Brilliance of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas

Which Ship is Bigger: Brilliance vs Oasis of the Seas?

The size difference between these two Royal Caribbean ships is honestly pretty dramatic. Oasis of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Brilliance of the Seas in almost every measurable way.

Oasis weighs in at around 228,081 gross tons compared to Brilliance's 90,090 tons. That makes Oasis roughly 152% bigger - we're talking more than double the size here. The length difference tells the same story: Oasis stretches 1,187 feet while Brilliance measures about 962 feet.

But here's where it gets really interesting - the width. Oasis is 215 feet wide versus Brilliance's 106 feet. This extra beam space is what allows Oasis to create those famous "neighborhood" zones that break up the ship into distinct areas.

Passenger Capacity Comparison

When it comes to how many people these ships can hold, the numbers are eye-opening. Oasis accommodates about 5,518 guests at double occupancy, with maximum capacity reaching 6,780 passengers. Brilliance, on the other hand, carries between 2,142 to 2,543 passengers depending on cabin configurations.

The crew sizes reflect this difference too - Oasis needs around 2,200 crew members to keep everything running smoothly, while Brilliance operates with a smaller crew of roughly 800-900 people.

What's the Experience Like on Each Ship?

Oasis of the Seas: The Floating Resort

Stepping aboard Oasis feels more like entering a small city than a cruise ship. The "neighborhood" concept really works here - you've got distinct areas like Central Park (yes, with real plants), the Boardwalk with a carousel, and the Entertainment District.

The ship buzzes with activity. Families with kids love the energy, and there's honestly so much to do that you might forget you're even at sea. The 2019 amplification added waterslides and upgraded the pool decks, while the 2024 renovation kept things feeling fresh and modern.

You'll find the Ultimate Abyss - a 10-story dry slide that's become Instagram famous - and the AquaTheater shows that are genuinely spectacular. But with all this excitement comes crowds. Lots of them.

Brilliance of the Seas: Classic Cruising Charm

Brilliance offers something completely different. This is traditional cruising at its core - elegant, refined, and refreshingly uncomplicated. The ship launched in 2002 but received a thoughtful renovation in 2022 that updated amenities without losing that classic cruise ship feel.

You'll actually notice the ocean here. The smaller passenger count means you're not fighting for deck chairs or waiting in long lines for the buffet. It's the kind of cruise where you might actually read that book you brought, enjoy lingering conversations with fellow passengers, and truly relax.

Dining and Entertainment: How Do They Stack Up?

Restaurant and Bar Options

Oasis takes the numbers game with 4 more restaurants and 2 more bars than Brilliance. But here's the thing - sometimes more isn't necessarily better, just different.

On Oasis, you'll find specialty restaurants covering every cuisine imaginable, from sushi to steakhouse fare. The variety is impressive, though reservations can be tricky to snag during busy sailing periods.

Brilliance keeps things simpler but still satisfying. The main dining room maintains that formal cruise ship elegance that many passengers actually prefer. You won't find as many specialty options, but what's there is well-executed and rarely overcrowded.

Pool Areas and Relaxation

Oasis features 7 more jacuzzi tubs than Brilliance, which sounds great until you realize you might be sharing them with significantly more people. The pool areas on Oasis are definitely impressive - multiple pools, waterslides, and entertainment - but they can feel chaotic during sea days.

Brilliance's pool deck has a more resort-like vibe in the best way possible. You can actually find a quiet spot to read, and the hot tubs don't require strategic timing to enjoy.

Which Ship Should You Choose?

Pick Oasis if You Want:

• Non-stop entertainment and activities
• Lots of dining variety
• Traveling with kids or teenagers
• Instagram-worthy moments
• The feeling of being at a large resort
• Don't mind crowds and busy atmospheres

Pick Brilliance if You Want:

• A more relaxed, traditional cruise experience
• Easier navigation around the ship
• Less competition for amenities
• A quieter atmosphere for couples or adult groups
• The feeling of actually being on a cruise ship rather than a floating theme park
• More opportunities to meet other passengers

The Bottom Line on These Two Ships

Both ships serve their purpose beautifully, but they're designed for completely different cruise experiences. Oasis represents Royal Caribbean's vision of cruising as destination entertainment - it's bold, exciting, and frankly overwhelming in the best possible way for the right traveler.

Brilliance represents cruising's more traditional roots - elegant, relaxing, and focused on the journey rather than just the amenities. After its 2022 renovation, it strikes a nice balance between modern updates and classic cruise ship charm.

The choice really comes down to what you want from your vacation. Do you want to be amazed by the ship itself, or do you want the ship to be a comfortable base for your overall cruise experience? Both approaches have their devoted fans, and honestly, both ships deliver exactly what they promise.

Your decision might also depend on who you're traveling with and when. First-time cruisers often love the spectacle of Oasis, while experienced cruisers sometimes find themselves gravitating back toward ships like Brilliance for their timeless appeal and manageable size.