Just returned from 12 night eastern med cruise, second time with RCCL, previously experianced Voyager class. Arrived mid day straight from BCL airport, 6 of us in the party including 2 teens (15yrs). Our friends were 'fleeced' by the cab driver for 60 euros, they had not been aware of the average cost of 30 euros to the port. After a 45min queue to check in, cabins were available and luggage arrived fairly promptly. 1st impressions were the Brilliance is a beautiful ship with good attention to detail and in good condition. Cabins were nicely furnished and enough storage, our ocean view was great and the boys had inside, it was worth the saving on the balcony rooms we had previously had as most of time was spent up on deck. Dining was a fun experiance due to our 2 great waiters, Navine and Dimitios. Both so different but complimented each other so well, they really added to our holiday experiance, big thanks to them from us all. We had late seating and food was good, yes alittle slow some nights, but it did not affect us, we got to all the shows etc.. Had one night at chops Grill, food was good, boys loved the steaks, I was a bit cross though when offered water through the meal to then be presented with a bill of $15 for it even after having paid a surcharge already! we dont pay for water in the main dining room after all. Windjammer no complints, and the seaview cafe a good alternative for late lunch or snack, fresh to order. Nice spot for a late/late drink on deck also. We caught majority of shows in theatre, the comedian juggler was very funny, we enjoyed all except the 'count' piano player! we made an escape halfway through, but all others very good. Gordon cruise director, excellent, and very personable chatting to everyone at the white party on deck, or when passing during the day, also he made the love and marriage show, maybe its our mutual british humour? we liked him a lot. Most of the staff were very friendly, cabin attendant did a sterling job. We appreciated the sea days on this itinary as the heat made port days quite tiring at times. Cannes was a stroll along the promonade, villefranche much nicer, would do the village tour next time. Livorno stayed on board, this did not appeal to the teens and although im very into 'do it yourself' excursions, it seemd a bit of an effort here, and speaking to people afterwards the train station is not in too easy reach? Rome, we got the train in and had pre-booked an open top tour bus with audio guide, it was good but make sure you set off early otherwise its a whistle stop tour and stressful to make sure you get back to the staion in time to get back! you need a few days in Rome anyway to get the benefit of everything but it was a good overview for those who had not been before. Santorini did the ships Volcano/hot springs, we enjoyed this, its a bit of a climb up but a great view. Spent the afternoon around Fira, the other villages have the true beauty of Santorini though. We had a a gale force wind so Mykanos was off the agenda which is not uncommon I understand, I the itinery should change as Mistral winds are almost inevitable in Greece during August. e carried on to Kusadassi arriving at night, got off for a wander around, I always feel uncomfortable in turkey with bombardment of waiters/street sellers etc so the next day we got a return taxi to long beach and spent the afternoon on the beach, jet skiied, all very cheap, and apparently the water park is quite good there. Athens skyline had the evidence of fires from the outer areas, the city was quite due to the national holidays, as was Rome. I had pre-booked a taxi here through Georges Taxi Athens 'the best taxi driver in Greece' is his advertisement. He lived up to this, it was another george but a new mini van, and a guide provided, from the USA, fantastic day, we saw places others never would have from the buses, very knowlegable and relaxing tour, cannot recomment this enough. Naples we did the ship tour of sorrento and lido, pleasant but a bit expentsive for what it was. Overall a great experiance, thankyou all at the Brilliance family!