Brilliance - May 22nd-29th (Italy, Montenegro, Greece)

[blondcat]

Also was told yesterday ship is at 60% - will try and confirm that with a more official source for those asking 🙂

[#55worktoplay]

Really enjoying your review and pictures. Thanks for sharing. 
 

I hope you both win big in the casino, I’m sure your mother would be thrilled to win. 
 

Enjoy!

[Thesandman12]

On 5/23/2022 at 3:44 AM, blondcat said:

Hi all

 

I’m currently on the brilliance with my mother, first cruise in maybe 10 years? Only done a couple but we fancied a little break away and I wanted to treat her. Itinerary is packed with 5 stops on this 7 night cruise.

Day 1

We struggled to find the coach pick up at Bologna airport after being directed down to a different exit. RCL staff aren’t allowed inside with their boards which I didn’t know. Anyway got there in the end, last people on board the coach (sorry!). When we got to port we were stuck on the coach for 20mins waiting for other coaches to leave. Of course I hadn’t printed luggage tags but they quickly added them for us. Then it was on to show negative covid test evidence. Then passport check. Then hand luggage scanning. Then covid vaccine checks. She was annoyed at me that my electronic vaccine evidence was across 2 pages! I think they prefer printed ones. But it was fine. Then on to check in - but were intercepted by Montserrat who is the concierge who then escorted us on the ship. She is an absolute delight. The nicest, most helpful person. 
 

We enjoyed the room for a bit, went to do our muster (just a couple of minutes in the schooner bar) then watched the dockside goings on for the next hour from the balcony. Lots to see! And some very late guest arrivals, last one was 1655 I think. 
 

We then went up to the sale away party and I had the strongest margarita I’ve ever tasted! After that we went to the British pub (where else do British people go on holiday *eye roll*) to watch the end of season premier league games - im a Spurs season ticket holder and we had a champions league place up for grabs (we did it! #COYS). Then headed up to concierge lounge to sort out dinner reservations. We had dinner in the room which was perfect for night 1 then went to a couple of quiz shows, the welcome theatre show (Montserrat met us and gave us some fancy seats).

 

Then time for bed -  mum took the main bedroom (under duress) and I had the sofa bed. Slept like a baby - so comfy. Perfect end to a perfect day (day being once we’d got to check in because the journey was rubbish!!)

 

[Thesandman12]

who was in charge of the concierge/suite lounge, his name if you have it, thanks.

[blondcat]

7 hours ago, Thesandman12 said:

who was in charge of the concierge/suite lounge, his name if you have it, thanks.

Montserrat - unusual name, she’s lovely and so helpful 

[blondcat]

9 hours ago, #55worktoplay said:

Really enjoying your review and pictures. Thanks for sharing. 
 

I hope you both win big in the casino, I’m sure your mother would be thrilled to win. 
 

Enjoy!

Just back from casino - we still have the 70 euros!! Lol

won a bit then put the 70 to one side, gambled the winnings and walked off with the same chips as last night ! I think the croupiers think we have issues 🤪

[blondcat]

Day 4 - Athens 

Scheduled into port at 1230 and we had an excursion at that time until 1700. I had to work this morning so went to centrum at 0800 - only place with decent wifi and it was still a nightmare but managed to get most of it done. Got terribly motion sick though working inside on my laptop. Skipped breakfast and mum just grabbed a couple of these really nice tomato and garlic rolls from the canteen.
 

We were called for our excursion 10 mins after 1230 ticket meeting time and left port on the coach at 1300 for a 4 hour trip to the acropolis and then shopping time. I don’t know why I book these excursions, as once I’ve finished the main event I’m done. Don’t want to faff about in the market buying tatt. Anyway - Athens wow - Bucket list right  ? What a privilege to be here. Decent tour guide, so knowledgeable. Baking hot up there, wear a hat and sun screen and cool clothes. pics:

 

 

[blondcat]

Back to ship at 1730; we hung out in room until 1930 and headed to concierge lounge. So at chefs table last night, few drinks down, I sort of half invited the lovely group we dined with for a cocktail in the suite tomorrow night. But sort of half did it as don’t know their room numbers so how am I actually inviting them? 
Had to drag poor Montserrat into the whole debacle and see if she could help. She can’t give me their room numbers (privacy) so said she would ring through to them and leave a message. I’m thinking if they reply and say yes to cocktail hour here I’ll need to sort some drinks out or something. The guys are awesome but now I’m half stressed as to whether they’ll get the msg, will they reply?! How do I get myself into these things?!

also I don’t think it’s true they can’t give the room numbers out as we just got back and there was a voicemail from one of the couples saying they’re doing love and marriage would we like to come?! We would have loved to but picked it up at 2300 - so too late for the show. But they obviously got our number somehow? Anyway - will see what happens tomo re cocktail invite.

