Brilliance of the Seas

As a leader in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean International is famous for its vessels - which have been likened to floating holiday resorts.

The Brilliance of the Seas is one such craft and it could be the perfect choice for those seeking a wonderful family holiday, a romantic break or a fun-filled voyage with friends.

Registered in the Bahamas and classified as Panamax, the Brilliance of the Seas was built by Meyer Werft in Germany for a cost of $350 million. Since being built, it has provided service throughout the Mediterranean, the Middle East and India.

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As of early 2012, it will be ported in Amsterdam and Copenhagen during the summer, enabling it to sail routes around northern Europe, with destinations like the Norwegian fjords, the Arctic Sea and the Baltic. Winter services will be throughout the Caribbean.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,500
Year entered service: 2002
Beam (ship width): 105.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 27.8 feet
Length: 961.9 feet
Tonnage: 90,090
Crew: 869
Maximum speed: 25 knots
Number of passenger decks: 12
Number of lifts: 9
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 1,056

Food, cuisine and dining

When packing for a voyage on the Brilliance of the Seas, be sure to bring your appetite! The ship offers a huge range of dining areas, restaurants and snack bars, so you'll always be able to find something to tickle your taste buds and satiate your hunger.

The main dining room is called the Minstrel. It is spread out over two decks and the upper level offers breathtaking views through its massive windows. There are also two private dining rooms off to the side, which can be booked for special occasions - one can seat up to 94 guests, while the other is a bit more intimate with space for 30.

If you'd prefer buffet-style dining, the Windjammer Cafe could be the ideal option, with all-you-can-eat pasta, salads and a carvery station, as well as desserts. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and the buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner.

The Seaview Cafe offers another buffet, as well as a table-service menu with items like burgers, hot dogs and seafood.

In addition, other dining venues include:
• Portofino
• Chops Grille
• Solarium bar
• Room service
In addition, the Latte-tudes Coffee bar is the perfect place for a morning pick-me-up. It even includes an internet cafe, where you can catch up on emails and find out what's going on in the rest of the world.

On-board entertainment and activities

There's always something happening on the Brilliance of the Seas, offering fun for the entire family. The Pacifica Theatre has 874 seats and offers regular musical and dance productions. There are also cruise favourites like bingo, karaoke, arts and crafts workshops and educational seminars, while the kids' clubs offer various activities for children and teenagers.

For adults looking for entertainment, there are a number of bars and clubs - with something to suit every preference.

The Starquest is a bar and nightclub located in the Viking Crown Lounge on the top deck. From this vantage point, high above the ship, you'll enjoy fabulous views - not to mention the fact that it features a revolving bar!

Other options include the Schooner piano lounge, the Scoreboard sports bar, Jakarta and Singapore Slings. Or why not check out a cabaret act or adult comedy performance?

The Colony Club has self-levelling pool tables, so your game isn't interrupted by the bobbing of the ship, or you could even try to hit the jackpot at Casino Royale.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you're looking to unwind with a vigorous workout, the Brilliance of the Seas has a large gym facility with cardio and resistance machines, as well as some free weights.

The fitness suite also includes a spacious room for exercise classes, with popular options including Pilates, yoga, aerobics and spinning.

You could also get your blood pumping on the rock climbing wall, on the basketball or volleyball court or the jogging track. Go for a refreshing swim, or maybe enjoy a round of golf.

And if you'd prefer a spa or beauty treatment to help you relax, those are available too. Saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, massages, acupuncture, aromatherapy and facials are just some of the options available.

Cabins

For those travelling on the Brilliance of the Seas, there are many different accommodation options to choose from. The ship has more than 1,000 rooms, ranging from luxurious suites to basic cabins and they are separated into 19 different price groupings.

There are six Owners Suites, which have king-size beds and measure around 512 square feet. They include a large private balcony, a separate living area and mini-bar, as well as a whirlpool bath and complimentary concierge club service.

Family Suites are more spacious, but usually feature fewer amenities. They generally comprise two bedrooms, as well as a living room with a sofa bed and can sleep up to eight guests.

Standard staterooms are usually around 160 square feet and include two twin-size beds that can be pushed together to make a queen. Choose from exterior cabins with portholes or balconies. Alternatively, interior rooms have no view.

Whichever room type of room you select, you'll enjoy an en-suite bathroom, a vanity unit, a safe and a television.