Brilliance of the Seas Review
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We chose this cruise for the destinations offered which didn’t disappoint. The cabins are becoming a little tired but are a good size with plenty of cupboard and storage space. The bed we found comfortable and roomy. All the staff without exception were fantastic, best I’ve had on a cruise. They all seem to genuinely enjoy being aboard (for months at a time). In fact, one shore day my husband was unwell so decided to stay aboard. He wandered up to the Windjammer at lunchtime and about 20 Staff were all singing and dancing and so happy. The drinks are expensive with the added 18% tax and the same cocktail was made differently in every bar.
The entertainment & orchestra was fantastic, much better than I have previously experienced, so top marks to Royal Carribean. I also enjoyed Mike the Cruise Director, and his sidekick Enzo.
The bingo was so expensive with the returns much less than it should’ve been, RC make a good profit out of this and it was painfully slow.
Cabin Review
Ocean View Balcony
Port Reviews
St. Petersburg
We used TJ tours for two days, No trouble getting off the ship with our tour vouchers and our guide was waiting for us outside Immigration. TJ were excellent and even refunded us the $10 entry fee when we decided not to see St Isaacs church. Bear in mind it’s a VERY busy two days.
Helsinki
We did the Flytour in town and wandered through the city markets. A pretty little port city but not a whole lot to see. Shuttle bus into town quick and easy.
Stockholm
My favourite Baltic city, Vasa Museum a must see and an easy ferry ride from the Stadsgarden port (just €10). You need to allow 2 hours to see Vasa. From here we walked to the Old Town and enjoyed wandering here. Unfortunately we just missed seeing the changing of the guards at the Palace at 12 noon. We should have taken the ferry back to the ship but decided to walk and due to new roadworks being constructed we took a wrong turn and it subsequently took us a good hour to return to the ship.
Copenhagen
Very elegant architecture, town centre not overly attractive and same shops as any other city. The waterfront and back streets more interesting.
Amsterdam
We stayed in a nice hotel centrally in town not too far from the Red Light district so it was a bit grungy (the town not the hotel). Wished was had stayed in Jordaan, very pretty streets and plenty of nice restaurants. Hard to get varied food here, every restaurant seemed to serve the same...burgers, steaks, pizzas etc. Anne Frank House was fantastic, book online beforehand! Red light Secrets Museum definitely an eye opener.
Tallinn
Don’t take the HOHO bus, it takes a long time to get you to town and you have to walk a long way back to the stop to take you back to the ship unless you take a green bus 1 hr route. Uses up too much of your day on buses rather than town. Stick with the shuttle and wander around the Old Town.