Brilliance of the Seas Review
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The highlights were our stateroom and the food in the main dining room. We chose this cruise for a family get together, specifically because of the much publicized activities for children and teens. There was very little for teens; some of the activities listed were not offered. Staff were 50/50 some were quite friendly; others would not even acknowledge guests in passing.
As mentioned in other reviews, guests were subjected to many "suggestions" to tip staff in addition to the gratuities automatically added daily to your account. It was to the point of being obnoxious and embarrassing in the main dining room, with the pleas by someone making fervent pleas to remember the wait staff (the Maitre D' ?? - don't know - we never saw him other than when he was pitching additional tips for with staff).
Food itself was great as were our waiter, Mario, and assistant, Dmytro. Cleanliness in dining room spotty...I was so annoyed with a coffee spill on the window sill next to our table, on the third day I cleaned it off myself with my napkin.
Cabin Review
Grand Suite
We booked a Grand Suite - it was spacious and quite lovely, although a bit shabby in spots. No Q-tips or cotton balls in bathroom. Bathroom also needed some grab bars near the large tub, which was a very nice feature but with very high sides. Lots of storage.
Cleanliness was ok, not great. Balcony furniture covered with a sticky substance the entire voyage. Asked steward to remove the "for sale" items from the refrigerator, so we could use it; was basically told to do it myself.
Port Reviews
Tampa
Great lunch at Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.
Cozumel
Cabs were plentiful and charged $8 flat rate for two from the port to the major downtown/shopping area. Felt very safe, local people very friendly. Plentiful restaurants/reasonable prices.