Brilliance of the Seas Elevators — Elevators going Up at Nighttime on Brilliance of the Seas

Why Brilliance Of The Seas Offers The Best Family Cruises

This Radiance Class favorite lends itself for unforgettable family cruises.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on January 26, 2024

The best family vacation can look very different depending on whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, newborns or kids who are in college or older. Age can influence everything from where you eat to what activities you choose to fill your days off with as your family’s interests evolve throughout the years. I know firsthand how challenging it can seem to plan a vacation that will appeal to everyone in your group — which is why cruising has become my go-to when it comes to planning group escapes. Family cruises make it easy to cater to a diverse range of needs and preferences because they offer so many different options, from restaurants to shows and onboard experiences. There are plenty of cruise attractions for kids, cruise activities for teens, things for adults to do and childcare options that even make cruising with a baby a breeze.

Of course, once you start researching the wide world of cruising, you’ll quickly realize you have lots of ships to choose from. But one of my all-time favorites for low-key, laidback family cruises is Brilliance of the Seas. This Radiance Class cruise ship isn’t one of the biggest on offer, but that’s one of the things I love best about it. Because it’s a midsized ship, the vibe tends to be more intimate and relaxed — and relaxing is my favorite thing to do on family cruises. Because there are fewer guests onboard, it’s also easier to get to know other cruising families throughout your sailing.

That said, Brilliance of the Seas still offers plenty of activities to ensure a fun vacation for the whole family. There’s a 40-foot rock-climbing wall that offers awe-inspiring views of the ocean (and a pretty solid workout, to boot). A sunny pool deck that doubles as the setting for bellyflop competitions, dance parties and movie nights under the stars. A stellar dining scene that offers delicious options sure to please even the pickiest eaters. A mini golf course that promises hours of family fun for all ages. And dazzling, family-friendly cruise entertainment every night of your sailing that’s completely complimentary. Here are just some of the many experiences that make Brilliance of the Seas one of my top picks for the best family cruises.

1. A Top-Notch Pool Scene

Anyone in my family will confirm that I spend most of my cruise time hanging out by the pool — and Brilliance of the Seas offers a pretty sweet pool scene. While some folks love the excitement and action that comes with waterslides and splash zones, I prefer the sun-soaked simplicity of a more classic pool deck, where the fun is driven by DJ-hosted pool parties, dance competitions, live performances and flicks showcased on a huge projector screen. One of my favorite things about the pool deck onboard Brilliance of the Seas is that the vibe alternates between turned-up and tranquil, making it a great spot for guests of all ages (even little ones with boundless energy). All you have to do is check your Cruise Compass to see when events will be taking place throughout the day.

2. Plenty Of Ways To Stay Active Onboard

Speaking of kids with lots of energy, Brilliance of the Seas offers lots of options for guests who want a good dose of physical activity during their cruise getaway. The ship is home to a sports court where you can play basketball, volleyball or pickleball and a table tennis zone that hosts some epic matches. Both are complimentary to cruise guests and open to cruisers of all ages. There’s also a towering a rock-climbing wall that yields some seriously incredible views. Guests aged six and older are welcome to harness up and scramble to the top. And of course, there’s a state-of-the-art gym where teens and adults can stay on top of their fitness routines. If you like to work out with others, make sure you check out the fitness center’s schedule of workout classes.

3. A Picture-Perfect Putting Course

I’m a big fan of mini golf, so I was thrilled to discover Brilliance of the Seas has a mini golf course on its uppermost deck. It’s called Fairways of Brilliance, and it’s my second favorite place to be onboard after the pool. It’s prettiest during golden hour, though you’ll have a great time shooting for a hole in one no matter what time of day you visit. Because it’s so high up on the ship, you can expect plenty of balmy sea breezes and stunning views. Like many of the other top cruise activities for families onboard Brilliance of the Seas, mini golf is free and open to guests of all ages.

4. Complimentary And Convenient Childcare Options

Sure, family vacations are about spending time together, but it’s nice to know you have childcare options close at hand if you want to carve out a little grown-up time during your getaway. Brilliance of the Seas is home to Adventure Ocean®️, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth program. It caters to kids aged 3-11, giving them plenty of fun, supervised activities with other cruisers their age. It’s also complimentary. If you’re cruising with a baby, the Royal Babies & Tots program has you covered with nursery drop-off sessions hosted by the ship’s youth staff. And if you’re looking to plan a date night followed by a nightcap or a whirl on the dancefloor, you can take advantage of the ship’s after-hours babysitting services, offered for an additional fee.

5. A Super Cool Teen Lounge

Tweens and teens cruising with you onboard Brilliance and the Seas will probably want to spend lots of time in the ship’s teen lounge once they see it. This cool hangout was designed with mingling in mind, and features plenty of comfy nooks to unwind, listen to music and get to know other cruisers in their age group. The teen lounge also regularly hosts activities and events, so tell your “almost adults” to check the Cruise Planner for daily programming during your sailing.

6. An Adults-Only Pool Area That’s Ahh-Worthy

If you’re looking for beach club vibes and a serene state of mind, head over to the Solarium. This adults-only zone has a tranquil, lagoon-like pool, lots of chaise loungers and beautiful sea views through wraparound glass windows. Because it’s covered by a crystal canopy, you can enjoy it in any climate no matter where in the world your adventure takes you. You don’t have to wander far for a snack or a sip, either — there’s a bar steps away located next to Park Café.

7. Delicious Cruise Dining Options For Everyone

The dining scene onboard Brilliance of the Seas includes some of the top restaurants in the Royal Caribbean fleet. You’ll find prime steaks and succulent seafood at the iconic steakhouse, Chops Grille^SM. Tantalizing flavors from the Far East at Izumi. Authentic Italian dishes served family style at Giovanni’s Table. And a VIP culinary adventure at Chef’s Table, the most coveted reservation onboard. But my leading restaurant picks for families cruising onboard is Windjammer, which offers a dizzying array of options from around the world served buffet-style during breakfast, lunch and dinner. This casual, fuss-free restaurant truly offers something for everyone, from exotic fare to finger-foods and classic comfort dishes. I also love Park Café for quick on-the-go sandwiches, hearty soups and crisp salads. And of course, the main dining room is a great option for elevated, multi-course family dinners. All three options are complimentary to cruise guests.

8. Showstopping Entertainment Every Night Of Your Vacation

When you sail onboard Brilliance of the Seas, your evenings are just as exciting and filled with possibility as your days. The ship has three spectacular Broadway-style productions on the playbill, so you can fill an entire weekend with incredible choreography and musical performances. There are also pop-up performances to look forward to at Schooner Bar and the King and Country Pub, as well as an indoor cinema. If you’d rather catch a flick outdoors under the stars, hit the pool deck during one of the ship’s outdoor movie nights.

These are just some of the many family-friendly activities and experiences that Brilliance of the Seas has to offer. Take the next step in planning the best family cruise by finding the perfect itinerary for you and your crew or check out the rest of the great attractions and experiences that await onboard.