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If you love next-level thrills, world-class dining and stellar entertainment — you’ll love a vacation getaway onboard Brilliance of the Seas®. This headliner brings fleet favorites, like rock climbing 40 feet above deck, a rotating bar with spectacular views and the Adventure Ocean® youth program. Plus, with stops at snow-capped spots across Alaska, you can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Or unlock the shores of the western Caribbean and max out memories like never before.
Year Built
2002Year Refurbished
2017Year Entered Present Fleet
2002Country of Registry
BahamasTonnage (GRT)
90,090PAX (basis 2)
2,142Max Pax (inc. Uppers)
2,543Passenger Decks
12Number of Crew
848Officers' Nationality
InternationalCruise/Hotel Staff Nationality
InternationalSuites
0Balcony
0Oceanview
823Oceanview No Balcony
0Oceanview With Balcony
0Balconies
587Interior
246Accessible
20Total Number of Accommodations
1000Royal Suite - 1 Bedroom
Owner's Suite Two Bedrooms
Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom
Grand Suite Two Bedrooms
Grand Suite
Junior Suite
Suite Stateroom Guarantee
Size approx: 952 sq. ft. Balcony: 172 sq. ft. Relish an extraordinary vacation in this luxurious suite. Up to 4 guests. One King bed. One double sofa bed. Private Balcony. One bathroom with tub, double sink and bidet.
Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (Obstructed views)
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (Obstructed views)
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Balcony Stateroom Guarantee
Spa Balcony Stateroom Guarantee
Quad Balcony Stateroom Guarantee
Spacious Sunset Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom
Spacious Ocean View Stateroom
Ocean View Stateroom
Ocean View Stateroom
Ocean View Stateroom
Ocean View Stateroom
Connecting Ocean View Stateroom
Ocean View Stateroom Guarantee
Quad Ocean View Stateroom Guarantee
Ocean View Stateroom
Studio Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom
Interior Stateroom Guarantee
Interior Stateroom
Quad Interior Stateroom Guarantee
Interior Stateroom
Deck 13
Deck 12
Deck 11
Deck 10
Deck 10
Deck 9
Deck 9
Deck 8
Deck 8
Deck 7
Deck 7
Deck 6
Deck 5
Deck 4
Deck 4
Deck 3
Deck 3
Deck 2
Deck 2
4.3
Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.
SUBMIT A REVIEWAUGUST
Our ship and itinerary was changed after airfare was purchased so we could not change our plans. Furthermore, in the few days before embarking, port arrival and departure times were changed which severely impacted our private tour itineraries. Brilliance is scheduled for an upgrade in the next couple of years and is sorely needed. The food was mediocre at best and probable cause of intestinal illness on the 6th night of our cruise. We opted to eat at the specialty restaurant for a 2nd time for our last meal due to the poor food quality. Chop's Grille cuisine provided a quality dinner experience, but was the only alternative dining option. The crew was wonderful and for that we are thankful.
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NOVEMBER
This older design has pros and cons. The smaller ship is easier to get across and is less crowded. With fewer youth-related activities, it is also quieter. The cabins are well-designed, but small. Bathrooms could use updates; shower curtains let out too much water, drains have sewer-gas smells that just cannot be neutralized successfully. Staff on this ship worked HARD to fix a noxious odor on our balcony (coming from a drain). We could not use the balcony at all. Eventually they offered a different cabin. Giovanni's Table is excellent .... better on Brilliance than on Explorer, which is a reflection on the kitchen staff. Activities - these leaned heavily on the game-show / trivia show type and any dance parties or other parties started after 10 pm. There were no ship tours offered that we could see, no kitchen tours, no cooking classes, no lectures about port destinations. Entertainment - good variety of shows, excellent talent.
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FEBRUARY
Had a wonderful cruise. Overall it was a great time.
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FEBRUARY
We were looking for sunshine, service, and serenity and found all three on RCI's Brilliance of the Seas! We cruised to Grand Cayman and Cozumel and found plenty of sunshine to kick out the winter doldrums. The service was better than we could have imagined as the staff made us feel as though we were royalty from boarding to disembarking. While the ship was full of fun activities throughout the day and night, we found serenity on Deck 12 as we laid back to read a couple of good books while watching the Gulf waves dancing and the sea breeze lulling us into a relaxed feeling. What a dreamy, fun-filled experience!
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FEBRUARY
The ship was beautiful, and since this was our first cruise, the 5 night trip was just the right length. The crew were all friendly and responsive. We bought the drink package, so it was nice to be able to order what we wanted and not have to worry about how much it would cost. Four other couples we know went on the cruise, but we couldn’t communicate properly. They have internet only for use of their app, but there is no means of communicating with other passengers except calling their room from your own. I paid for Internet (Voom) since I had to do some work while on board, and it cost me $259 for 4 devices (husband also had to have it). Sadly, since staterooms have metal walls, the connectivity was spotty at best. I talked to a tech onboard and he was no help and wouldn’t consider a refund. He also had an attitude and acted insulted that I was questioning the service.
