The Brilliance of the Seas surprised us as we are used to cruising on smaller ships. I found the ship to be clean in all respects and modern. The cabin was nice , much the same as we normally take. It was towards the rear of the ship on deck 8 port side and was far enough from any possible noise. It was clean and the cabin steward was very attentive. Checking in and boarding the ship was easy , although the airline SAS had managed to lose our luggage which were not to turn up until we arrived in Stockholm on the third day of the cruise. The staff at the passenger assistance were most helpful and gave us T shits and toilet bags to use.Luckily we had delayed baggage insurance and were able to purchase some shirts. We will be traveling the day before the cruise in future.

Pssenger equal mix of US/UK, Spanish , Italian and German/French/Israel.Not too many announcements and you can turn them off.

The boat drill was uneventful.The ship left on time for Stockholm. We took the second sitting dinner which at 8.30pm is a little late and just a tip more and more people are doing the anytime dining which meant we only had four and eventually on day 4 six people at an 8 person table. The food at dinner is good - I was surprised better than Princess who we have sailed with the last two years. The waiters are attentive and pleasant - the only minor complain is the lack of originality in the starters and the pushing of the extra filet minon dish for $40 !!! Read more