 

So tonight we headed to main dining room for first time for 2030 traditional seating. Had about 8 visits to our table from various people (maitre d’, food manager etc) saying they had missed us, looking forward to seeing us, hoped we like the sea view table etc. Was lovely but started to feel guilty for eating elsewhere all week 🤣

 

Starter took a while to come (30mins) but was tasty and main was nice but very big portion! Mum really liked hers. Then on to the casino- the same 70 euros worth of chips are back in the safe! Mums so pleased we get to play again tomorrow (she would never spend more than her 20 euros). It’s her first ever visit to a casino (she’s 67!) and really loving it. 
 

In bed now and these little guys came to visit. Lovely day 

 

 

[barry1984]

Wait… you have a piano in your suite?!! How cool is that 😀

 

Looking forward to hearing how cocktail hour turns out!

[blondcat]

Some transfer information:

[dorts]

Thank you so much for all this info. I'm on the same route on Brilliance end of September!

[FamilyCruiserUK]

Great info. Glad your having a great trip. Really annoyed with RCL via our TA as they only gave us the option of flights to Venice, would have much rather the bologna flights. 

 

Ah well just a long road trip!! 

[HalifaxYorksCruiser]

I note that the above letter says the journey from the Port to Venice is 3.5 hours. I can tell you that last month the coach transfer from Ravenna Port to Marco Polo airport took exactly 2 hours. This was on a Sunday morning leaving the Port at 6 am. Pleased to see that Royal transfers depart at 7 instead of Azamara which was at 6am. Check in and security at Marco Polo was very quick.

Edited May 26, 2022 by HalifaxYorksCruiser

[FamilyCruiserUK]

The 3.5hrs is probably allowing for stops and traffic. Its a sunday so hopefully will be super quick.

[dorts]

Yeah someone disembarking last Sunday said it was more 2hrs 15mins to Marco Polo from Ravenna

[blondcat]

Yes we did the Bologna transfer on Sunday and it was 50 mins, not 1:30 as advertised. We booked with iglu which included flights and transfers - never again. They booked us on the 1700 flight home told us it was impossible to catch the Bologna 1140. Evidently not as per royal transfers.  I had to pay 240 quid for the privilege of changing to the cheaper earlier flights. I fly a lot and should have known better than getting a TA to do it - If you are particular just do it yOurself.  Lesson learnt !! But hopefully all will be well.
 

just back from beach in Mykonos - report later 

[infoseeking]

I'm on this cruise in a couple weeks and my TA said the Royal Caribbean Ravenna to VCE transfer was already full, wait list only. 🤔 Maybe are spots reserved to book once on the ship?

 

I would prefer the transfer to Venice city center but didn't know it was an option.

[blondcat]

3 hours ago, infoseeking said:

I'm on this cruise in a couple weeks and my TA said the Royal Caribbean Ravenna to VCE transfer was already full, wait list only. 🤔 Maybe are spots reserved to book once on the ship?

 

I would prefer the transfer to Venice city center but didn't know it was an option.

That’s what it seems like - we had that form left on our room and it said to either drop at guest services or leave for the chap that looks after the cabin every day. No mention of first come first served - just here’s the price - put what you want etc. Although the latest transfer on that form was 0900 - is it possible to get that many people off the ship in 2 hours ? 
 

also anyone got any ideas on what to tip as the extra amounts for concierge folks and our stateroom person ? I’m on board with the tip on a tip and I know it’s a really personal thing but I don’t know what is insulting / appropriate! 

[HalifaxYorksCruiser]

6 hours ago, FamilyCruiserUK said:

The 3.5hrs is probably allowing for stops and traffic. Its a sunday so hopefully will be super quick.

We didn’t have any stops last month and passengers were specifically told that there would be no comfort stops and the coaches didn’t have toilets ! Being a Sunday morning the road to Marco Polo was very quiet. Can’t say I’m really looking forward to doing the transfers all over again in Mid August.

[24acorns]

Hi 

loving your pics and thank you for letting us follow your live on board adventures. 

I have done chefs table twice and enjoyed the "experience" as well as the food. On board Brilliance in just over 2 weeks your review is telling me to do again.

