Brilliance of the Seas Review
Great itinerary but marginal food and entertainment
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise for our 25th Anniversary trip. This is our second Royal Caribbean cruise. We sailed on Rhapsody out of Galveston once and had a great experience. (We actually saw Rhapsody at one of the ports during this cruise!). We have cruised a lot on NCL, and once on Princess and Holland America. NCL is the best so far in my opinion.
We always wanted to cruise the Mediterranean. We were disappointed Turkey was replaced by Croatia on the itinerary, but understood the replacement due to the security situation near Syria at this time. We spent four great days in Barcelona before departure and LOVED it! Go to the Picasso museum, La Segrada la Familia, Guell Park, Gothic Quarter, La Rambla and the trip to the Montserrat monastery! The Hotel EuroPark is a great value, clean and has king size beds! We also loved Venice and the Amalfi coast. We will return to all those again one day. This was my second trip to Rome. I don't remember it being so crowded. The Pope was actually in St. Peter's performing a funeral service! Got to see the changing of the Swiss Guard .
Everywhere on the cruise, the ports were jammed with tourists. Please don't travel in summer if you really don't have too!
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
You definitely want a balcony on this cruise or you miss half what there is to see.
Most activity on this ship is in the center to rear of the ship (except for spa and fitness center).
Port Reviews
Barcelona
Great historical City with so much to see and do! Spent four days here and will return one day. Picasso Museo, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Hard Rock Cafe, Montserrat monastery, Guell Park, La Segrada Familia, etc.
Florence (Livorno)
I need to return here and spend more time. Too much history and many museums to see in one short afternoon. A long haul drive from the port!
Venice
Doge's is incredibly beautiful and historic. Take the Vaporetto (water buses) to get around. We love Venice and shall return. Go to Venchi's Chocolate Gelato and Happy Pizza for the bruschetta! Wife snagged a Louis Vuitton purse and wallet at their boutique in San Marco for half the cost of what they would be in US. Tax and duty free! Take one gondola ride, even though they are short and expensive!
Zadar
Took a boat ride around the old City/Island. Should have just stayed on board. This place is just an excuse to get off the boat for a while. Decent seafood though,