Which Ship for Alaska

[Dble]

Which ship is better (updated, smells fresh) for Alaska cruise? Brilliance of the Seas or Radiance of the Seas?

[Doug_Texas]

Both Brillance and Radiance are 90K GT Radiance class ships - Brillance was updated 2013 and Radiance in 2016.  I'd focus on the itinerary and sail dates / price rather than the ship.

[smokeybandit]

For those two ships there would be not enough of a difference to matter.

[TimeRacer]

I personally fell in love with Serenade of the Seas, which is the sister to the two ships you mentioned. Since Radiance class ships are a little older, they are comparatively smaller and feel very intimate. If you want to just relax with a few things to do here and there and to be able to really focus on the scenery, you can't lose with a Radiance class ship. They were designed for the Alaska route (or at least it seems like they were) with windows everywhere, and lots of comfy places to just sit and enjoy a drink and conversation as the world goes by. If you're the kind that likes to go go go all the time, it may not be the best match. 

While the ships are kept clean and have been recently refreshed, don't expect a super high-tech experience like on Wonder by any means. You're still sailing on a 20+ year old ship. I think that is part of the charm, though. Also, since there's only half the guest capacity of the bigger ships, the crew is easier to get to know. 

[steverk]

Brilliance and Radiance are nearly identical. The big difference is the itinerary. Radiance does one way sailings between Seward and Vancouver. Brilliance does round trip Vancouver.

I really prefer the one way sailings as you see more of Alaska.

[mom2mybugs]

We just booked for radiance 2025 one way.  We are also excited to try samba grill since we were food coma-ed on Allure and didn’t try it (I believe it’s only on allure and radiance).  I’m excited to finally get on this class of ship!  Jane