been on this ship many time. If you want a very firm mattress, then you are in luck as the beds were rock hard. We had a hard time sleeping but others may enjoy the extra firm. Be sure to note that there are NO electrical or USB ports next to the bed. Due to the age fo the ship, be sure to ask for an extension cord if you have a medical device, or be sure to bring a non-surge power extender. There are 2 110v outlets on the variety area which will likely be ample for most people.
Ports of call
Super easy on/off the ship and the trolley stops right in front of the terminal for anyone who is in port for the day or doing back to back cruises.
Thumbs Up
0
We've been to Cozumel a million times, and nothing has changed. Everyone wants to sell you tequila, silver, t-shirts, or their sister. My brother offered a trade, but no takers! LOL. We do love the beach clubs that are a short cab ride away or doing a resort day pass.
Disembarkation
Super fast and easy!