Symphony of the Seas vs Brilliance of the Seas

What's the main difference between Symphony of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas?

The most striking difference is sheer size. Symphony of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Brilliance of the Seas – we're talking about a ship that's nearly three times larger by gross tonnage. Symphony carries up to 6,680 passengers while Brilliance maxes out around 2,580. It's like comparing a bustling city to a cozy neighborhood.

Symphony launched in 2018 as part of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class, representing their newest and most advanced ship design. Brilliance, built in 2002, belongs to the Radiance-class and offers a more traditional cruising experience, though it received fresh updates in 2025.

Which ship has better onboard activities?

This really depends on what gets you excited. Symphony of the Seas is an absolute playground for thrill-seekers and families. You'll find a 10-deck-high zip line, ice-skating rink, full-size basketball court, and two massive rock-climbing walls. The ship features a legitimate park with over 20,000 tropical plants, plus water slides and an outdoor aquatic theater with Olympic diving platforms.

Brilliance takes a more refined approach. It has its own rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, sports court, and three pools, but the scale is much smaller. What Brilliance lacks in extreme activities, it makes up for with its stunning 9-story glass atrium and more intimate atmosphere. The elevator rides offer gorgeous water views that Symphony simply can't match due to its massive structure.

If you're traveling with teenagers or adventure-loving adults, Symphony wins hands down. For those who prefer scenic relaxation and manageable crowds, Brilliance might actually be the better choice.

How do the dining and entertainment options compare?

Symphony of the Seas brings serious firepower with a 1,400-seat main theater plus that incredible outdoor aquatic theater. The dining scene is extensive with numerous specialty restaurants and casual options spread across the ship's 18 decks.

Brilliance offers a more traditional theater experience and dining venues that feel less overwhelming. You won't get lost trying to find your dinner reservation, and the staff can provide more personalized attention simply because there are fewer passengers to serve.

Both ships include the typical Royal Caribbean staples like the main dining room, buffet, and specialty restaurants, but Symphony's options are far more numerous and varied.

Which ship offers better accommodations?

Symphony really shines here with innovative suite options, including family suites that feature in-room slides and game tables – pretty wild stuff. The ship offers 24-hour room service and tends to have more spacious accommodations overall.

Brilliance keeps things simpler with traditional interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins. Some rooms are quite compact at around 170 square feet, which might feel cramped if you're used to land-based hotel rooms. However, many travelers find these perfectly adequate since you're spending most time exploring the ship anyway.

Both ships provide attentive stateroom service, though Symphony's newer design includes more modern amenities and tech features.

What about the environmental impact and efficiency?

Symphony of the Seas represents a major leap forward in cruise ship environmental technology. It uses LED lighting throughout, waste heat recovery systems, and an innovative air bubble hull lubrication system that reduces fuel consumption by about 25%. The ship runs on three electric azipods powered by six marine-diesel engines – pretty impressive engineering.

Brilliance uses older General Electric gas turbine technology that was standard when it was built. While it doesn't have Symphony's advanced green features, it's worth noting that smaller ships generally have a lower overall environmental footprint simply due to size.

Which ship provides better value?

This gets tricky because "value" means different things to different people. Symphony typically costs more due to its newer status and extensive facilities, but you're getting access to activities and amenities that would cost extra on land.

Brilliance often offers lower cruise fares and can be particularly appealing for travelers who want the Royal Caribbean experience without paying premium prices. The smaller size means shorter lines, easier navigation, and often more personalized service.

Consider what you actually want from your cruise. If you'll spend time using zip lines, ice skating, and extensive pools, Symphony's higher price might be justified. If you prefer scenic cruising, reading by the pool, and intimate dining experiences, Brilliance could offer better bang for your buck.

Who should choose which ship?

Symphony of the Seas is perfect for multi-generational families, first-time cruisers who want to experience everything, and anyone who enjoys high-energy vacation environments. If you get excited about trying new activities and don't mind crowds, this ship delivers an unforgettable experience.

Brilliance of the Seas appeals to travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace, couples seeking romantic getaways, and experienced cruisers who appreciate classic ship design. The smaller passenger count creates a more intimate atmosphere where you might actually recognize faces by the end of your cruise.

Both ships deliver the Royal Caribbean experience, just at completely different scales. Your choice should align with whether you want a floating theme park or a more traditional ocean voyage with modern conveniences.