Brilliance of the Seas Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,563 reviews

Med Cruise Aug 2016 from a Brit

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas
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SailorNick
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2016
Cabin: Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Traveled with children

Overall this cruise was excellent. The overriding factor were the staff who were very helpful and always happy - we had no trouble at all with them and respected their positions with a civil and courteous approach, this was reflected with a very high standard of service.

You do need to do your research before you embark. It can be difficult to find some information. Things to take - European sockets/leads for mobile phones. We did not use RC internet packages at all, no need, mobile coverage was good apart from sea days and we used wifi hotspots ashore. You do not need towels they are provided. Bring shower gel/shampoo. The cabins are a little small but more than adequate, I am 6 foot and with my medium sized wife and granddaughter of 7 had no trouble in this particular cabin. Yes the shower is small but what do you expect, if you take turns it is fine. We had a tv (near perfect reception all the time (watching Olympics!)), fridge - which we did not use, wardrobes and cupboards were great. There is a laundry facility - one shopping bag full for $30 - I washed the occasional t shirt and trunks and dried on the balcony.

Don't go for beverages package - coffee, tea, juices are free - maybe go for the booze package - the variety is good! Food - we ate in Minstrel Dining Room which was excellent for us, we got dressed up into casuals (trousers and short sleeved shirt) - can be a little time consuming eating 3 course meal but socially good fun. The alternative is Windjammers - dress code relaxed(shorts and T shirt), variety of food excellent but can be busy. We had 2 formal nights, I wish I took a suit but wore jacket and tie which was OK. You don't need to attend these formal events but it is often nice for the ladies/girls to dress up and a good photo opportunity with a tan! If you still do not like these dining options you can opt for the speciality places, Chops Grille, Giovannis, Cantina or Izumi but they are extra £35 per person. Entertainment - we were pleasantly surprised, the nightly shows were pretty good and worth attending. We didn't use the casino or other bars/nightclubs - by 10 o'clock we were ready for bed! The shore excursions can be expensive but if the weather is hot they save time and energy - we were back onboard by 1/2 pm so only 4 hrs max ashore. Go alone you can save a lot of money. Of course if there are some places you have already visited then stay onboard, as its practically empty!

Cabin Review

Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin D2

More than adequate, balcony was not really used enough but does allow great uninterrupted views especially sunrise and sunset! Other reviewers have stated they can hear other cabins, (wc flushing etc) well you can in an hotel as well! Either we were very lucky or just not so picky but we slept soundly, the bed was fine!

There is a safe as well.

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