By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International’s 2,112-passenger Brilliance of the Seas has undergone an extensive US$30 million refurbishment, as part of the line’s US$300 million fleet-wide revitalisation programme, which is scheduled for completion in 2014.
Following a three-week drydock period in Cadiz, Brilliance of the Seas offers all of the line’s signature features found onboard the Oasis-class ships, including five new dining concepts, several bars, a Concierge Club for suite guests, a Diamond Club for Crown and Anchor Society members and a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery. Flat-screen televisions have been installed in all staterooms, an outdoor LED movie screen has been added to the pool deck, while passengers can access wi-fi and an interactive digital way-finding system.
The revitalised vessel has a range of dining options including the Italian restaurant Giovanni’s Table, which replaces Portofino’s, the Asian-themed Izumi restaurant, Rita’s Cantina, Park Café and the exclusive Chef’s Table. It features Vintages wine bar and the traditional King and Crown pub, while the Centrum’s Champagne Bar has been replaced with R Bar, a Sixties inspired cocktail bar.
Brilliance of the Sea’s five-storey Centrum has also been reconfigured with new lighting to offer a range of activities throughout the day, as well as nightly entertainment and the Centrum Experience aerialist shows.
In order to celebrate the renovation, RCI hosted an overnight inaugural event for around 660 passengers and 1,200 travel agents and trade partners on 14 May, enabling them to view refreshed staterooms, attend a cocktail reception and dine in one of the speciality restaurants while the ship sailed into the English Channel. The ship then embarked on a 12-night Russia and Scandinavian cruise from Harwich on 15 May.
Upon its return, Brilliance of the Seas will homeport in Harwich offering various 11-, 12- and 13-night itineraries to destinations in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region during the 2013 cruise season.
Adventure of the Seas and Independence of the Seas will sail from the Port of Southampton throughout the summer, marking the first time RCI has deployed three ships from the UK at the same time. In total, the line will offer 276 sailings on 58 European itineraries in 2013, with Liberty of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas departing from Barcelona, Navigator of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Legend of the Seas sailing from Italy and Vision of the Seas homeporting in Copenhagen and Stockholm.
“2013 is a landmark in the history of Royal Caribbean International with three ships dedicated to the UK market during the summer,” said Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager of UK and Ireland at Royal Caribbean International. “We are offering some fabulous sailings featuring more popular destinations such as the Baltics and the Norwegian fjords, and old favourites like the Canary Islands and Mediterranean all sailing from UK ports. What’s even more exciting is that most of the ships sailing in Europe have undergone extensive enhancements taken from our most innovative and popular Oasis-class ships.”