Brilliance of the Seas Review
Transatlantic Crossing with lots of sea days
Rating by category
Additional details
Barcelona departure on a 14 day crossing to Tampa. Excellent food, lots of daytime events, good evening entertainment. The ship is large enough to have many things to do but not so big as to be lost in a flood of humanity. Several shows, including two musical/dance acts, comic, ventriloquist, tenors, "Sammy Davis" type Las Vegas show, and an unbelievably funny juggler. The Captain and crew were extremely friendly and welcoming.
Not many kids on the trip, probably due to the length of the cruise and school schedules. More older people and a pretty good mix of US/Canadians and Europeans.
Most of the port visits were excellent opportunities to see historical cites of the Portuguese and Spanish empires. A historian provided hour-long presentations on the port cities and what to do/see/visit. The port call list originally included San Juan, PR, but was replaced due to the extensive hurricane damage. The substitute port, Basseterre, St. Kitts, was a disappointment, with three cruise ships overwhelming a squalid little town in sore need of revitalization. If your trip includes a visit there, take a trip anywhere else on the island and stay out of the town. A historian provided hour-long presentations on the cities
Cabin Review
Large Ocean View Stateroom
Great steward and a reasonabe size for a cabin. The bathroom was efficient (not big, but workable). The second deck is the lowest level for passenger cabins and about mid-ship, which minimizes the effects of the ship's motion. Very quiet.
The disadvantage of all the second deck cabins is the larger windows of the cabins on the higher decks is replaced by a porthole. For a long trip with many sea days, this was not an issue for us.
Port Reviews
Barcelona
Wonderful city deserving of at least five days to visit prior to your departure. Sagrada Familia a must visit. Gaudi fans will need more time.