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JANUARY
We had a great time but feel the food could have been a little better. Some items were just okay not WOW factor.
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JANUARY
We had a great vacation but I don't think that we would pick this ship again. Cruises are great but in the end everything costs more money and you are nickle and dimed to death.
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DECEMBER
Good experience in general on ship but couple small issues not worth mention. Poor elevators "Floor Indicator" special at the center main group of 6 elevators. Floor Indicators were hidden at the top of elevator, if we stood at one side, we could only see 2 or 3 not the other on the other side. Once I pushed up or down, always led up at the far end. When we ran over, the elevator was gone. For walking slow older passengers (not only me and my wife) on the ship, average waiting time was over 4-5 minutes during all sailing days. Many times, we had to get in any elevator just to be on it and riding up then down to our designated floor.
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JUNE
Staterooms and staff were excellent, especially Vincent and Alfredo in the dining room. Activities were good for those who enjoy bingo and trivia. Ports of call were excellent. However, buses had to park too far from sites. Too few accessible tours.
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APRIL
<div>The staff was excellent! The only ‘downside’ if you’d call it that is the time in the ports was a little short. Especially in Key West since it took a long time to disembark. I’d also suggest a little better explanation of the time change in Cozumel. They would often say ‘ship’ time, but not give a deeper explanation that the time in Cozumel was different, i.e. 1 hour ahead. Also noted the time on the TV’s was not ‘ship time’</div>
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MARCH
We had been saving (originally) for Hawaii but realized (due to mobility issues) that the $$ would be used elsewhere. Having never taken a cruise, this won out from the All inclusive idea. There is plenty to do on the ship so the Port of Call stops are just an added bonus! I am on day 2 of my return to reality and being someone that is very involved in serving others, I can say that I really felt blessed with the meals and the service of each and every employee. Fantastic food and fun!
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MARCH
The food all over the ship was amazing. The main dinning room was great. our waiter William and asst waiter Matej were so pleasant and accommodating. If anyone gets bored while on a cruise ship that is there own fault. So much to do or not do to your liking. Wish we had more time in port but very fun experience.
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JANUARY
Prefer sailing on larger ships. Found that this ship did not offer the choice on the menus, found the food to be very plain. Long lines at all places that we would want to order special coffee drinks or mixed beverages, they were under staffed to help move the lines. Also found that they continue to raise our tips but continue to take away the service that everyone has come to love and expect. I’ll be going back to the larger ships again.
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NOVEMBER
I really like cruising and would book this ship again tomorrow if the itinerary was what I wanted. But, it does need some work. That said, the crew is great and so is the food. I think the shows were better then my last cruise on another line, but that is subjective. I usually prefer the on board singers and dancers over the performers brought on board, but this time we had a group called "Rookie" that was great. As to value, you can't beat a cruise when it comes to cost. We really took this cruise because we wanted to visit Key West. We did buy vanilla for a friend in Cozumel. (Mexican vanilla is special? Who knew, apparently my friend who likes to bake.)
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NOVEMBER
Entertainment in Pacifica theater was excellent on the third day and up to what I consider Royal Caribbean's style. I was not impressed with the RC singers and dancers, and in fact we(our group) walked out of their matinee show(2:30) on the fifth day. This was definitely not appropriate for whole families; should have been R+ rated. It made me reconsider whether I would sail with RC again.
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AUGUST
<div>My agent did a great job coordinating our flights and airport transfers. She takes the worry out of vacation planning. </div>
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MARCH
If you like the smaller ships better than the really big ones this Radiance Class ship is the way to go.
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FEBRUARY
We had such a wonderful time.
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FEBRUARY
We had a great time. We did assigned hour dining for the first time. We normally do "My Time". But think we may reconsider in the future, or at least alternate. Our waiter/assistant waiter, Tadium and Karolina were wonderful. It was really special to sit down and have your preferred beverage waiting for you! The ship was nice, as we have come to expect from Royal. Only wish they would go to "no smoking" in the casino. We like to play blackjack and slots but can't handle the smoke! Ugh!
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FEBRUARY
We have been on Royal Caribbean before and this cruise measured up to what we expected from you. We were disappointed we were unable to sit together with our whole group but other then that, all was great.
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DECEMBER
Overall the ship was great, would go again. Highly recommend Brilliance, about the right size ship for us.
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NOVEMBER
This was our 12th cruise with Royal Caribbean and 2nd time on Brilliance of the Seas, a beautiful ship. No complaints whatsoever! We even booked another future cruise on the ship to get RC’s special deals with no hassle. We will always remain loyal to this cruise line.
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JULY
The internet package was a waste of money for what they charged for the internet I would have expected very fast and easy internet. That was not the case, the internet would frequently freeze and not work. Very disappointing I would not recommend anyone purchasing the internet package.
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APRIL
We had a wonderful vacation with our kids, which never seemed to be bored! Our dinning experience was not what we expected but we have not cruised in several years.
