Anthem of the Seas vs Brilliance of the Seas

What are the main differences between Anthem of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas?

The most striking difference between these two Royal Caribbean ships is their sheer size and capabilities. Anthem of the Seas towers over Brilliance of the Seas in almost every measurable way - it's a massive Quantum-class vessel built in 2015 that carries about 4,500 passengers, while Brilliance of the Seas is a smaller Radiance-class ship from 2002 that accommodates between 2,150 to 2,580 guests.

Think of it this way: Anthem is like a floating theme park packed with cutting-edge technology and jaw-dropping features, while Brilliance offers a more traditional cruise experience with classic amenities and a quieter atmosphere. The age gap really shows too - Anthem represents Royal Caribbean's modern vision with revolutionary entertainment options, whereas Brilliance (despite its 2025 refurbishment) maintains that early 2000s cruise ship charm.

Which ship has better entertainment options?

Anthem of the Seas absolutely dominates the entertainment category, and it's not even close. This ship features some seriously cool stuff that'll make your jaw drop - we're talking about a RipCord skydiving simulator where you can experience freefall at sea, the North Star observation pod that lifts you 300 feet above the ocean, and SeaPlex, this enormous indoor sports complex where you can drive bumper cars, go roller skating, or even try the flying trapeze.

The entertainment venues are pretty spectacular too. Two70 is this mind-blowing tech-live performance space that combines robotics, live performers, and massive LED screens for shows you won't see anywhere else. Plus, they've got the West End musical "We Will Rock You" running in their main theater.

Brilliance of the Seas takes a more traditional approach with a solid 3-story theater that hosts various shows, plus the usual suspects like a casino and video arcade. The entertainment is perfectly fine for a relaxing cruise, but it doesn't have those "wow factor" activities that make Anthem feel like a floating adventure park.

How do the dining options compare?

Anthem of the Seas offers a much more diverse and upscale dining experience with 18 different venues ranging from casual to fine dining. You'll find specialty restaurants featuring molecular gastronomy, celebrity chef Jamie's Italian, and various international cuisines that cater to adventurous palates.

Brilliance of the Seas keeps things simpler with traditional Royal Caribbean dining options. The Minstrel Dining Room provides the classic cruise dining experience, while the Windjammer buffet offers casual fare. Park Cafe adds a nice touch for lighter meals, but the specialty dining options are considerably more limited compared to Anthem's extensive selection.

If you're a foodie looking for variety and unique culinary experiences, Anthem wins hands down. But if you prefer straightforward, reliable cruise dining without too many choices to navigate, Brilliance might actually appeal to you more.

Which ship is better for families with kids?

Both ships welcome families, but they cater to different types of family experiences. Anthem of the Seas is basically a children's paradise with the H2O Zone featuring splash areas and a lazy river that'll keep kids entertained for hours. The Adventure Ocean youth programs are extensive, and honestly, parents might have trouble dragging their kids away from activities like bumper cars and the FlowRider surf simulator.

The sheer variety of age-appropriate activities on Anthem means there's always something exciting happening, which is perfect for families with energetic kids or teenagers who get bored easily.

Brilliance of the Seas offers a water park and teen lounge, plus family-friendly outdoor activities, but the options are more limited. The smaller ship size might actually be a plus for some families though - it's easier to keep track of kids, and the atmosphere feels less overwhelming for younger children who might get lost in Anthem's massive entertainment complexes.

What about the pool and water features?

This is where the size difference really becomes apparent. Anthem of the Seas features three pools on Deck 14 alone, plus those awesome H2O Zone splash areas and the lazy river that's perfect for floating away your stress. The FlowRider surf simulator adds an element of excitement that's hard to find on other ships.

Brilliance of the Seas has three outdoor pools and maintains that classic cruise ship pool deck vibe. The pools are perfectly adequate for swimming and lounging, but they lack the innovative water features that make Anthem feel more like a water park than a traditional cruise ship.

If you're someone who spends a lot of time around the pool area and enjoys water-based activities, Anthem's offerings are significantly more impressive and varied.

Which ship offers better value for money?

This really depends on what you value most in a cruise experience. Anthem of the Seas typically costs more, but you're getting access to those unique entertainment features and amenities that you literally cannot find anywhere else at sea. For families or adventure-seekers, the extra cost might feel justified given the sheer volume of activities included.

Brilliance of the Seas often comes with a lower price tag, making it attractive for budget-conscious travelers who want a solid Royal Caribbean experience without paying premium prices for bells and whistles they might not use.

Consider this: if you're the type who'll spend most of your time exploring ports and relaxing, paying extra for skydiving simulators and robot bartenders might not make sense. But if you want your sea days packed with unique experiences, Anthem's higher cost could be worth every penny.

What's the atmosphere like on each ship?

The atmosphere on these ships feels completely different. Anthem of the Seas buzzes with energy and excitement - there's always something happening, people are trying new activities, and the whole ship has this vibrant, almost theme-park-like energy that can be infectious.

Brilliance of the Seas offers a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere where you can actually have quiet conversations by the pool without competing with splash zones and activity announcements. The extensive glass atrium creates beautiful scenic views, and the smaller passenger count means you're more likely to see familiar faces throughout your cruise.

Some cruisers love Anthem's constant excitement and variety, while others find it overwhelming and prefer Brilliance's calmer pace. Your personality and travel style will determine which atmosphere appeals to you more.

Which ship is better for couples?

For couples seeking romance and intimacy, Brilliance of the Seas might have the edge despite being the older ship. The smaller size creates more opportunities for quiet moments together, and the attentive service means staff can provide more personalized attention. The scenic glass atrium and overall design focus on ocean views, creating naturally romantic settings.

Anthem of the Seas offers couples more activities to experience together - from the North Star observation pod (imagine watching sunset from 300 feet above the ocean) to trying the surf simulator as a team. The diverse dining options also provide more opportunities for special date nights.

Really, it comes down to whether you prefer intimate and traditional romance or adventure-based bonding experiences. Both can work beautifully for couples, just in very different ways.