Brilliance of the Seas Reviews

We went on the Brilliance of the Seas in April around the Arabian Gulf and had an amazing time. The ports of call were fantastic. My favourite's being Muscat in Oman and Abu Dhabi. Muscat was not what I expected. Its a beautiful city with a fantastic promenade and fabulous souk. Abu Dhabi was clean and quieter than Dubai and we will definitely return there.
The ship itself is fab, clean and has the wow factor. There is ample bars and lounges with something going on day and night to suit every taste, we never had a problem finding something to do. The food was amazing in the main restaurant and in the windjammer buffet. We also eat in Portofino speciality restaurant one night, which is something I urge everyone to do, it was superb. Also the sea view cafe is great for lunch.
Overall I would recommend this cruise to everyone.

This review relates to the newly refurbished and new concept offered by Costa on their NEO Romantica.The decor is quite restrained compared to their other ships, but very good. They have done away with a theatre and replacee it with retail space, only places to see entertainment is in lounges where some of the seats dont face the "stage" or you are very likely to find curved sofa type seats which can accommodate as many as six people ambushed by only two persons very well spread out and ,as is the absolute nightmare on this ship smoking !!!
Smoking seems to be permitted everywhere and hoards of unruly children ,running on"stage" during performances ,throwing food around in the restaurant( 2nd sitting ) The Maitre ,d seemed unable to interveen
so as not to offend "The Italian Lifestyle "
Coffee is available in your cabin,in egg cup size cups at a charge of 2 euros as is bottled water,shampoo etc has to be specifically requested, but is free
As with all cruises the photographers are there to record your every move ,prints are 20 euros each
The breakfast buffets are good, the grill restaurant is not bad but very limited choice,the evening meals are good,the witer service excellent, they work so hard and always courteous , their suprise night is worth the wait and they assure me they do not receive the 6 euros a day you pay for housekeeping etc. just 130 euros a week.
As in all things in life you gets what you pays for, just that with Costa you gets a lot of secondhand cigarette smoke for free