Let me say first that if you are checking out these reviews wondering whether or not to sail the Brilliance or sail to Cozumel, YESSSSSSS, Go sign up and then head back here to read my review!
We are from St. Augustine so instead of making the 3 hour drive the morning of embarkation we decided to stay the night in Tampa the night before. Well worth it. We got to the port around 10:15 a.m. We used valet parking ($80), it was well worth it both coming and going, but more on that later. We handed off our luggage and car and headed up to check in. We had to first show our passports and licenses. Then we were inside the port. We had to fill out the health questionnaire and then check in at the desk. I had already don't online check in, so it didn't take long. we got our seapass cards and then it was time to sit and wait. It felt like a long wait to be honest, but that could be because we were anxious. We were the 3rd group to board and once they called us we were quickly on board the Brilliance of the Seas! The ship is beautiful! WOW!
We went to guest services first to get our seapass hole punched to put on our lanyards, then we were off to explore. We went to the MDR (main dining room - for the newbies) to check on our My time Dining reservations and requested a table for two. The hostess, Helga was so sweet and new our names immediately (we had only been on board 10 minutes!). She took good care of us and we had the perfect table at the perfect time each night!
Excellent! Balcony is awesome! Room for everything! Bed was so comfortable! Barely felt the ship moving! Great location to get to everything