Royal Caribbean
Brilliance of the Seas
- Cruises
- 42
- From
- $248
Ship comparison
Brilliance of the Seas vs Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 43
- From
- $339
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Brilliance of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 2,400 passengers, in service since 2002. Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2007.
Choose Brilliance of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, better-rated staterooms or more adventure and nature: it outscores Norwegian Gem for active (6.0 vs 4.0), staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and adventure & nature (4.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want more culture, more crew per passenger or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Brilliance of the Seas for cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) and family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 2.2 passengers (vs 2.8).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Brilliance of the Seas | Norwegian Gem | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2002 | 2007 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2017 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 90,090 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,400 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 848 | 1,101 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 | 2.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.5 | 39.1 (better) |
| Decks | 12 | 15 |
| Length | 962 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 131 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 42 | 43 |
| Upcoming sailings | 96 | 87 |
| Cruise lengths | 3–15 nights | 4–19 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $248 (better) | $339 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Brilliance of the Seas leads on 5 of the ten, Norwegian Gem on 3, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Brilliance of the Seas
Part of Royal Caribbean's Radiance class of ships, Brilliance of the Seas features acres of glass that enclose the nine-story central atrium, elevators facing the sea and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout — all of which flaunt ocean views.
Highlights
- Recreational activities such as a rock-climbing wall and a mini-golf course
- Adults-only Solarium pool
- Vegas-style gaming in the Casino Royale
- Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment
Sailing now
42 cruises on sale, from $248.
About Brilliance of the Seas Plan my cruise on Brilliance of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
While it's true that most cruise ships have a little something for everyone, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem takes that concept to a whole new level. Passengers can choose from activities such as rock climbing and shuffleboard or relax poolside or with a hot-stone massage.
Highlights
- A variety of great dining options, including the hot air balloon-themed Bali Hai Bar & Grill
- Comedy Variety in the Stardust Theater
- Celebrity DJ spinning tunes at the Bliss Lounge
Sailing now
43 cruises on sale, from $339.
Questions
Brilliance of the Seas or Norwegian Gem?
Which is bigger, Brilliance of the Seas or Norwegian Gem?
Norwegian Gem is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 90,090 gross tons for Brilliance of the Seas. Brilliance of the Seas carries 2,400 passengers and Norwegian Gem carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, Brilliance of the Seas or Norwegian Gem?
Norwegian Gem is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2002 for Brilliance of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with 39.1 gross tons per passenger against 37.5 on Brilliance of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.8 on Brilliance of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Gem scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Brilliance of the Seas.
Still deciding?
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