Brilliance of the Seas vs Grandeur of the Seas

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

The differences between these two Royal Caribbean ships are pretty significant. Brilliance of the Seas belongs to the modern Radiance Class, built in 2002, while Grandeur of the Seas represents the older Sovereign Class from 1996.

Brilliance is notably larger at 90,090 gross tons compared to Grandeur's 73,817 tons. This size difference translates to more space for passengers - Brilliance accommodates up to 2,543 guests while Grandeur maxes out at 1,992. The age gap becomes evident in their design philosophy too. Brilliance features extensive glass areas, panoramic elevators, and a retractable glass roof over the pool area. Grandeur sticks to a more traditional cruise ship aesthetic.

Size and Capacity Comparison

Brilliance stretches 958-962 feet in length across 12-15 decks, making it feel more spacious throughout. Grandeur measures around 880 feet with 11-12 decks, creating a cozier atmosphere that some passengers actually prefer. The crew sizes reflect these differences - Brilliance carries around 850 crew members while Grandeur operates with approximately 800.

Which ship offers better onboard amenities and dining?

Brilliance of the Seas takes the lead here, and passenger reviews consistently back this up. The ship features multiple specialty restaurants including Chops Grille and Giovanni's Table, plus the Pacifica Theatre for entertainment. The variety simply outpaces what Grandeur offers.

Grandeur's dining centers around more traditional cruise ship restaurants and lounges. While perfectly adequate, it lacks the diverse options you'll find on Brilliance. Both ships have casinos and bars, but Brilliance's Schooner Bar and other venues benefit from that modern glass-heavy design that makes everything feel brighter and more open.

One reviewer mentioned that Brilliance beats Grandeur in "food, entertainment, rooms, and pool facilities" - basically every major category that matters during your cruise experience.

How do the cabin options compare between the two ships?

Brilliance of the Seas clearly wins this category with over 700 balcony cabins. That's a huge number that means you're much more likely to snag an ocean-view room with your own private balcony. The cabin variety includes inside staterooms, outside cabins, balcony rooms, and suites.

Grandeur offers the standard cabin types but with fewer balcony options overall. This reflects the older design philosophy where interior space took priority over outdoor access. If having a balcony matters to you - and for many people it's a dealbreaker - Brilliance provides better odds and more choices.

What about the ships' technology and environmental features?

Here's where the six-year age gap really shows. Brilliance runs on innovative turbo-electric gas turbines with pod drive technology. These engines are more eco-friendly and push the ship to 25 knots maximum speed. The propulsion system represents a significant technological leap forward.

Grandeur relies on conventional engines that were standard in the 1990s but are less efficient by current standards. The ship tops out around 22-23 knots, which isn't dramatically slower but reflects the older technology throughout.

Brilliance also received a major refurbishment in 2025, keeping it current with modern passenger expectations. Grandeur's last major update happened in 2012, so it's starting to show its age despite the refresh.

Which ship offers better itinerary options?

This depends entirely on where you want to cruise and from which port. Brilliance of the Seas offers more flexibility with Caribbean, Alaska, and Bahamas itineraries that change seasonally. The larger ship can handle diverse route demands throughout the year.

Grandeur of the Seas focuses primarily on East Coast departures from Baltimore. You'll find Caribbean routes, Bermuda cruises, and seasonal Canada/New England trips. If these specific itineraries match your travel plans, Grandeur could be perfect. The smaller size actually works well for some of these more intimate regional routes.

How do passenger experiences compare between the ships?

Passenger feedback consistently favors Brilliance of the Seas for overall cruise experience. The modern amenities, better food variety, superior entertainment options, and more spacious feel contribute to higher satisfaction ratings.

That said, Grandeur has its loyal fans who appreciate the smaller, more intimate cruise experience. Some passengers find mega-ships overwhelming and prefer Grandeur's traditional approach. The ship works particularly well for families and couples who want a classic cruise without too many bells and whistles.

Which ship should you choose?

Pick Brilliance of the Seas if you want modern amenities, diverse dining options, better cabin choices, and don't mind sailing on a larger ship with more passengers. The glass-heavy design creates a connection to the ocean that many passengers love.

Choose Grandeur of the Seas if you prefer smaller ships, want to cruise from Baltimore, or specifically need those East Coast itineraries. The traditional cruise experience appeals to passengers who find newer mega-ships too busy or impersonal.

Your decision ultimately comes down to personal preference - modern luxury versus classic intimacy, larger crowds versus cozy atmosphere, and most importantly, which itineraries actually go where you want to travel.