Brilliance of the Seas Review

Nice Family Trip

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas
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filamino
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Nov 2014
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

I organized a 30 person family trip during Thanksgiving weekend and as a whole I think everyone had a pretty good time. The ages in the family ranged from infant to retiree. We had cabins all over the ship, interior, ocean view, balcony. All cabins I saw were perfectly as anyone had anticipated. I selected a cabin on the top cabin level, deck 10 at the very front so we could see the bridge extension and for the privacy of being on the end at the same time. The bridge extension doesn't allow a view into the cabin but the balcony isn't private - but nor would any balcony on the forward half of the ship from their view. The ship structure curved the balcony opening on the ship exterior structure a bit but that wouldn't be a reason to avoid this cabin. I do think it was very quiet being located under the spa and on the end. Being under the spa was also an encouragement to use it and our cabin attendant was kind enough to provide us with robes that we traveled in back and forth. I didn't mind the lack of room ice, I didn't ask for any. But I do think they're missing out on the benefits of pillow chocolate! It would encourage more tips for the attendants, the kitchen makes tons of desserts they could certainly cut some out and make a chocolate drop each day, and it would make the guests feel special. But instead I live without it feeling sorry for myself.

Like the first morning when I woke up without a breakfast delivery call. They forgot to take our tag off the door. We called but decided to head up to the Windjammer at the end. They sent a plate of deserts and a card to apologize. RCI is usually good about acknowledging small stuff like that. On the other hand, it took some time to sort out a cruise credit that should have been applied to all of our accounts automatically. In the end they contacted the agent on shore and fixed the problem. They apologized more than once, including leaving two voice messages. Moving on.

I was looking forward to the ariel performance I had seen pictures of but I don't think it happened. When we were in Cozumel the crew lowered a large component from the ceiling in the atrium so I expect something needed repair. Let me just go ahead and get out the complaints so I can remember the great stuff. The bloody mary mix is not that good and they don't have celery or much of anything like that. I think at least the R bar should be able to craft a great bloody mary but it didn't happen for me. Carnival wins on that account. The casino is smoky, I know you're shocked to hear, pick yourself off the floor. It's true. I got used to it eventually. So I don't like what they've done to the crown lounge, dividing it for the highest tier members. It's just like a temporary wall that separates the spaces - sort of strange. There were a few lightbulbs out in the disco-that's a peeve, and the bar didn't spin around but once for some reason. I had a great time up there don't get me wrong, I just wanted it to be a touch nicer. And stop harassing people for holding a drink on the dance floor. Are people really getting hurt? Maybe they are. Oh, and I missed the midnight buffet - party? Clearly a lack of late night entertainment for me but maybe the rest of the ship was sleeping by then. There was no lobster in the MDR except on the +$30 menu. I guess they don't have those on the menu for four day cruises. They did have turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving however and I thought that was cool.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin E2

It was a quiet space. No reason to avoid this cabin unless you are prone to sea sickness or don't want to be close to the bridge view from the balcony. We thought it was cool. I don't think the balcony is any smaller than the rest - just the way the ship curves at the end makes it seem that way when you look at photos.

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