Brilliance Fans- Enlighten Me

[legaljen1969]

We will be sailing on Brilliance in a couple of weeks.  I know the trend is toward bigger ships with lots of activities for "family" cruises, but I am looking for tips on what will dazzle me about Brilliance.  I am really excited about the views and all of the glass for which Radiance class is famous.   Tell me what else you love about Radiance class and especially the Brilliance.  I would be even more thrilled to get reviews and tips based on itineraries on Brilliance in the Caribbean.  I can find plenty about the cruises in Europe, but not that much about Caribbean.  Please enlighten me.

 

Special traditions aboard the ship?  (Either your traditions or if there is anything unique done on Brilliance)

Favorite venues?

Favorite places for a great photo opportunity?

Tips and Tricks for great seating in venues or bars?

Hidden treasures?  Things that might be overlooked if you didn't know to pay attention (a picture? a model of something?)

For people who have been on board recently, special crew members who made things extra nice for you?

 

We have been on multiple sizes of ships  Majesty, Mariner, Freedom and Allure.  I have not been on Radiance class. I'm excited to try something new.

Edited December 9, 2019 by legaljen1969

[Clarea]

Best part is the relatively low passenger count.

 

Park Cafe in the Solarium is an excellent venue for snacks.

[cb at sea]

I enjoy the outdoor seating area of the WJ....wish more ships had outdoor seating for dining.  I was NOT a fan of the enclosed Solarium....you can't tan "under glass".  The roof is supposed to be retractable, but it NEVER was, and we had fabulous, calm weather.  This relegated anyone in search of a tan to the main pool area.   Big downside, for me.

 

I did miss the Royal Promenade as well....the "Centrum" on Radiance class get's packed in the evenings....

 

All in all the ship is fine, just not my favorite.

 

[eddeb]

it is like the majesty, not a big ship.

[njkruzer]

One of our favorite classes of ships. Like the outside WJ and the fully enclosed solarium.  Beautiful ship.  Will be spending 34 nights on the Radiance beginning in February. 

[Kteacher]

Loved this ship. Some of our favorite things- outdoor seating in the WJ, the crew (amazing), suite concierge and DC concierge, our corner aft GS (one of our favorite cabins ever), intimate feel of the ship, sailing out of Tampa. 
 

Happy sails 🌞😊

[KeywestK]

Love the Radiance-class!  We've been on all 4 of them many times, and I chose the Serenade for my birthday cruise this winter.   We love the size, it's easy to get around, and we prefer the Centrum, to a Royal Promenade. There are gorgeous ocean views from so many areas. 

[mjldvlks]

Brilliance is the only one of the Radii we have not been on. Currently booked for 30 nights on Serenade in 2021 [B2B Sydney to Vancouver. What I like about them compared to other ships:

 

1. Fewer friends to contend with at Ports.

2. Outside area in Windjammer.

3. Smaller size means most things are a shorter walk.

4. Overall, I find these ships easier to navigate.

 

Most other facilities that I patronize are pretty similar to other RC ships.

One of my favorite cruises was on Serenade [2015 Snowbird migration]. On the other hand one of my worst cruise experiences was on Jewel [2010 Canada New England - the ship had just returned from Europe, experienced a lot of crew turnover, resulting in the one RCI cruise I've been on that I can say service was truly abominable - but I was with great friends, the ports were great and had a great time anyway].

I am not as enamored with the class as some are [the "all that glass" chestnut is way overblown]. But I'm getting to where I like the smaller crowds.  For a port intensive cruise, I would much ptefer a Radii to a larger ship. Other than that, I pick the itinerary and pretty much don't worry about the class of the ship.

 

[JBSteelerfan]

Ride one of the outer (ocean facing) elevators to the top floor and see what's up there.  Each Radiance class ship has something different!

[138east]

The Viking Crown on deck 13 can be an oasis of serenity at certain times of the day.  Exit door goes outside to a secluded lounge chair area and the mini golf.  Recently spent 15 days on Brilliance and I was surprised at how underutilized deck 13 was.

[Clarea]

4 hours ago, mjldvlks said:

 ...

2. Outside area in Windjammer.

 ...

 

 

A very nice feature!

[MiniChunks]

I only have Voyager and Freedom class to compare to, but the Schooner Bar is the best i've seen. I feel that room is where the glass walls really stick out. It's a large room with plenty of seating, and the entire width of it is floor to ceiling glass. Other than that, the outdoor Windjammer and it's smaller size are what do it for me. We went on Brilliance for 12 nights for our honeymoon, Jewel for a 14 night TA and are booked on Serenade this March for an 11 night Caribbean. 

[ownedbypets]

The ship is small but beautiful. We skip the dining room on the first night so we can on deck while going under the Sunshine Skyway bridge. I avoid buffets as much as possible except on Brilliance. Dinner is good, especially the made to order sections.

[George C]

Love there concierge lounge if you are in suite or diamond plus. Nice pub . 

[Saab4444]

The ship is not small, she once was the largest cruise ship in the world, is only 40 ft shorter than Voyager Class and 20% bigger than Queen Elizabeth II and France, the most famous ocean liners in the world.

