Brilliance of the Seas Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,566 reviews

Once aboard ship things were good except for the smoke

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas
User Avatar
the_mikey
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2017
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Shows size of cabin with bed and loveseat in picture. Apparently if you lik
First day welcome cake at the Windjammer, open most of the time for buffet
Jet Ski excursion with Guide in background
Visibility is important since you need to follow the guide.
Statue I like that reminded me of photograph I like.
Very close to the port, at the meeting point for our Jeep Excursion.
That is our ship "Brilliance of the Seas" on the right with "Oa
Bar on the Beach, I can't remember ever seeing a bar closer to the beac
Light house, landmark at the end of the long strip mall of shops and restau
Just one of the landmarks
Leaving Costa Maya
One of the cool towel foldings by "Paul"
Decorative food in the Windjammer
In the elevators, on the floor is the day of the week. It gets changed ever
Main dining room

We called on the way to the terminal to verify which terminal, were told terminal 3. It was actually terminal 6. We were not told terminal 6 until Day 6, when we were returning from the trip. There were several question I had that answers were not easy to find. Before leaving I wanted to know what things like the "Drink Package" would cover. All I could find was drinks $12.00 and under with discounts on more expensive items. I want to know what drinks are available and what are their prices. What is the difference between the main dining room's food and the food from the other (added charge) restaurants. Is it worth the difference? It took a bit to get used to being aboard, and where to get information. The Cruise Compass has a lot of the information you need for the day and they magically show up on your bed every evening. Speaking of Cabin care, the cabin was immaculate every time we returned. Paul, would have fresh towels brought in, the bed made, and everything picked up and tidy. Our servers for dinner (Jose and Rong) were awesome. Excursions, as well as the entire trip including air travel was booked through Costco, were fun. Personal water craft (jet skis) were ridden around the Florida Keyes. Had a great tour guide, informative and humorous. Grand Caymen was snorkeling (2 stops, I found that snorkeling is not for me) and Sting Ray City. We got to hold, kiss, and get massaged by Sting Rays. Boat Captain and mate were great, personable, informative, and having fun also. We went early in the day, they said that's better because Sting Ray City can get so busy at times that they have to wait for another boat to leave, which cuts into your time. Costa Maya we went on a Jeep Excursion around the area, saw a few sights, learned, and had a chance to shop, relax and have lunch on a beach. Last stop, tequila tasting, very good tequila, so good I bought 6 bottles of the añejo. We had booked a Jeep others booked a "Buggy" (yes, think VW Bug conversion), had a bit of rain and the Buggies had no wipers and no top. If you book that adventure, get a Jeep. Maintenance could have been better on the vehicles, but we had no issues. Last ship stop was Cozumel, we had no excursion planned. There is a terminal there made for cruise ships. I think it might be owned by one or more of the cruise ship companies. We quickly tired of hearing "Come in, taste some tequila and buy some jewelry." We met someone that had spent several years in the area we live and talked for quite a while. We took the shuttle to the nearby town and walked down the beach, got a massage (on the beach) and did most of our shopping. Almost forgot there were people back home that should not be forgotten. On the last morning, disembarkation day, there was a bit of confusion. Apparently there was a minor medical emergency that slowed things for a bit so coordinating the person that was scheduled to pick us up was kind of tricky. Once things started moving, it went much faster than anticipated. Overall, it was a great trip and I would definitely do it again!

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin E1

Cabin is decent size, was kept clean, and had a bigger balcony than most due to it being on the end and curving around where the hallway was on the inside. Room was big enough for a loveseat, desk, closet, plenty of storage. Bathroom was small (shower especially), but totally functional. Watch the storage spaces, there are many and easy to forget you put stuff in there.

Port Reviews

Costa Maya

We took tram to town and a cab back to terminal, because you have to spread the tourist money around. It is actually an agreement between the two entities that one takes you one way and the other brings you back.

2 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Brilliance of the Seas Cruise from $396

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.