Brilliance or Independence

[fundude1990]

We are looking to take a 5 day cruise on March 11th and were wondering if anyone had pros and cons between the Brilliance of the Seas leaving out of Tampa or the Independence of the Seas leaving out of Fort Lauderdale.

[Clarea]

Depends what you are looking for in a ship, but you cannot really go wrong with either.

 

If you want the Flowrider and Royal Promenade, go with Indy.

 

If you want to see outside from virtually any public venue, and you want a less crowded experience, both port and onboard, I'd go with Brilliance.

[bobkat12]

Have done both more than once and my choice is Indy, hands down! We loved the staff on that ship, larger, more to see/do. Brilliance is a very pretty ship, but showing her age.

 

 

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[CapeCoralCruiser]

Depends what you are looking for in a ship, but you cannot really go wrong with either.

 

If you want the Flowrider and Royal Promenade, go with Indy.

 

If you want to see outside from virtually any public venue, and you want a less crowded experience, both port and onboard, I'd go with Brilliance.

 

I agree with Bob, as these are my favorite/second favorite classes of ships, but for different reasons. It just depends on what you want out of your cruise ship experience. We will be on Serenade, Brilliance's sister, tomorrow and Indy in a month.

Edited December 11, 2016 by CapeCoralCruiser

[bobkat12]

I agree with Bob, as these are my favorite/second favorite classes of ships, but for different reasons. It just depends on what you want out of your cruise ship experience. We will be on Serenade, Brilliance's sister, tomorrow and Indy in a month.

 

 

Small world, Cape Coral here also[emoji41]

 

 

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[Grandma Dazzles]

Depends what you are looking for in a ship, but you cannot really go wrong with either.

 

If you want the Flowrider and Royal Promenade, go with Indy.

 

If you want to see outside from virtually any public venue, and you want a less crowded experience, both port and onboard, I'd go with Brilliance.

 

For once, Bob, don't totally agree! Sailed the Independence and Serenade (same as Brilliance) this year and last year and found the Serenade to be much more crowded and congested.

 

Also found entertainment to be far superior on the Independence, especially the ice show.

 

I do like the sea views but if I want to sit and enjoy view I either use my balcony, or go on deck.

[vacationlover_mn]

If you do Independence, don't miss the "hidden secret" sun deck by flowrider, one deck down. No one ever came by, and we always got chairs for the 4 of us :). Well, I guess now it's not a secret!!

 

 

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[bobkat12]

If you do Independence, don't miss the "hidden secret" sun deck by flowrider, one deck down. No one ever came by, and we always got chairs for the 4 of us :). Well, I guess now it's not a secret!!

 

 

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We have a similar spot on brilliance, one deck below the mini golf![emoji41]✌️️

 

 

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[vacationlover_mn]

Oh, and there is the flowrider bar, just above you. It's the best :)

 

 

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[CapeCoralCruiser]

Small world, Cape Coral here also[emoji41]

 

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Hey, bobkat. Been here 9 years, and during this time of year, I wouldn't want to be anywhere up north.:eek:

 

OP, there are more things to do on Indy, for sure, but sometimes we like to have a more peaceful experience, where it feels more like an ocean going adventure - and where you can see the ocean from just about anywhere - as opposed to a floating sports/activities resort. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the sports/activities when we are on that type ship, its just a different experience. We were on Empress just a few weeks ago, and didn't fully know what to expect - except what we had read on CC. About half the tonnage of Brilliance and fewer venues, but we had a fantastic cruise. You should research the ships and decide what best fits you. And, on occasion, its more about the ports than the ship. However, while I have my favorites, I don't think I've met ship yet that I don't like. A day cruising is better than...well, a whole lot of things. :cool:

Edited December 11, 2016 by CapeCoralCruiser

[fundude1990]

Thank you everyone for your response. My wife and I are still deciding on what to do. We live very close to Tampa and are leaning towards the Brilliance.

[George C]

I love the ice show which Indy had and Brilliance does not, but we did Brilliance a few months ago, nice ship.

[Travis_in_Chicago]

Thank you everyone for your response. My wife and I are still deciding on what to do. We live very close to Tampa and are leaning towards the Brilliance.

 

Since you've already done the Freedom, my tendency would be to try the new class and do Brilliance.

[sellwingri]

Brilliance is my favorite ship. I just love the centrum and the glass elevators overlooking the ocean. We're sailing on her next month.

 

We just got off Liberty a week ago (same class as Independence) and while I enjoyed the ship, I don't find it as inviting and beautiful. I do like the ice skating show though.