Christmas on Brilliance of the Seas

[flyaway]

We (DH, me, DD 3 1/2) are experienced Disney cruisers (plus a couple on Celebrity Century before DD), and we have just booked the cruise departing Christmas Eve with my husband's mother, brother, and nephew (9). It will be the first cruise for them. DH and I have been wanting to try RCI, but really because we are interested in the larger ships and all of the stuff the have to offer that is different from DCL. So Brilliance isn't exactly what we had in mind, but it worked best logistically. And we can tack on four nights at WDW first--we are DVC members, so it at least feels cheap to do so. :)

 

1. Can you guys reassure me that Brilliance will have lots to do and be great for kids?

2. Has anyone here sailed on this class of ships at Christmas? Are they still able to do some of the things I've seen listed elsewhere, like Christmas parades and a Santa visit? (Christmas will be a sea day, btw.)

Edited July 17, 2014 by flyaway

[PompeySailor]

Brilliance is a great ship and plenty to do, for the kid they will have the water slides and the Adventure Ocean Program for 9-12,s is excellent.

 

The Aquanaut Program for 3-5 also very good

Get the kids signed up when you board, or go to kids club between 1PM-3PM to register. It's free

See link in my signature for Adventure Ocean program. From another ship, but gives you an idea of the activities they will have.

 

Rock-climbing wall

Mini-golf course

Basketball court

Jogging track

Video game arcade

 

Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the three-story Main Theater

6,459 square foot Vegas-style Casino Royale® with 195 slots and 12 tables.

16 bars, clubs and lounges that never have a cover, including The Colony Club featuring self-leveling pool tables, Scoreboard Sports Bar, and the Schooner Bar

Duty-free Shops Onboard featuring name brand jewelry, perfumes, apparel and more

Chic and sophisticated Centrum experience with enriching daytime activities, dazzling nightly entertainment and jaw-dropping aerial spectacles

R Bar, featuring a sophisticated 1960s vibe, complete with iconic furnishing and signature cocktails created by a savvy and personable mixologist

English-style pub

Vintages, Royal Caribbean's first-ever wine bar at sea

 

 

Main Dining Room with complimentary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner

More complimentary options including the Windjammer Café, pizzeria and room service*

Specialty restaurant Chops Grille steakhouse $$$ cover Charge

Café Latté-tudes, a specialty coffee house

Complimentary Park Café

Chef's Table intimate dining experience $$$ cover Charge

Giovanni's Table Italian restaurant $$$ cover Charge

Izumi Asian-fusion cuisine, featuring a la carte sushi selections $$$ A la carte

Rita's Cantina for Mexican fare favorites $$$

 

Have a great cruise.

Edited July 17, 2014 by PompeySailor

[lsiparadise84]

We did a Christmas and New Year Cruise on Brilliance a few years back and LOVED it.

The ship was very pretty and festive. We had a gathering to sing Christmas carols in the grand stairway. (This was amazing having that many people singing)

Santa made several trips walking around on the deck and through the ship. (The cruise compass told us where and when to find him)

We recieved Christmas gifts from RCCL. We got a travel bathroom organizer, a travel wine opener, and a photo album.

We really enjoy the holiday cruises especially when your with your family ever night at dinner.

Have a great trip!

[xxoocruiser]

Brilliance does not have a Royal Promenade so it's very unlikely that there will be a parade as there's no room for one such as on the Oasis Class Ships, Freedom Class Ships or the Voyager Class Ships. Santa will arrive on Christmas day somewhere on the ship and usually has little gifts to pass out to the kids.

 

The ship will be beautifully decorated and there is usually an elaborate Ginger Bread House that's displayed at the entrance of the Windjammer. Christmas music is played a lot throughout the ship. On some ships the entertainers have occasionally done Christmas Caroling. There will be a traditional turkey Christmas dinner served in the MDR along with the regular menu items for that day. Other than that all other activities are generally just the regular planned things as on any other cruise.

Edited July 17, 2014 by xxoocruiser

[flyaway]

Thanks, guys-- I really appreciate the info.