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Brilliance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean Radiance-class ship known for its floor-to-ceiling glass
Royal Caribbean · Radiance Class

Brilliance of the Seas

The most glass at sea — Radiance-class elegance with wraparound ocean views.

© Ahecht / WC / CC BY-SA 4.0
Launched
2002
Gross Tonnage
90,090 GT
Passengers
2,112
Decks
13
Home Port
Seasonal — San Juan, Puerto Rico (winter); repositions to Europe (summer)
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Brilliance of the Seas debuted in 2002 as the second Radiance-class ship, built around the class's signature idea: as much glass as engineering would allow, from floor-to-ceiling windows in every cabin to panoramic glass elevators and a retractable-roof Solarium. A 2018 dry-dock refurbishment added Oasis-class-style dining and entertainment without losing that light-filled, mid-sized feel. She splits her year between winter Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan — ABC islands and Virgin Islands calls — and summer Mediterranean and Adriatic itineraries from Europe.

✦ The standout feature

Floor-to-ceiling glass throughout, including panoramic glass elevators and a retractable-roof Solarium — one of the most naturally lit ships at sea, a Radiance-class hallmark.

What’s Onboard

🍽️

Dining

  • 5 specialty restaurants
  • Main dining room with panoramic ocean views
  • Windjammer Marketplace buffet
  • Park Cafe casual dining
  • Chops Grille steakhouse
  • Giovanni's Table Italian
🌊

Pools & Recreation

  • 3 pools and 4 hydro-massage whirlpools
  • Retractable-roof Solarium
  • 40-foot rock climbing wall
  • Mini golf & sports court
  • Panoramic glass elevators
  • Full fitness centre and spa
🎭

Entertainment

  • Broadway-style production shows
  • Casino Royale
  • Observation lounge with 270° views
  • Live music venues & piano bar
  • Comedy and game shows
  • Duty-free shopping promenade
🛏️

Cabins

  • Interior, Oceanview, Balcony & Suite categories
  • Every outside cabin has a large window or balcony
  • Refurbished staterooms after the 2018 dry-dock
  • Royal Suite and Owner's Suite top categories
  • Connecting family cabins available
  • Just over 1,050 staterooms fleet-wide
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family & Kids

  • Adventure Ocean kids' clubs (3–17 years)
  • Family pool area
  • Teen-only lounge
  • Family-friendly shore excursions
  • Connecting stateroom options
  • Kids-eat-free dining windows

Video Tour

See Inside Brilliance of the Seas — Complete Ship Tour

✓ Best for
  • Travelers who want a smaller, more intimate ship
  • Fans of classic cruising with a modern refresh
  • Southern Caribbean or Mediterranean itinerary seekers
  • Couples wanting quieter sea days
✗ Not the right fit for

Families chasing mega-ship waterparks and thrill attractions — Brilliance's smaller size means fewer headline attractions than Royal Caribbean's newest ships.

Typical pricing

7-night Caribbean or Mediterranean from ~$700/pp (interior) to $2,200+/pp (suite)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brilliance of the Seas still sailing in 2026?
Yes. Brilliance splits her year between winter Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan, Puerto Rico and summer Mediterranean/Adriatic itineraries from Europe.
What makes Radiance-class ships different from newer Royal Caribbean ships?
Radiance-class ships like Brilliance were designed around natural light — floor-to-ceiling windows, glass elevators, and a retractable-roof Solarium — rather than the waterpark-and-thrill-ride focus of Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ships. They're smaller, quieter, and better suited to travelers who want scenery over spectacle.
Has Brilliance of the Seas been renovated recently?
Yes — a 2018 dry-dock refurbishment added Oasis-class-style dining and entertainment venues while keeping the ship's original glass-forward layout intact.
Is Brilliance of the Seas good for families?
It works for families who want a calmer trip, with Adventure Ocean kids' clubs and family cabins available, but families wanting waterslides and high-energy activities will find more of that on Royal Caribbean's larger ships.
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