Brilliance of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Originally we chose this cruise because of a crew member who was trying to get on it. He didn't... but we were booked. The plan was to disembark in Amsterdam, spend 17 days on the ground and sail back on Mariner of the Seas on May 7th. She was heading to drydock but the leg was canceled and she went to drydock early.
So... we flew into Tampa the night before. Easily and efficiently boarded the ship. We were in our cabin by 1:30pm after eating lunch and having a cocktail. Our first order of business was to order our dinner wines. It was not as easy as in times past because ordinarily if you create your own package of over 6 wines, a discount is given. Not this time. Well... eventually but anyway.
Our experience in the RCCL main dining rooms have not been the best but this ship was an absolute exception! We also usually eat just the two of us, but this time we joined another table. We had amazing food, spectacular service and great fun with new friends.
Cabin Review
Ocean View Balcony
The only complaint I have and it's something that can't really be changed... is that the closet doors and the bathroom doors open into the same small area. I'd be getting ready, my husband would come out of the bathroom and hit me or hit the closet door. A little bit cozy and in need of new furnishings. The location was great though. We spent quite a bit of time on the balcony.
Port Reviews
Tampa
Easy port to fly into and sail out of. We will definitely use this port again! We stayed by the River Walk and had a great precruise day!
Ponta Delgada
Cute port. We've visited many times so we just walked off to buy a birthday card and a couple necessities.
Cobh (Cork)
LOVE! So convenient to walk off the ship and step onto a train. RT was 10 euro. We walked around and visited cathedrals and the market. It is quite a big city. Because of rough seas canceling two ports, we overnighted here. The pubs in the port town of Cobh are amazing! Fun residents! Charming town, easy to walk. We did the Titanic Experience and of course had a Guinness and Irish Coffee.