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MARCH
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MARCH
This was a wonderful first-cruise experience, and we are looking forward to our next cruise. We would love to sail on this ship again, but,would also be glad to try others.
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FEBRUARY
Overall great cruise. Service wonderful. Classical pianist on board was a treat. We like to play slots but they just ate up your coins, machines were very outdated. We had family room that will spoil us for future cruises.
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OCTOBER
Our First cruise & just loved it !
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JUNE
Additional costs to get to sights due to distance ship was docked to sights.. $50.00 per person in Venice & $12.00 per person in Zadar.
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MARCH
The the crew of the ship was excellent. If you had any kind of problem or got lost you can always count on a ship crew member to direct you to the right place you're looking for, thay were always around. I felt safe!" I will definitely Cruise again on the Brilliance of the sea for Royal Caribbean cruise. And I will also mention it to my friends. This was my first experience on a cruise and it was good one to Remember by. Thanks for the good service.
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MARCH
I wish the 6 of us could have been together,as we all applied at the same time-some were on Deck 3 at the end of all activity-we were on 8 and not close to elevator as told. We had to walk from one end of the ship to another for every activity and as I have copd and carry oxygen-it became very difficult.We all had a lot of fun!!!
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JANUARY
I would recommend a Royal Caribbean Cruise to anyone who asks me. The trip was well worth the time and money.
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JANUARY
Cruise was enjoyable as allways
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JANUARY
The ship was very nice...Rooms were great and the beds very comfortable!! Everyone was very courteous..
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JANUARY
<div>I have gone on many cruises and this was the smoothest experience I have ever had. Not a single glitch from the planning stage to the return. Thanks for a great trip. I look forward to my next cruise on Royal Caribbean.</div>
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JANUARY
Enjoyed everything they offered
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DECEMBER
Overall I had a good time. My accommodations, a single cabin turned out to be more than adequate. I would select a single cabin again on a RCI ship. The staff was great! Always helpful and friendly. The food at dinner was great at times and good at others. The walking/jogging track was too small,,about 3 feet wide with deck chairs on both sides. Also, because of the number of passengers, activities were always crowded.
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NOVEMBER
Liked the experience
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OCTOBER
Unfortunately Mother Nature - heavy fog - did not allow us to go ashore at Bar Harbor - said this was only the 2nd time this happened since RC began this cruise itinerary.
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OCTOBER
I loved the Brilliance. It was just the right size for this cruise to New England and Canada. Staff was extremely helpful. Food was terrific. No complaints. Wonderful vacation.
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SEPTEMBER
Need more time in Halifax!
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JULY
We enjoyed the ship, the ports, the people and the staff very much.
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MAY
Exceeded expectations!
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MARCH
The food and entertainment was very good. They need to use the dance floor in the Colony Club for dancing more. Bring back Fox News!! Very friendly staff.
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MARCH
We had a lovely time and the staff were very cordial and happy to answer any question we had. The cabin was a bit small but it isn't like you spend alot of time there. We did have a balcony and spent some quite time there. The ship was very clean beautful. The entertainment was subperb and was amazed on all the talent they had. Like I said 4 days is not enough and next cruise will be longer I hope. (o:
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MARCH
<div>Easiest check-in ever. plenty of seating on lido deck most we've ever seen. Room was ready by 1:00. We had an awesome time. Food was okay most accommodating if it wasn't right.</div>
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MARCH
I went on Brilliance of the Seas with sixteen girlfriends who like to play bridge together. This ship has a great card room so we were always comfortable and private. We had a waiter who doted on us and the food was phenomenal. The entertainment was exceptional with some great headliner shows. We were so happy with the cruise that we booked the same ship for next year's bridge cruise.
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MARCH
enjoyable cruise
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DECEMBER
We cruised on the RC Oasis two years ago (and 4 in total). The Oasis is a much larger ship and my comments are in comparison to that cruise. Just in general the Brilliance has fewer entertainment and activity options. The food was great but the entertainment was a notch below. Our staff was very friendly and did a great job. Very easy to find your way around the smaller ship. We had cabins on the 9th level and at the center of the ship, next to the elevators. This actually was perfect, no sound issues and we could quickly get to any part of the ship. Highly recommend center ship cabins! The cruise director can really add to the cruise ... I would say ours was average. This was a 5 day cruise with only 2 ports of call so we spent a lot of time on the sea. Overall a good cruise.
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NOVEMBER
For the most part, Our room was fine - We did experience some bathroom water issues - the "cold" was never cold, always warm/hot - The shower hose "leaked" and was attended to and somewhat better
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OCTOBER
This was a good trip and interesting The weather was fair and the ports were very nice except St. John. which did not have a lot to offer of great intrest.
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SEPTEMBER
Overall, our experience was fantastic. The meeting place of the excursions in St. John, NB was a bit confusing as it was difficult to locate our tour. Seemed a bit disorganized, but other than that, no major complaints!
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