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Surprised by Royal Caribbean
 
Reviewed By: Leinster, Cheadle Hulme on 17th Mar 2010
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Brilliance of the Seas Sailed: March, 2010
Destination: Dubai Age: 56-65
Cabin: Balcony
After reading all the reviews about this cruise we were a bit apprehensive to say the least, especially after cruising several times on various Celebrity Ships. We should not have been worried as this Ship was superb and better than Celebrity in many ways especially the Windjammer dining area, a much easier layout than Celebrity. The food was excellent in there and also in the main dining room where our Dining Room Stewards were brilliant. The speciality restaurant "Chops" was excellent and the steaks were some of the best we have ever had.
Our Cabin was built for four and as we were only two this meant that we had lots and lots of extra space for clothes etc.
It was kept very clean and we liked the idea of putting a "Make the Room up" tab in the key slot when you were ready, to avoid coming back from breakfast and the cleaners were in your room.
There were lots of things to do on board although we did not have any sea days and were in different ports every day.
We went on organised trips every day as we were not sure about the places we were at as this is relatively new. The trips ranged from very good to poor. Muscat was very good, spotlessly clean and the Mosque was out of this world. Bahrain wasn't up to much but I am glad we went off to see it. Dubai was incredible but I certainly would not want to drive there.
I missed the "Brittain Today" newspaper but that is a minor quibble as we could keep up with news on the TV.
The entertainment was a bit mixed but overall good, especially "Soul Sensation" who were fantastic.
Overall a superb ship and a very pleasant surprise.
Quality of Food5
The Dining Room and the Self Service Windjammer. "Chops" once.
Entertainment3
Soul Sensation brilliant. Not impressed with the illusionist.
Shore Excursions3
Muscat the best. Bahrain the worst.
Staff5
Engin & Assistant in the dining room. Angela in the Diamond Bar.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins4
Overall Rating5
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Question by Maloney, Worksop (20 Mar 10 18:53) about this REVIEW
We are going on this cruise on 5 April. Which trips did you do in Muscat and Bahrain ?
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Answer by Cake, Malgesso (VA) (22 Mar 10 14:47) to a QUESTION by Maloney (20 Mar 10 18:53)
We did the Mystical Muscat tour which included the visit to the mosque. Just remember that women need to be completely covered to enter so don\'t forget to pack a large scarf, a long sleve blouse that buttons up to the neck, long trousers, socks and shoes. There are armed guards at the entrance checking for any uncovered arm, ankle, shoulder or cleavage. Our Bahrain trip was modified due to the Formula 1 practice but we did meet an alleged crown prince at the camel farm.
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