Brilliant – Brilliance of the Seas

I was lucky enough to visit Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas with my colleagues last week. We had an early start at 7am and drove to Harwich where she sails from. Harwich port is easily reached by car and even better by train as the railway station is directly on the port. Ample car parking slightly away from the ship but a shuttle bus which takes 5 minutes to the terminal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We boarded at approx. 12pm and we were met by a Royal Caribbean representative who gave us a guide book and talked us through what we would be doing over the next couple of days.  When we do a ship visit like this we get to see every aspect of the cruise ship by doing a tour of the ship, so we started at the top after lunch in the Windjammer cafe then worked our way down.

In the lifts on the floor it shows which day it is (not that i care when on a cruise).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brilliance of the Seas is a Radiance Class ship holding 2500 passengers, she was launched in 2002 and has just undergone a massive refurbishment which is why were lucky enough to be invited to see this.

The areas which have been ‘revitalised’ are:-

Chef’s Table – this is a small dining room holding only 16 people, it is exclusive and elegant speciality dining offering fine dining at its best along with tasting some of the best wines available. The cover charge for this is $95 per person but you do get 5-6 courses and wine is included, also a pre-dinner cocktail party is included. Dinner is usually served at 7.30pm and the dress code is smart casual or formal if it is a formal night. Guests must be 21 years to enjoy full menu including wines, children from 13-18 years are welcome if accompanied by an adult. 2 of my colleagues were lucky enough to dine in here and said it was amazing and well worth the cover charge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giovanni’s Table was our next stop – this an Italian Restaurant with a really European feel to it, reservations are recommended as this is very popular, the cover charge for this restaurant is $15 for lunch & $20 for dinner. Seafood and Pasta are 2 of the main dishes served. Dress code is casual and children are welcome with adults. The menu changes on a daily basis so always something different to enjoy. No drinks are included in the cover charge so must be bought from bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chops Grille – Fancy a steak? Then this is the place for you – succulent steaks cooked to perfection just the way you like it. Again reservations are recommended as very popular and the cover charge for this restaurant is $30 for dinner. Children under the age of 13 only allowed in on discretion of the Matre De and only on early dining at 6.30pm. Drinks are not included either so must be paid for but a great selection of fine wines available.

 

Rita’s Cantina – a lovely Mexican option and the rear of the ship as an add on to Windjammer Cafe – this is where you can experience Mexican food at its best. I loved this restaurant – very colourful with an outdoor dining area – great for a change from the normal buffet style lunch/dinner. No cover charge to eat here but need to check daily cruise news to see opening times. Casual dress code so great for lunch after a spot of sunbathing or an excursion.

 

Park Cafe – fancy a light bite? A Panini or a wrap then this is the place to eat. With outdoor seating area and casual dress code and no cover charge – also available till late if you fancy a snack after dancing the night away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Izumi – the sushi bar offering great views as high up on the ship. It costs $3 for lunch and $5 for dinner then you pay for what you order. A lovely little restaurant if you fancy a change. Open at lunch time and for dinner – check opening times on daily news. Dress code is smart casual or formal.

 

 

The pool area now has a large movie screen showing the latest films or sporting events throughout your cruise – the resolution on the screen means you can see it whatever the weather and from various seating areas around the pool.  Great for sunbathing so you can watch a movie at the same time. I love this concept. The screen is 220 sq ft.

 

The central atrium called the Centrum WOW is the heart of the ship featuring the ‘R – Bar’ where Michael the mixologist will make your perfect cocktail, he was so quick it was impressive. This is a great meeting place before you head off for dinner. R Bar is open from 10.30am until the last man is standing so a great place to be any time of the day or night. In the centrum WOW there is also acrobatic performances taking place as it covers over 6 decks, watch a trapeze artist or even a live band – check daily news for performance times.

 

 

Viking crown lounge – this is at the top of the ship, this bar is open all day again till the last man is standing and doubles as the nightclub. A great place to be and has a fantastic atmosphere. There is a circular bar in the centre which even rotates, not very quickly but adds a bit of fun to the concept of sitting at the bar. There is a dance floor to dance the night away. How about a glass of champagne from only $10 to name but a few of the drinks available in here.  There is a smoking area in this bar by the door which leads outside.

 

King & Country Pub – this is located by the Casino and is a traditional English pub – it was great in here, fab atmosphere and another great meeting place. Even has a dart board giving it that English feel. There are 46 different beers to choose from as well as wines, speciality drinks, champagne, soft drinks all at current bar prices. Dress code is casual during the day but again ship’s dress code in the evening. Smoking is allowed in an area of this pub also just so you are aware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also viewed some of the accommodation available from inside staterooms, outside, balcony & suites. There is even a 2 bed roomed suite with balcony that sleeps 8 people, great for a large family or group of friends but there are only 2 on board so would need to book early to get one of these.

Royal suite 

 

Owners Suite

 

 

Grand Suite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Bed roomed balcony cabin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D1 deluxe balcony cabin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside cabin with window

This is the cabin I had for the overnight stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall I really loved this ship, well laid out and lovely areas to relax.  The food was amazing and so much choice, we ate in the Windjammer for breakfast & lunch and the main dining room for dinner.

The cabins are spacious & very comfortable, the staff were very helpful and always on hand to point you in the right direction.

Brilliance of the seas sails from Harwich and offers 11 night sailing to Fjords & Iceland on 27th July then does 12 night sailings thoughout May – August to Scandinavia & Russia.

I would love to do a cruise on this ship & may even look at doing this next year.

So if you would like to book on this lovely ship call me now on 0800 408 6108 or email [email protected].