Brilliance of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

What's the Main Difference Between Brilliance of the Seas and Icon of the Seas?

The most striking difference between these Royal Caribbean ships is sheer size. Icon of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Brilliance of the Seas – we're talking about 250,800 gross tons versus 90,090 gross tons. That's nearly three times larger! This size difference translates into completely different cruise experiences.

Brilliance of the Seas carries around 2,150-2,580 passengers across 12-15 decks, while Icon of the Seas can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers on 20 decks. It's like comparing a boutique hotel to a massive resort complex.

The age gap matters too. Brilliance launched in 2002 and represents Royal Caribbean's refined Radiance Class design. Icon of the Seas, on the other hand, debuted in 2024 as the world's largest cruise ship and the first of its groundbreaking Icon Class.

Which Ship Offers Better Entertainment and Activities?

Icon of the Seas wins hands-down for variety and scale of entertainment. The ship features multiple neighborhoods, each with its own personality and attractions. You'll find the largest water park at sea, record-breaking thrills, and entertainment venues that simply wouldn't fit on smaller ships.

Brilliance of the Seas takes a more traditional approach. The ship offers classic cruise amenities like a climbing wall, a stunning nine-deck atrium with panoramic glass windows, and intimate entertainment venues. The entertainment feels more personal and less overwhelming.

Family-Focused Features

Icon clearly targets families with young kids. The massive water park, multiple pools, and dedicated family neighborhoods make it a floating theme park. Brilliance appeals more to couples, adult groups, and families with older children who appreciate a calmer atmosphere.

How Do the Dining Options Compare?

Icon of the Seas offers an enormous selection of dining venues spread across its 20 decks. The sheer number of restaurants, cafes, and specialty dining options reflects its massive size and passenger capacity.

Brilliance of the Seas provides a more curated dining experience. While you won't find as many options, the venues tend to feel less crowded and more intimate. The ship underwent a major refurbishment in 2025, which updated many of its dining spaces.

What About Cabin Accommodations?

Both ships offer various cabin categories, but Icon of the Seas provides more innovative accommodation options. The newer ship features cutting-edge cabin designs and more variety in suite categories.

Brilliance of the Seas sticks to proven cabin layouts that have worked well for over two decades. The 2025 refurbishment updated many interiors, but the basic cabin structure remains true to early 2000s design principles.

Which Ship is Better for First-Time Cruisers?

This depends on what kind of experience you want. Icon of the Seas can feel overwhelming for cruise newbies – there's almost too much to see and do. Some first-timers love this because they never get bored, while others find it exhausting.

Brilliance of the Seas offers a gentler introduction to cruising. You can easily explore the entire ship, understand the layout quickly, and experience most amenities without feeling rushed. The more intimate size lets you actually get to know your fellow passengers and crew members.

How Do Costs Compare Between These Ships?

Icon of the Seas typically commands premium pricing due to its newness and extensive amenities. The revolutionary features and world's-largest-ship status come with higher cruise fares, especially for popular sailing dates.

Brilliance of the Seas usually offers better value for money. The mature ship provides excellent cruise experiences at lower price points. The recent refurbishment means you're getting updated amenities without paying Icon-level prices.

Which Destinations Do These Ships Visit?

Icon of the Seas primarily sails Caribbean itineraries from Miami, taking advantage of year-round warm weather that showcases its massive water park and outdoor amenities.

Brilliance of the Seas offers more diverse itineraries. The ship's smaller size allows it to visit ports that can't accommodate mega-ships like Icon. You'll find Brilliance sailing to Alaska, Europe, and various Caribbean routes with different departure ports.

What's the Environmental Impact Difference?

Both ships represent different eras of cruise ship environmental technology. Brilliance of the Seas was actually innovative for its time, featuring gas and steam turbines with pod drives that reduced emissions compared to older propulsion systems.

Icon of the Seas showcases Royal Caribbean's latest environmental technologies. The newer ship includes next-generation propulsion systems and environmental controls that reflect current industry standards.

Should You Choose Brilliance or Icon of the Seas?

Your choice depends on your cruising style and preferences. Pick Icon of the Seas if you want the newest technology, don't mind crowds, love having tons of activity options, and prefer shorter Caribbean itineraries. Families with young kids especially gravitate toward Icon's extensive amenities.

Choose Brilliance of the Seas if you prefer a more intimate cruise experience, want better value for money, appreciate elegant design over flashy attractions, or desire more diverse itinerary options. The ship appeals to travelers who view the cruise itself as relaxation rather than non-stop entertainment.

Both ships deliver solid Royal Caribbean experiences – they just cater to completely different vacation styles. Consider what matters most to you: intimate elegance or spectacular scale.