Cruising can be a great way to explore the world and Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas was my first major cruise ship (over 7 nights).
This is an older product, so I want you to be prepared for all its positives and negatives (like any cruise ship) so you get to make the most of its onboard activities on your itinerary.
So whether you’ve already booked or are thinking about the Brilliance of the Seas for your cruise, this guide should get you started with all you need to know as a first-timer!
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My First Alaska Cruise: Sailing Solo with Royal Caribbean
Royal doesn’t always make it easy, but find the best (and the worst) aspects of sailing on Brilliance of the Seas
History and Specifications
Launched in 2002, Brilliance of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class fleet, which was designed to maximise natural light. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, this ship has a capacity of 2,543 passengers and 848 crew members. Given the size of some recent new cruise ships, the Brilliance is a comparatively modest size, which I found made the ship easier to get around.
The Brilliance of the Seas measures 292 meters long and 39.8 meters wide, with 12 decks.
Current Operations
Brilliance of the Seas operates a variety of itineraries, primarily focusing on the Western Caribbean and Alaskan cruises. During certain seasons, the ship departs from popular ports like Tampa, Florida, and Vancouver, Canada, where I boarded (click for my boarding tips!).
Cabins or Staterooms
Brilliance of the Seas offers the range of accommodations that you might expect from a mid-range ship: inside, ocean view, balcony and suite options are available. For my Alaskan trip, I chose an ocean view room.
There’s no doubt that the rooms are comfortable, and the housekeeping staff are excellent with twice-daily service, but do expect some frayed edges as the ship is showing its age and needs to be refurbished.
Dining Options
A highlight of any cruise, at least for me, are the dining options and the free or included options on Brilliance of the Seas were really excellent. I have a minor food exclusion and the team went out of their way to accommodate me.
Here’s what to expect:
Main Dining Room: Enjoy a multi-course dining experience with a rotating menu featuring mainly Western cuisine with occasional international options. Dress code is more formal and service is sedate.
Windjammer Marketplace: This buffet-style venue has a more casual dining atmosphere with an endless selection of options. A faster way to eat. Don’t expect the refined nature of some of the dining room options.
Specialty Restaurants: Included in some tickets, or pay-as-you-go for others, the speciality restaurants are a bit more indulgent, with premium steaks at Chops Grille or Japanese options at Izumi. Keep an eye out for the Chef’s Table too! You’ll need a reservation on busier itineraries.
In addition to these options, Brilliance of the Seas has 24-hour room service, with a basic crowd-pleaser menu. No additional charge is billed for room service breakfast only.
Activities and Entertainment
Royal Caribbean goes out of its way to set up and run activities, all detailed in the in-cabin newspaper. Here’s what to expect:
Onboard Activities: Test your skills on the rock climbing wall (depending on the weather) or play a little mini-golf or take a swim. The star attraction is the fitness centre (in my estimation!).
Entertainment: Each evening, you’ll find entertainment, with Broadway-style shows, live music at most venues and regular events like quizzes and smaller themed activities.
Family-Friendly Programs: I understand there are age-appropriate activities for families, although very few families were aboard my May-time Alaska cruise.
Popular Destinations
Brilliance of the Seas sails to some of the busier routes for cruise lines, such as:
Cozumel, Mexico: A jumping-off point for a beach day, snorkelling or ancient Mayan ruins.
Alaska: A breathtaking cruise to Alaska’s glaciers and charming towns. Expect wildlife like whales, bears, eagles, stunning landscapes and salmon bakes and indigenous art.
Caribbean Islands: Usually multi-stop trips that might include St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Grand Cayman.
Unique Experiences
To make the most of your shore days, consider these tips:
Book Excursions Early: Popular excursions can fill up quickly, so reserve your spots as soon as possible. Keep an eye on alternative shore excursion companies like Viator and Get Your Guide for more competitive pricing. Always take an excursion with an early return-to-ship time and which permits cancellation in the event your ship doesn’t dock.
Explore Local Cuisine: Each port of call offers local dishes you won’t find on the ship. The Alaskan salmon cooked over an open fire was a highlight of Sitka for me.
Enjoy Local Culture: Take the time to explore local markets, museums, and historical sites. It’s one of my main reasons for cruising.
What to Expect Onboard
As you prepare for your cruise on Brilliance of the Seas, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Dress Code: The dress code varies by venue. While casual attire is acceptable in most areas, some specialty restaurants may require smart casual attire. Pack accordingly to ensure you feel comfortable and stylish. You won’t need a tuxedo or cocktail dress, but proper trousers with a button-down shirt (or the equivalent for ladies) will suit most occasions.
Daily Schedules: Each day, you’ll receive a schedule outlining activities, entertainment, and dining options. Really take advantage of this resource to plan your time effectively and ensure you see and do the things you’ll enjoy.
Booking and Preparation
When considering your cruise, keep these tips in mind:
Best Times to Book: For the best rates and availability, consider booking your cruise during wave season (January to March) or shoulder seasons when demand is lower.
Packing Essentials: Pack versatile clothing suitable for both casual and formal evenings. Don’t forget sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable hiking shoes for exploring ports. Check out my complete packing list on my other site, Planet Patrick.
Health and Safety
Your health and safety are so important while cruising, so don’t leave this to the last second. Here are some key points to consider:
Travel Insurance: Don’t mess around. Get a good travel insurance product like SafetyWing or from your existing provider.
Health Protocols: Be aware of any health protocols in place, including vaccination requirements and testing procedures. Wash your hands… really! Norovirus can be a real problem on cruise ships so get involved in not spreading it or suffering it.
Onboard Medical Services: The ship is equipped with medical facilities and trained staff to handle any health concerns that may arise during your cruise. Familiarize yourself with the location of these services in case of emergencies. Remember these services can be very expensive so use their services only when you need it.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed my time on board Brilliance of the Seas and created some lasting memories from Alaska.
You’ll find good accommodation options, high-quality dining (even in the included food options) and the benefit of waking up to some beautiful ports with fun activities to enjoy.