I am sure your evening drinks event will be a great success. Perhaps the couple who called 're the love and marriage show got your room number from the invite from Montserrat?

Hope you didn't get blown away in Mykonos today. 

 

 

[24acorns]

5 hours ago, infoseeking said:

I'm on this cruise in a couple weeks and my TA said the Royal Caribbean Ravenna to VCE transfer was already full, wait list only. 🤔 Maybe are spots reserved to book once on the ship?

 

I would prefer the transfer to Venice city center but didn't know it was an option.

 

Not sure about the return transfer being full. 

I called earlier this week to book transfer from Venice to Ravenna and was told just to turn up anytime for the coach. I arrive the evening before but a late flight and have booked an airport hotel. I asked twice if I needed to book a time but she said no they run every 30 minutes. Thought the cost was quite reasonable (for RC) includes phone charge point, free Wi-Fi  and bottled water. Coaches only filling to 50% capacity. She asked if I wanted to book the return transfer, however I left it as I thought I would maybe do the Padua transfer (Although that is a steep price). 

Maybe call RC to book although it looks as if return transfer is bookable on board. 

[FamilyCruiserUK]

58 minutes ago, HalifaxYorksCruiser said:

We didn’t have any stops last month and passengers were specifically told that there would be no comfort stops and the coaches didn’t have toilets ! Being a Sunday morning the road to Marco Polo was very quiet. Can’t say I’m really looking forward to doing the transfers all over again in Mid August.

Wow no toilet breaks, stand by for children pee on the bus lol. I am soo not looking forward to the bus journey at all. 

An early start at manchester airport and a long day travelling with the coach transfer. 

[infoseeking]

16 minutes ago, 24acorns said:

 

Not sure about the return transfer being full. 

I called earlier this week to book transfer from Venice to Ravenna and was told just to turn up anytime for the coach. I arrive the evening before but a late flight and have booked an airport hotel. I asked twice if I needed to book a time but she said no they run every 30 minutes. Thought the cost was quite reasonable (for RC) includes phone charge point, free Wi-Fi  and bottled water. Coaches only filling to 50% capacity. She asked if I wanted to book the return transfer, however I left it as I thought I would maybe do the Padua transfer (Although that is a steep price). 

Maybe call RC to book although it looks as if return transfer is bookable on board. 

Thanks for the info. I called Royal Caribbean today and they told me the transfer from the ship in Ravenna to VCE is currently wait list only.

 

The agent couldn't find the transfer to Venice City center as an option to book.

 

I don't want to risk not having a transfer since I will have kids with me, so I reserved the combined Padua excursion and airport transfer. It is spendy!

 

Hoping once on board I can switch that to drop off in Venice city center. Otherwise, I guess we'll see Padua. It just cuts into our Venice time.

[HalifaxYorksCruiser]

1 hour ago, FamilyCruiserUK said:

Wow no toilet breaks, stand by for children pee on the bus lol. I am soo not looking forward to the bus journey at all. 

An early start at manchester airport and a long day travelling with the coach transfer. 

At least in April we only had to do the transfer one way as we sailed from Rome. Just hoping that Jet 2 do better than in April as had a 3 hour delay taking off from Marco Polo which meant we were in Marco Polo from 8am to take off at 3.30pm ( scheduled to Manchester was meant to be 12.20 pm)There were no queues at Marco Polo for either check in or security. 

[blondcat]

Went totally awol! Day 5 Mykonos 

 

we had a beach transfer booked which in hindsight was extortionate at $99pp for 4 hours for coach transfer, a bottle of water and umbrella. I had forgotten that’s what I paid - but more on that in a min. This was a prompt disembarkation and the only tour where they asked for masks on the bus. On that topic actually, Greece has a mask mandate until June 1 but even after that, masks are still required on public transport. I think because the buses are private transfers none of the drivers ask (apart from this Mykonos one). No problem. Except we forgot ours that day - typical. Luckily some very kind Americans bailed us out with some new spares! 
 

transfer took 15 mins but this isn’t an island that has an abundance of taxis. We saw loads in argostoli, Athens, Corfu but not here. Beach was glorious - Stoney in the shoreline. Prices very Mykonos - 18 euros for a Prosecco, 15-20 for a cocktail.Elia beach club has an on line menu which you can check out. waitress service was pretty good here. No one wanted to leave after 3 hours - lots of disappointed folks especially as there was 3 hours still at port once we got back. Some pics: