The Best Free Things To Do Onboard Brilliance Of The Seas

Brilliance Of The Seas Offers Plenty Of Included Onboard Activities For Both Kids And Adults

By Amanda Mesa | Published on September 13, 2023

Without a doubt, one of my favorite Royal Caribbean ships is Brilliance of the Seas. Smaller than the cruise line’s iconic Oasis Class cruise ships and dazzling with plenty of glass and floor-to-ceiling windows, it offers an intimate, low-key vibe that lends itself to relaxation and scenery-scoping. Families, couples and solo travelers craving a more intimate cruising experience will love the atmosphere onboard this longtime guest favorite…and while my favorite hangouts onboard include the pool and the adults-only Solarium, there are still plenty of free things to do sure to please guests of all age.

In fact, when it comes to maximizing every moment of your vacation without going over budget, Brilliance of the Seas checks all the boxes. This Radiance Class stunner offers an abundance of included onboard activities, like a rock-climbing wall, a mini golf course, dance classes, outdoor movie nights and more. Not to mention dazzling entertainment every night of your sailing, where the admission is included at no additional cost to cruise guests.

Foodies will also be pleased to know the cruise ship is home to lots of great free places to eat, too — including the casual, buffet-style Windjammer, formal dining in the elegant main dining room, and the bistro-style Park Café.

Here’s a run-down of all the great free things to do and free dining onboard Brilliance of the Seas.

1. Soak up the sunshine poolside

What’s a great cruise getaway without some time spent poolside? Brilliance of the Seas boasts a beautiful pool that’s perfect for refreshing dips or swimming laps. Grab one of the many loungers that surround it and soak up the sunshine. Or for a little grown-up relaxation, head to the lagoon-like pool at the adults-only Solarium, a tranquil hideaway open to guests aged 16 and older. Admission to the pool and the Solarium is complimentary for cruise guests. Both are just steps away from bars, too, so if you have a Specialty Beverage Package you can indulge in all your favorite vacation libations.

2. Sink A Put On The Mini Golf Green

I love a great mini golf course, and the one onboard Brilliance of the Seas is always a blast to play. Line up your shot and practice your aim as you put around obstacles across nine holes at the ship’s Fairways of Brilliance course. Games are included in your cruise fare, as is use of the balls and putters.

3. Scale The Rock-Climbing Wall

A great way to stay limber while getting a nice little adrenaline rush is to take on the ship’s 40-foot rock-climbing wall. Open to guests six years and older, this Royal Caribbean mainstay is one of the top free things to do onboard Brilliance of the Seas. You don’t need a reservation to harness up and scramble your way to the summit, and the reward for reaching the top — jaw-dropping views of the surrounding sea and sights — is well worth the physical effort.

4. Earn Some Bragging Rights On The Sports Court

Most Royal Caribbean ships are home to a sports court, and Brilliance of the Seas is no exception. This large activity complex sets the stage for basketball and volleyball matches throughout the day. Simply show up, grab a ball, and hit the court solo or with friends and family. There’s a ping-pong table nearby, too, in case that’s more your speed. Use of the sports court and equipment is free for cruise guests.

5. Drop The Kids Off At Adventure Ocean

If you’re traveling with little ones, you should know that Brilliance of the Seas offers childcare services at Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth program. Completely free to guests traveling onboard the ship, Adventure Ocean breaks kids out into groups based on their age and keeps them engaged all day long with fun supervised activities, like arts and crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts and more. If you want to steal away with your significant other for a kid-free date night, know that you can also take advantage of babysitting services after hours for a fee.

6. Dress Up For A Themed Night Onboard

If you’ve ever cruised before, you probably know that every night onboard the ship offers new surprises and experiences. Onboard Brilliance of the Seas, you can look forward to impromptu parades, musical performances and — my personal favorite — complimentary themed nights. These will be announced in your Cruise Compass, though sometimes you can get information about the different themes ahead of your sailing via the Cruise Planner app. Classics include masquerade mystery balls, traditional toga parties and disco celebrations.

7. Brush Up On Your Pickleball Serve

Whether you’re a pickleball pro or new to the movement, you can you practice your backswing and groundstroke courtside onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Grab a paddle and hit the court with a friend or a total stranger — it’s free during your sailing and open to players of all ages.

8. Swirl And Sip Your Way Through Great Wines

Brilliance of the Seas regularly hosts wine tastings onboard the ship at no additional charge to cruise guests. These fun sipping soirées feature vintage and varieties from around the world, including wines from famous vineyards and from lesser-known, small-scale producers. Some are so rare; you can only find them onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. Check your Cruise Compass or the Cruise Planner app to find out when are where wine tastings are taking place on your sailing.

9. Settle In For A Show-Stopping Spectacular

Without a doubt, one of the top free things to do onboard Brilliance of the Seas — or any cruise ship, for that matter — is to take advantage of the incredible free entertainment onboard. In this case, you can look forward to three dazzling productions. The first is Tango Buenos Aires, an homage to the sensual enganches and pulse-pounding corridas that hail from beautiful Argentina. Then there’s Center Stage, a celebration of many kinds of music and dance, from swing and rock to funky jazz — with costume and choreography that’s simply out of this world. And finally, there’s Now and Forever, a stunning musical that brings to life all the biggest hits from Broadway blockbusters, including Mamma Mia!, The Producers and more. The best part? Admission to every show onboard the ship is included in your cruise fare.

10. Indulge In Crave-Worthy, Complimentary Eats

You’ll find plenty of delicious dining available onboard your Brilliance of the Seas cruise, including lots of great free places to eat. Windjammer is typically my go-to for a casual meal during breakfast, lunch or dinner. This fuss-free, family-friendly eatery serve up yummy fare from all over the world, buffet-style. The stations rotate daily, too, so you can always look forward to something new. At Park Café, you’ll find delicious sandwiches, heartwarming soups, crips salads, fresh fruit and decadent desserts. If you like roast beef, make sure you try the legendary Royal Kümmelweck at some point during your sailing. It’s become a rite of passage among cruisers. And for an elevated dinner, head to the ship’s main dining room, where you can indulge in a multi-course feast with options that hail from across the globe — think tangy duck a l’Orange, Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna and mojo-marinated pork. There’s a kids’ menu, too, in case you’re traveling with little ones.

These are just some of the many free things to do onboard Brilliance of the Seas. You’ll find plenty more complimentary activities during your sailing, including salsa lessons, seminars, craft sessions and beyond. You can check an entire list of activities, shows, restaurants and bars available. Or start browsing itineraries for your next adventure at sea.

Disclaimer: Complimentary activities are subject to change and may vary by market and sailing.