7 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise

We just returned from a seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas. This was only our second cruise, but as experienced travelers, we know many of you look to us for advice. Our journey began in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and included stops in Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Basseterre (St. Kitts & Nevis), St. John’s (Antigua), and Castries (St. Lucia), plus a day at sea before heading back to San Juan.

Brilliance of the Seas is a mid-sized Royal Caribbean ship with a comfortable, laid-back vibe, unlike the larger, busier ships. It’s popular with couples and families and sails to places like the Caribbean and Europe. The ship offers good food, entertainment, friendly service, and plenty of places to unwind. If you prefer cruises that highlight the destinations and aren’t packed with people, this ship is a solid choice.

Review Summary

The cruise, ship, and ports all exceeded our expectations. The only drawback was the late departure. Leaving San Juan at 8pm made the first day feel long, so next time we’ll board later. The delay wasn’t Royal Caribbean’s fault.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Other than some traffic near the parking area, getting on the ship was quick and easy. We boarded in about ten minutes, and the muster drill was fast since most of it is now done through the app. Both the Main Dining Room and Windjammer were excellent throughout the trip. Every meal was well prepared, and we were very happy with the quality. The best part of both our cruises has been the great service from our servers.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

There were lots of activities to choose from on board, but we skipped most of them. We preferred relaxing by the pool or finding quiet spots away from the crowds.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The musicians on this cruise were very talented. The orchestra was excellent, and we really enjoyed the KaWa duo. They were great performers. The Royal Caribbean singers and dancers were also impressive.

We enjoyed the first production show. The second one, which had a Broadway theme, wasn’t as engaging and felt a bit low on energy. The performers did their best, but the issue was with the show itself, not their talent.

Children’s Programs

Not applicable, as we were not traveling with children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The service on the cruise was excellent. Our head waiter, Vikek, and assistant waiter, Abhishek, were fantastic. The bar staff was also great, always friendly and quick to help. Our cruise director, Adam, was always on point and provided excellent information every single day. Every crew member we met, even security, was polite and welcoming. One even remembered my Life Is Good shirt from the day before.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

The ship was very well maintained and always clean. Some areas inside are starting to show their age, and the décor looks a bit dated, but we like the size and feel of smaller ships. We wish Royal Caribbean would update these ships instead of only building bigger ones.

Cabin/Stateroom

4 out of 5

Our cabin was clean, the bed was comfortable, and the balcony was fine, even though the view was partly blocked. We stayed midship in stateroom 7086, right above the lifeboats. This was the smallest balcony cabin we’ve had, but since it was our first time booking a standard balcony on a ship this size, we can’t really compare.

Ports of Call

San Juan

4 out of 5

A vibrant embarkation port with historic charm, colorful streets, and easy access to local culture. San Juan offers a strong start to any Southern Caribbean itinerary. We arrived too late (2am) to do much except a quick stroll around the historic old San Juan the next morning before boarding the ship at 1pm.

Charlotte Amalie

4 out of 5

A scenic harbor destination known for shopping, beaches, and island views. Charlotte Amalie blends convenience with classic Caribbean appeal. Our first port of call did not disappoint. We toured the city, bought some jewelry, and the highlight was our visit to Blackbeard’s Castle.

Tortola

4 out of 5

Relaxed and naturally beautiful, Tortola is ideal for travelers seeking beaches, sailing culture, and a quieter island atmosphere. We did an excellent snorkeling trip out to Newan Island after touring the island in the morning and learning all about offshore banking in the British Virgin Islands.

Basseterre

4 out of 5

A welcoming port with historic character, lush landscapes, and memorable island excursions. Basseterre offers a nice mix of history and scenery. We loved this port mainly for our tour guide/taxi driver, Abdul, and the Reggae Beach Club.

St. John’s

4 out of 5

Colorful, lively, and easy to explore, St. John’s provides access to beautiful beaches and the island’s laid-back charm. We chose to do a shore excursion through the ship, and while it was an enjoyable four hours relaxing on the beach, it was a bit much trying to get there with what felt like 500 other cruisers with the same plans.

Castries

3 out of 5

One of the most visually striking stops on the itinerary, Castries is known for dramatic landscapes, tropical beauty, and standout excursions. At this port, we felt the most immersed. We took a quick cab into the city center, visited the oldest church in the Caribbean, drank a local beer after being interviewed by the news on a street corner, and visited a bazaar.

At Sea

3 out of 5

Sea days provided a welcome chance to relax, enjoy the ship, and recharge between ports while taking advantage of dining, entertainment, and ocean views.

Return to Port: San Juan

5 out of 5

Returning to San Juan was a smooth and efficient conclusion to an enjoyable itinerary, with one final chance to appreciate the city’s energy and setting. Honestly, we had just as much fun after our cruise. We did a 12-hour mini food tour around the city, and it was delightful, including visits to a chocolate bar, the birthplace of the pina colada, and a very busy gelato shop.

