Todays mega cruise ships are packed with the latest thrills, from zip lines to indoor skydiving, but what is it like sailing on one of Royal Caribbeans older cruise ships?
I recently cruised on Royal Caribbeans Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class cruise ship built in 2002. During my exotic ten day sailing to the South Pacificmy longest cruise thus farI relished the opportunity to enjoy a more traditional cruising experience.
Although I love cruising on massive vessels with nearly endless activities to enjoy, theres something special about the relaxed, quieter ambiance of cruising on a smaller, older ship. For the most part, I loved everything about my time onboard, from the attentive service to the itinerary and friendly faces around the ship.
Nonetheless, there were, like any cruise, a few things I did not enjoy. Whether the lack of specialty dining restaurants or the thin walls in my cabin, my vacation was not entirely perfect.
Here are six things I loved and three I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise.
My cruising mantra is to always select itineraries that visit at least one destination I havent been to before. Whether a new island in the Caribbean or a new port in Alaska, exploring breathtaking destinations is a major reason why I book cruises.
When the opportunity arose to book a cruise from Australia, I began searching for Royal Caribbeans most unique itinerary in the region during the month of November. I decided upon a 10-night South Pacific cruise that visited five islands in the French territory of New Caledonia and the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.
Related: 15 countries you didnt know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
You can find South Pacific itineraries on new ships like Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, which also sail from Australia, but they typically only visit two or three islands on each itinerary.
Sailing on an older ship like Brilliance of the Seas gave me the chance to make the most of my long journey across the world to Australia. I absolutely loved visiting five diverse, breathtaking islands during my cruise, and I was happy I chose the most unique itinerary available.
Ive recently reached the Diamond Plus tier in Royal Caribbeans Crown & Anchor Society, and one of the new perks I receive with this status is a buy one, get one free dinner at a specialty restaurant.
I thoroughly enjoy eating at Royal Caribbeans specialty restaurants, as I love the calmer atmosphere and wider variety of cuisines. Because of this, the BOGO deal was the perk I was most looking forward to trying on Brilliance of the Seas.
Unfortunately, though, older Royal Caribbean cruise ships often have limited specialty restaurant options, and Brilliance of the Seas was no exception. The ship only features four specialty restaurants: Chops Grille, Giovannis Table, Izumi Sushi, and Chefs Table.
Only two of these restaurants, Chops Grille and Giovannis Table, allow guests to use the BOGO discount. I would have loved to dine at Izumimy favorite of Royal Caribbeans restaurantsbut I was told this was not, unfortunately, covered with the discount.
Even though the food offered at Chops Grille and Giovannis Table is of great quality, Ive been to these restaurants many times before on other ships, and eating the same meal over and over can get a bit boring.
Having limited specialty restaurant options was one of the few times I wished I were sailing on a bigger cruise ship.
Despite the lack of specialty dining options, I found myself pleased with my experience in the Main Dining Room on Brilliance of the Seas.
With fewer options onboard for meals, youre likely to find yourself eating in the Main Dining Room more often on smaller ships compared to on Royal Caribbeans largest vessels. On my Brilliance of the Seas cruise, I ate in the Main Dining Room nearly every evening along with lunch on sea days and several breakfasts.
Related: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience
Although I frequently eat in the Main Dining Room on other Royal Caribbean cruises, the over-the-top service I experienced on Brilliance of the Seas was on a different level. My waiters, Stefan and Stephen, were beyond attentive, regularly bringing me surprise menu items to try and delivering food in record speed.
I felt so attached to them by the end of the cruise that I couldnt even fathom eating dinner anywhere else! As a plus, the food quality and flavors were excellent as well.
Whenever I sail on new ships like Wonder of the Seas, I prioritize attending entertainment shows. I just cant pass up the entertainment offered onboard, from AquaTheater shows to ice skating shows and Broadway productions.
On smaller ships I tend to avoid theater shows. Although I can appreciate the talent of the cast on any ship, Im never as thrilled with entertainment on old cruise ships. Whether the smaller budget or lack of a storyline, I would usually much rather spend my evening doing something else instead.
Regardless, during my time on Brilliance of the Seas, I figured I should at least try to attend one production show, so I attended a performance of Tango: Buenos Aires.
I grabbed a front row seat by showing up a half hour early, and I was quickly left impressed by the professional tango dancers and live music of the production. It was one of the more unique production shows Ive seen on an older Royal Caribbean ship.
