New RCI-er Needs tips on the Brilliance

[samzgirl84]

We have been on 7 Carnival cruises and are booking a RCI cruise for next fall on the Brilliance of the Seas. I really know my Carnival ships, but RCI is completely unknown territory for me. I would appreciate any tips, suggestions, must dos, pros and cons, etc for this ship.

Thank you!

[cb at sea]

You will find RCI's ships to be very EASY to navigate...they are laid out quite well!

 

The pros (IMO) are the outdoor buffet seating...I like that. Again, IMO, the enclosed Solarium (adult) pool is a con....I like to be able to tan in peace, but you can't tan under glass! The roof is supposed to be retractable, but it's never opened! Oh, well.

 

Brilliance has lots of glass, so you get great views from almost everywhere...it's a lovely ship.

 

Get the deck plans and check it out...just to familiarize yourself with the layout.

 

Can't help with "must-dos"....we vacation to relax, so we don't "do" alot!!!!

[negc]

You will find RCI's ships to be very EASY to navigate...they are laid out quite well!

 

The pros (IMO) are the outdoor buffet seating...I like that. Again, IMO, the enclosed Solarium (adult) pool is a con....I like to be able to tan in peace, but you can't tan under glass! The roof is supposed to be retractable, but it's never opened! Oh, well.

 

Brilliance has lots of glass, so you get great views from almost everywhere...it's a lovely ship.

 

Get the deck plans and check it out...just to familiarize yourself with the layout.

 

Can't help with "must-dos"....we vacation to relax, so we don't "do" alot!!!!

Since Radiance class ships often sail in regions were the temperatures are less than moderate and weather isn't always ideal, many of us consider their climate controlled solariums to be a positive feature, not a negative one. The claim that the glass roof prevents the UV rays from penetrating and causing sunburns or tanning is something that I find questionable.

We just returned from the Brilliance's 13 night repositioning cruise from Boston to Tampa and never lacked for things to do on board. The aerial shows are spectacular, and the specialty restaurants, especially Giovanni's Table are excellent. Most of all, however, is the wonderful staff that will serve you while you are onboard.

[Loyal2RCCL]

:eek:

You will find RCI's ships to be very EASY to navigate...they are laid out quite well!

 

The pros (IMO) are the outdoor buffet seating...I like that. Again, IMO, the enclosed Solarium (adult) pool is a con....I like to be able to tan in peace, but you can't tan under glass! The roof is supposed to be retractable, but it's never opened! Oh, well.

 

Brilliance has lots of glass, so you get great views from almost everywhere...it's a lovely ship.

 

Get the deck plans and check it out...just to familiarize yourself with the layout.

 

Can't help with "must-dos"....we vacation to relax, so we don't "do" alot!!!!

 

Not true... I've cruised the BR twice in the Med and both times the roof was opened. I've also seen the roofs open on Enchantment, Grandeur, Vision and Jewel... so Never say Never!

[xxoocruiser]

Brilliance is one of my favorite RCCL ships ! Was just on it a few weeks ago. The best kept secret is the Park Cafe located in the Solarium.

 

• Breakfast - serves RCCL's version of an Egg Mc Muffin, other types of breakfast sandwishes, yogourt parfaits , hot oatmeal, muffins. There's also a bagal bar with flavored cream cheese and othe toppings.
  
• Lunch - RCCL's ever popular carve beef sandwich, paninis, other types of sandwiches, soup, deserts and cookies. There's also a salad bar and fresh fruit. Individual bags of Assorted Frito O'Lay chips.
  
• Evening - assorted sandwiches, empanadas, pizza and deserts.
  

If you like Isushi suggest you attend the Izumi Restaurant sushi demonstation in the Centrum Lounge. Day and Time will be posted in the Daily compass. After the demo the chef invites everyone to come up and part take in eating what was prepared. Th

[39august]

Don't miss watching or playing on the self-leveling pool tables. They are toward the aft past the Schooner bar. Also continue all the way aft on that deck to the bar area and its great seating area for watching the wake.

[negc]

:eek:

 

Not true... I've cruised the BR twice in the Med and both times the roof was opened. I've also seen the roofs open on Enchantment, Grandeur, Vision and Jewel... so Never say Never!