Brilliance of the Seas Overview

Traveling to more than 12 countries across Northern Europe and the Caribbean, Brilliance of the Seas has some of the industry’s most exciting and diverse itineraries. Passengers can roam the emerald hills of Ireland, explore Amsterdam’s canals, or sink into a white sand beach in the Caribbean. This mid-sized Radiance-class ship offers a sophisticated cruise experience that’s ideal for couples and families who prefer superior service.

After its 2018 dry-dock refurbishment, Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas features new Oasis-class amenities and activities, including more dining options, nightlife, and Broadway-style entertainment. The sports deck has something for everyone, with a rock-climbing wall, waterslides, mini-golf, and sports courts. The Adventure Ocean club and Royal Babies and Tots nursery offer award-winning science programs and free childcare, so parents can enjoy adult activities.

After enjoying the sun and dancing, guests can eat at one of the complimentary restaurants. You can have a special meal at Giovanni’s Table or try Royal Caribbean’s signature Kummelweck roast beef sandwich. Brilliance of the Seas sails from Tampa, Boston, Amsterdam, and Barcelona to ports in North America, Scandinavia, and Europe. Cruises with stops in Key West and Cozumel start in Tampa.

Boston departures offer longer 7- and 11-night trips between Aruba and Nova Scotia. If you want to try a transatlantic cruise, Brilliance sails between Tampa and Amsterdam. Other European routes include stops in the British Isles, Spain, the Azores, and the Baltic. Starting in early 2021, the ship will sail only in North America and the Caribbean.

Best For

Brilliance of the Seas is a great choice for couples and families who want a relaxed, polished cruise. The ship has a good mix of activities, excellent service, and a calmer atmosphere than the larger resort-style ships. If you prefer smaller crowds and a more personal experience, you’ll likely enjoy this ship.

What to Know Before Sailing

Compared to Royal Caribbean’s newer mega-ships, Brilliance of the Seas feels more classic and laid-back. If you want nonstop nightlife, lots of attractions, or high-energy shows, a bigger ship might suit you better. If you get motion sickness easily, avoid cabins at the front, since you’ll feel more movement there in rough seas.

Activities Onboard

Families will find lots for kids and teens to do, like youth clubs, a waterslide, and arcade games. While the ship doesn’t focus mainly on children’s programs, they’re still a big part of what’s available on board.

Adults often enjoy quiet spots like the Solarium, Promenade Deck, or the Library and Card Room. In the evenings, there are wine bars, lounges, live music, and special events like Latin dance nights and 1970s disco parties.

Ship Highlights

Three pools and three whirlpools
Rock-climbing wall
Miniature golf and sports courts
Table tennis and billiards
Adventure Ocean youth programming
Teen club and arcade
Live music venues and themed parties
Spa and fitness center
Adults-only Solarium
Multiple complimentary and specialty dining venues

Cabins and Staterooms

Brilliance of the Seas has a range of cabins, including inside rooms, ocean-view rooms, balcony staterooms, and suites. One great feature is the many balcony cabins, so more guests can enjoy their own outdoor space.

Standard cabins usually have a TV, mini fridge, desk, and plenty of storage. Most rooms fit up to four people, making them ideal for couples, families, or small groups.

Dining

Dining is one of the ship’s highlights, with both free and specialty restaurants. You can have a casual meal at the Windjammer Café, enjoy classic service in the main dining room, or grab something lighter at the Solarium Café (pizza!). Specialty options include Chops Grille for steakhouse fare, Izumi for sushi, and Giovanni’s Table for family-style Italian dining. Quick-service spots like Park Café make it easy to grab a bite between meals.

Closing

This Southern Caribbean sailing aboard Brilliance of the Seas delivered a highly enjoyable overall experience, with the ship, itinerary, and onboard atmosphere exceeding expectations.

As a mid-sized vessel, Brilliance offered a more relaxed and comfortable environment than many larger ships, with fewer crowds, attentive service, and a classic cruise feel. Dining was a standout feature, especially compared with previous sailings, as both the main dining room and buffet consistently provided high-quality meals.

Entertainment was also strong, highlighted by talented musicians, a quality orchestra, and enjoyable production shows. The crew throughout the ship was professional, friendly, and efficient, helping create a welcoming atmosphere from start to finish.

The itinerary through the Southern Caribbean added significant value to the trip, with memorable stops in San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, Tortola, Basseterre, St. John’s, and Castries. Each port offered its own blend of scenery, culture, and excursion opportunities, while sea days provided welcome time to relax and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Overall, the cruise was a strong reminder that smaller ships with thoughtful itineraries and excellent service still offer one of the most rewarding ways to travel.