[mayleeman]

@Saab4444 You might have the Brilliance's size confused with laudatory comments about the huge expanse of windows (over 3 acres, and possibly a record high % of exterior surfaces) it carries.  When launched at the end of 2001, the Brilliance was only 2/3 the tonnage of 3 Voyager class ships already sailing (90,000 vs 137,000), had only 2/3 the max pax (2,543 vs 3,840), and was 60 ft shorter. Before the Voyager class, the Carnival Destiny and the Grand Princess (1996 and 1998 respectively) already had broken the 100,000 GT level. By today's standard of RC ships particularly, it is pretty small. By pre-1995 industry standards, huge! I am looking forward to comparing her Sister Serenade OTS in March to the Allure we took in October!

Edited December 10, 2019 by mayleeman

[Saab4444]

1 hour ago, mayleeman said:

@Saab4444 You might have the Brilliance's size confused with laudatory comments about the huge expanse of windows (over 3 acres, and possibly a record high % of exterior surfaces) it carries.  When launched at the end of 2001, the Brilliance was only 2/3 the tonnage of 3 Voyager class ships already sailing (90,000 vs 137,000), had only 2/3 the max pax (2,543 vs 3,840), and was 60 ft shorter. Before the Voyager class, the Carnival Destiny and the Grand Princess (1996 and 1998 respectively) already had broken the 100,000 GT level. By today's standard of RC ships particularly, it is pretty small. By pre-1995 industry standards, huge! I am looking forward to comparing her Sister Serenade OTS in March to the Allure we took in October!

I confused Brilliance with Rhapsody who was indeed the biggest cruise ship in the world with about 78.000 GT in 1996 for a few months.....

[mayleeman]

@Saab4444 It is amazing how big they got within only 16 years, from Destiny to Oasis!

[Snit13]

21 hours ago, njkruzer said:

One of our favorite classes of ships. Like the outside WJ and the fully enclosed solarium.  Beautiful ship.  Will be spending 34 nights on the Radiance beginning in February. 

Radiance?  Thought OP asked about Brilliance.

[njkruzer]

Just now, Snit13 said:

Radiance?  Thought OP asked about Brilliance.

Same class of ship.  Radiance,  Brilliance,  Jewel and Serenade.   Have sailed them all. Was on Brilliance over the past new year's eve.  Was on the Serenade August 2018 for its westbound TA.  Will be on Radiance circumnavigation of Australia. 

[AftMan]

Favorite places for a great photo opportunity?

 

The atrium area, outside the casino. There are 2-3 small tables w/a couple chairs each. Great place for viewing and taking pictures/video of the 70's disco party which takes place 1 deck below.

 

[legaljen1969]

20 hours ago, Snit13 said:

Radiance?  Thought OP asked about Brilliance.

Since I am the OP,  I can appreciate that Brilliance is in Radiance class- so I can see why the person said something.   I appreciate the input.  For those who have been on multiple Radiance class ships- any similarities and comparisons are certainly welcome.  I am, however, particularly interested in any special features of Brilliance that people have found they really love (or hate).  
What I know people don't like is  (1) "small size" (for those who are partial to the large ships and shopping malls at sea), (2) heavy presence of the cigarette smoke from casino in Centrum area (and maybe other areas?).  I am aware of those two criticisms, so don't particularly need feedback on those.

I appreciate the generalized information about smaller ships for more port intensive itineraries.  

What I am seeking are particulars such as the outdoor windjammer seating, the fact that the solarium is enclosed and not really with a retractable roof.   Great info about the schooner bar. Great info about the Viking Crown Lounge.   Any other hidden treasures?  

For those who have sailed recently, any crew members that were particularly impressive.  Great bartenders?  Activity directors?

Do have question about Viking Crown lounge and/or Deck 13.   Is that for all cruisers or is it an area that has been converted to use for suites/ Diamond/ Concierge only?    I am only Platinum so I have no "superpowers."

[legaljen1969]

17 hours ago, AftMan said:

Favorite places for a great photo opportunity?

 

The atrium area, outside the casino. There are 2-3 small tables w/a couple chairs each. Great place for viewing and taking pictures/video of the 70's disco party which takes place 1 deck below.

 

Thanks for the information. 

 

[legaljen1969]

On ‎12‎/‎10‎/‎2019 at 9:13 AM, George C said:

Love there concierge lounge if you are in suite or diamond plus. Nice pub . 

What sort of entertainer was in the pub when you went?  I know it may have changed as they do from time to time.

 

[legaljen1969]

On ‎12‎/‎9‎/‎2019 at 2:36 PM, Host Clarea said:

Best part is the relatively low passenger count.

 

Park Cafe in the Solarium is an excellent venue for snacks.

Thank you!!  I know on many of the large ships,  the Park Cafe' is famous for the Beef on Weck sandwich.  Is that something they have on Brilliance as well?  I haven't ever tried it. Maybe a first time.
What is your favorite snack at Park Café?   I know that's very subjective but always interested in opinions.

Edited December 11, 2019 by legaljen1969