 

despite the testimony of you and others that the roof is sometimes retracted, you can expect this poster to continue to claim that the roof is NEVER opened.:rolleyes:

[pennyg131]

Since Radiance class ships often sail in regions were the temperatures are less than moderate and weather isn't always ideal, many of us consider their climate controlled solariums to be a positive feature, not a negative one. The claim that the glass roof prevents the UV rays from penetrating and causing sunburns or tanning is something that I find questionable.

We just returned from the Brilliance's 13 night repositioning cruise from Boston to Tampa and never lacked for things to do on board. The aerial shows are spectacular, and the specialty restaurants, especially Giovanni's Table are excellent. Most of all, however, is the wonderful staff that will serve you while you are onboard.

NEGC,

Going on the BOS this Saturday. Do they still use the coupon books or is it like the Oasis?

Thanks for your help. Penny

[creativecarriet]

I am glad to find this thread I'm trying to find more info on BOS too!

[negc]

NEGC,

Going on the BOS this Saturday. Do they still use the coupon books or is it like the Oasis?

Thanks for your help. Penny

They were still using discount coupon books on the repositioning cruise and likely will continue to do so, at least until their supply runs out.

We used the BOGO dinner coupon, the free photo and internet minutes, reduced telephone rate, and free flavored coffee in the specialty restaurant, as well as some of the casino coupons (can't ever win too many RCI key rings LOL). You might also find the gift shop and spa discount coupons are worth your while.:)

[Beach4me]

Four weeks ago, BR was still using coupon books.

 

Giovanni's for lunch is a great deal for $15.

 

Agree - the self-leveling pool tables are fun.

 

If you do the Windjammer at dinner and decide to make your own pizza, don't forget to check out the salad bar for additional toppings. I always added a few things from there and took it back to be cooked.

 

The aerial show in the Centrum is great. I think deck 5 is a good deck for watching. Plan on getting there 30 minutes before the show in order to be up next to the railing. On port days, you can watch them rehearse in the morning if you're still on the ship.

 

The most comfortable chairs on the ship are the ones just outside the entrance to the Windjammer. OMG! Wish I'd have tried them out earlier.

 

If you have any specific question, please ask!

[pennyg131]

They were still using discount coupon books on the repositioning cruise and likely will continue to do so, at least until their supply runs out.

We used the BOGO dinner coupon, the free photo and internet minutes, reduced telephone rate, and free flavored coffee in the specialty restaurant, as well as some of the casino coupons (can't ever win too many RCI key rings LOL). You might also find the gift shop and spa discount coupons are worth your while.:)

Thanks so much. I have about 3 books at home all version 17 I will try you use.

Penny

[Mystaken]

We have been on 7 Carnival cruises and are booking a RCI cruise for next fall on the Brilliance of the Seas. I really know my Carnival ships, but RCI is completely unknown territory for me. I would appreciate any tips, suggestions, must dos, pros and cons, etc for this ship.

Thank you!

My tip is to check out the spa on the first day when they have open house. I love the heated tile beds in the thermal suite that look out over the ocean!!

[Loyal2RCCL]

despite the testimony of you and others that the roof is sometimes retracted, you can expect this poster to continue to claim that the roof is NEVER opened.:rolleyes:

 

I honestly wonder if that person has actually ever cruised RCCL since most of the information they tend to spew is inaccurate. :D:eek:

[wiiCruz2]

We head out on the BOS in 2 weeks ... I love the Radiance class ships. But, can we please kept the Park Cafe secret a secret? Really is a nice quick breakfast option - I love that it is never too busy :-)

 

 

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[wiiCruz2]

By the way, we have seen the solarium open on the Grandeur --- but sadly we have never seen them open on a Radiance class ship (of course one cruise was in Alaska ... A bit chilly for an open solarium)

 

 

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[wassup4565]

When people remark on all the glass on the Radiance class ships, they should explain. Almost no matter where you are on these ships, there is a view outside the ship to the sea. Unless you see the vessel as merely a traveling hotel, this means you can "see" your voyage...while you are at Guest Services...while you are in the dining room...while you are in the Schooner, etc.

 

My favorite places on the Brilliance and others of the Radiance class are:

1. The outdoor dining at the stern of the ship behind the Windjammer.

2. The heli-pad, in the deep dark of night. This is where you can have your Titanic movie front-of-the-ship experience.

3. All the stairwells, where on every landing you can stop and consider world-class art work. You don't have to be an expert. Just stop for a moment and look. Ask yourself: Why did the artist decide to make this? How did the artist make this? What does this make me feel and think about, when I look at it?