Following the performance, I wished I had attended more production shows during my time onboard, but Ill definitely try to attend more shows next time I sail on an older ship.
I cruise with Royal Caribbean relatively often, and I find myself getting into a certain routine while onboard. While Ill attend a trivia session or two during the day and listen to live music in the evening, I have realized I dont try enough new activities to keep things interesting.
Determined to change this and try something new, I participated in the Royal Mystery puzzle game while onboard. The purpose of this complimentary activity is to "solve" the mystery of a museum heist during which important artwork was stolen.
Through a series of clues found throughout the room and in a folder of papers given to participants, each team is supposed to determine which character committed the crime.
While the concept of the game was intriguing, I found it to be exceptionally difficult. Of the hundred or so people playing the game, almost everyone appeared confused. Not only were the clues unclear, but there were so many steps to the game that only one team even got close to solving the mystery.
Im glad I went out of my comfort zone to try a new activity, but I wish it would have been a little easier. Most passengers are not professional detectives, after all!
Prior to my Brilliance of the Seas cruise, which was ten nights, I had never booked a cruise over seven nights in length. The main difference I found when cruising on a longer itinerary, particularly on a smaller ship, was the community that formed while onboard.
Being on a smaller cruise ship for ten days meant I saw the same guests again and again during my sailing. By the end of the cruise I had formed friendships with several passengers, and we spent our days attending activities together, playing cards at Schooner Bar, and sharing meals in the dining room.
Sure, its possible to form friendships on bigger cruise ships, but its a lot easier on the smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships as youre more likely to see the same passengers around throughout the sailing.
The internet speed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships has significantly improved since the launch of Starlink internet in 2022, but nothing could have prepared me for the insanely quick speeds on Brilliance of the Seas.
As someone who frequently works remotely from cruise ships, I rely on Royal Caribbeans internet to complete tasks like uploading videos to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel. In the past, uploading content could take hours, which was certainly not ideal for productivity.
Related: Can you work remotely from a cruise ship? I put it to the test
While on Brilliance of the Seas, I encountered the most responsive internet connection Ive ever experienced on a cruise ship. I was streaming Netflix with no issues, uploading large video files in under twenty minutes, and video chatting with friends and family back home without any connection delay.
Due to my ships remote itinerary in the South Pacific and the fact I was sailing on one of Royal Caribbeans older vessels, I expected slow, frustrating internet speeds, but this was (thankfully!) not the case whatsoever.
One downside Ive noticed when cruising on older ships are the thin walls in the cabins. Whether on Rhapsody of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, or Brilliance of the Seas, Ive always been able to hear sounds from guests in the rooms adjacent to my own.
From alarm clocks to conversations and televisions, its not ideal being able to hear what is going on outside of your cabin. Although these sounds are somewhat muffled, I missed the thicker walls of cabins on newer cruise ships during my recent cruise.
When its time to grab a drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of my preferred bars is Schooner Bar. Royal Caribbeans nautical themed bar is found on every ship in the fleet, and its a popular spot for activities like trivia and live piano music.
In September 2023, Royal Caribbean revamped its drink menu at Schooner Bar, crafting cocktails such as the Peanut Butter Tropic, Parrot Punch, and Southern Belle.
Related: Royal Caribbean revamps its nautical themed bar with new menu
Because I cruise with Royal Caribbean often, I cant pass up the opportunity to try a new drink menu. During my cruise I tried several new drinks at Schooner Bar, my favorite of which was the Desert Pear Margarita, which combines tequila, desert pear syrup, and lime juice for a distinct fruity flavor.
If anything, the new drink menu at Schooner Bar made me even more excited to try cocktails at one of the new bars on my Icon of the Seas cruise this January!
