Had a wonderful five night cruise aboard the Brilliance in February 2018. This was a restful and relaxing cruise. We avoided the pool deck and main dining room. Our idea of a great cruise is lots of visual access to the water and blue sky, and alone time as we have very social jobs back home.

We bought the five night specialty restaurant package and ate twice in Chops, twice in Giovanni's, and once in Izumi. Food was excellent, with some items so good we had them both nights. On the two sea days, the package included lunch in Chops and in Giovanni's. Again excellent. The buffet on Brilliance is well designed with enough nooks and crannies for seating that it doesn't have the same sort of factory/banquet feel like on other ships. Breakfast in Windjammer was surprisingly relaxing, especially if you get an outdoor table far away from the bussing stations.

The Colony Club is a big wood panelled sunken lounge that feels like bygone times. Elegant and large with plenty of big comfy club seats. Often during the afternoons live classical music was played here. There are games tables and puzzle tables. My only complaint would be that the music trivia game would arrive mid-afternoon for about 45 minutes in what was otherwise a tranquil spot. The classical players would stop playing and the pop music trivia contest would blare loudly through the space. And then, if would depart. Read more