Hello Royal Caribbean Blog readers, its Michael Poole here for another live blog, but this time from Brilliance of the Seas.
This is going to be a very special cruise, because I’m staying on board for two sailings!
The first sailing is a five-night cruise headed to Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico. The second sailing is a four-night and only has one port day, back to Cozumel, Mexico. I can think of worse places to visit twice in one week!
The dates to my sailings are March 26th and March 31st, which is a total of nine days on the Brilliance of the Seas.
Background on the Cruise
In February 2015, Royal Caribbean came out with their WOW Sale and I was searching around for great deals. I came across the Brilliance of the Seas in March 2016, which is when I usually like to cruise.
I decided to book three sailings in the same cabin, but later dropped one sailing, so I could add the Allure of the Seas this summer.
Cabin Type
Up until a few weeks ago, I was in the same cabin for both legs of the cruise. I booked a Solo Cabin – SI category on deck 4 (4583).
During the dry dock a few years ago, Royal Caribbean added three solo cabins, which are at a discounted rate for solo cruisers. However, a few weeks ago I talked a friend into joining me to the four-day sailing (leg 2).
On that sailing I’ll switch cabin’s to deck 8 in an Ocean balcony (8544).
I’ll be sure to provide detailed pictures of both cabins.
Drink Packages
Ever since Royal Caribbean launched the all-inclusive drink packages, I’ve also bought one. Sometimes I go with the select package, since I’m a beer snob and other times with the premium package when traveling with friends.
On this first leg, I’m going to pass on the drink package, but for a few reasons.
On embarkation day, I do not plan on getting onboard until after 12:00, I have a few plans that morning with a local friend. Then on day 2 we are in Key West, so I’d like to explore some local bars there and not feel guilty about spending money on drinks.
Also, since I’m a diamond member I have a few options in the evening for free drinks. Let’s see if I actually hold out and not purchase the package.
On leg 2, when my friend Hillary joins, I will be purchasing the $49/per day premium package.
Ports of Call
For the first leg, I’ll be visiting Key West and Cozumel.
My plans in Key West are to revisit Sloppy Joe’s restaurant.
If you recall from my Majesty of the Seas Live Blog, I ran into this place and fell in love with it. I’ll also explore around Key West and enjoy the day.
The only downside is we are only here from 11:30am-5: 30pm, so not a lot of time to explore.
In Cozumel, Mexico, I’ll be headed over to my second favorite place in the Caribbean (Coco Cay is my first) Nachi Cocom for day. If you have never been here I encourage you to read the blog post I wrote on Nachi.
On the second leg, I originally planned to try something new, the Cozumel Bar Hop. However, I asked my friend what she wanted to do and she said Nachi Cocom, so I didn’t say no to that!
Okay friends, it’s time I get ready for my cruise coming up this Saturday. I’ll be doing full ship tours on periscope on both sail away days, and again in Key West, FL. I’ll also try my best to include the cost of my drinks without the drink package vs if I had the package.
Next time I report it will be from my new home for the next 9 days!