Read more here:
6 things I loved and 3 things I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise - Royal Caribbean Blog
- Cheap Caribbean [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Caribbean - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Caribbean Sea | sea, Atlantic Ocean | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2016]
- Caribbean travel guide - Wikitravel [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Caribbean Information Office [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Holidays to the Caribbean 2016 / 2017 | loveholidays.com [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Cruises | Caribbean Vacation Packages | Norwegian ... [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Actor Brenton Thwaites to Star in Thriller 'Ghosts of War' - Variety [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- New Kokomo bar has Caribbean theme - Kokomo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Michael Perry: Caribbean work day | Recent columns by Michael ... - Madison.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Orlando Bloom Returns as Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean 5 First Look - MovieWeb [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Link-Caribbean Awards US$125000 To Five Caribbean Firms - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp Finally Appears In Dynamite 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Super Bowl Spot - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600 attracts Classics - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Caribbean dancer N'Jelle Gage-Thorne visits Allen Hall - Daily Illini [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Norwegian, Royal Caribbean expand Cuba sailings through end of the year - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Why Disney's 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Had The Best Super Bowl Movie Ad - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The 'baseball island' is taking on water at the Caribbean Series - ESPN (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- World's Smallest Biennale Drops Anchor on Caribbean Islet - Hyperallergic [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Obama kiteboards in Caribbean with billionaire Richard Branson - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Crime Costing Caribbean Billions | Caribbean360 - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Classics Gather in Caribbean - Sailing World [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- CCGA enters partnership with Caribbean college - The News (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Charm Enjoying New Location - Hartford Courant [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- World Bank Appoints New Country Director for the Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - The San Luis Obispo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Puerto Rico edges Mexico for Caribbean Series title - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- LGBTQI coalition gears up in eastern Caribbean - Erasing 76 Crimes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean Series artifacts to be displayed in Hall - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor Selections From Latin America, Caribbean ... - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - Beloit Daily News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and Caribbean Volume 30 | November December 2016 - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- All inclusive Caribbean trips with nonstop flights hit the vacation spot - The Tennessean [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- US, EU Food Standards Major Hurdle for Caribbean Exporters - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Cruises that cater to the Chinese on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas - Miami Herald [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- St. Croix Restaurants Named Among Top Ten In Caribbean By USA Today - VI Consortium (press release) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Caribbean Brothers Bar & Grill opens along Route 30 in Lancaster Family Resort - LancasterOnline [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- FATCA hurting Caribbean: Revoke it, Mr Trump - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Book review: 'Island People' brings Caribbean's humanity, color to life - Fredericksburg.com [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American leaders want strong stance against Trump's immigration policy - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- 10 Ways MSC Cruises is Elevating the Caribbean Cruise Experience - Cruise Fever [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers concerned over poaching - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean all-inclusive resorts: Top spots for families, foodies, more - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- This Unknown Caribbean Island Should Be Your #1 Vacation Destination In 2017 - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Belize among the Caribbean countries recording strongest tourism growth - Amandala [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- You can take a family vacation the Caribbean - AZCentral.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean-style lagoon coming to Houston-area development - Chron.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean CIO Sets Sail For Digital Innovation - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 2000 Royal Caribbean passengers stranded after ship fails life jacket inspection - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean's Carnivals Tip Their Hats to Trinidad - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- New shark of the Caribbean - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean labour ministers to meet in Jamaica - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Record Fleet for RORC Caribbean 600 >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers predict positive tourism performance for 2017 - Amsterdam News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Disney World announces expansion at Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach resorts - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean - SFGate [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- UK weather to get hotter than Barcelona as Caribbean blast 'heatwave' keeps temperatures soaring into next week ... - The Sun [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Black Caribbean Immigrants In The US Today 10 Things You Should Know This Black History Month - News Americas Now Caribbean And Latin America Daily... [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- The 8 Most Memorable Island Cocktails To Try On Your Next Caribbean Adventure - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Caribbean air will send February temperatures soaring in Cornwall - Cornwall Live [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- New LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean sets revealed at New York Toy Fair 2017, coming in May [News] - The Brothers Brick [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American legislator dispels rumours about immigration sweep - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Lego's New Pirates of the Caribbean Ship Can Open Itself Up Like a Skeleton's Ribcage - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean cancels all cruise stops in Turkey in 2017 - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean trained attorneys are taking over the judiciary in the region - Stabroek News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean Nations Concerned President Trump's Immigration Policy Will Slow Tourism - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Woman suffering diabetic shock airlifted by Coast Guard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp is in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales', Apparently - Bloody Disgusting [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Dozens Starve to Death in Caribbean Prison - Newser [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Horses on the Caribbean Track - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- SXM Festival on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin announces 2017 edition - Mirror.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Curacao - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Jamaica Commended For Its Economic Initiatives At IDB - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600: It's Never Like This >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- More Caribbean illegals in line for deportation - Trinidad & Tobago Express [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- CHIEF and Taste Of The Caribbean To Be Held In Miami In June ... - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more - Newsday [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]