Brilliance of the Seas
Ship Facts
Occupancy: 2,142
Crew: 848
Tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Beam: 106 feet
Draught: 28 feet
Cruise speed: 25 knots
Inaugural Date: July 15, 2002
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New Orleans Mardi Gras Caribbean Gay Bears Cruise 2025
7 nights from/to New Orleans, Louisiana
February 15 22, 2025
Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas
Join us on an incredibly fun vacation the week before Mardi Gras out of New Orleans to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Yucatan and back to New Orleans just in time for the festivities. Chill out with some rum punch after an adventure-filled day with a cruise to the Western Caribbean. Join like minded bears, cubs, chubs, chasers, their friends and families on Western Caribbean gay & bears group cruise. Palm-fringed beaches, pure white sand, turquoise seas, thrilling watersports and superb shopping – you’ll be in paradise on your holiday to the lovely Caribbean.
Lose yourself in the tones of Calypso steel drums and the majesty of Mayan ruins with a cruise to Caribbean. Cruise to Caribbean and discover the cliff-diving, breeze-swaying, sand-between-your-toes, no-worries pace of island life. Hundreds of years of history have left jungle ruins from ancient times and vibrant colonial towns with brightly painted buildings reflecting a fascinating history.
New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities in America. It’s the home of jazz, voodoo and Mardi Gras. It’s also the setting for many of Anne Rice’s vampire novels. New Orleans is one of the best cities in the South for gay travelers. It has a big gay scene centred around many bars and clubs.
Mardi Gras is, of course, the biggest annual event in New Orleans. It begins on "12th night" and it ends on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The most popular time for tourist to visit during Mardi Gras is the weekend before Fat Tuesday.
New Orleans is also famed for its music scene. So many major artists in the music industry have to New Orleans to seek inspiration. It’s also home to many – allegedly – haunted houses. The atmosphere along Bourbon Street is pretty wild at night. New Orleans is a city you have to see at least once in a lifetime.
Dive under the sea, fly above the ocean, and treasure-hunt through the jungle with a cruise to Western Caribbean. Cruise to the Western Caribbean and find yourself immersed in bygone eras and pristine natural scenery. Hike through Mayan ruins in Mexico, before diving into deep blue cenotes — aquamarine sinkholes surrounded by limestone caves, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Or, you can choose to sail to Stingray City in Grand Cayman, and swim with these gentle creatures. When you're ready to come up for air, take flight on a massive zip line over shimmering coastlines, or soak up some sun and see the pastel-hued, conch-style houses. Discover the magic with a Western Caribbean cruise.
Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas
Discover new experiences on every shore — and on every deck. Stroll along secluded beaches, follow in the footsteps of ancient civilizations. And for every discovery you make onshore, you’ll find countless thrills to keep you immersed in the journey onboard Brilliance of the Seas. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind ways to experience distinct cultures, savor exotic flavors and soak up views that’ll give even the most seasoned travelers wanderlust, this is the cruise ship for you, Brilliance of the Seas offers year-round adventures for every kind of explorer.
Dining Catch a glimpse of the magic that happens in the kitchen on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the galley with the Chef. Then take your taste buds on an exceptional brunch in a dining room.
Bars & Lounges This is where wine list and to-do list overlap. Whether it’s Burgundy, Merlot, Riesling or Pinot Grigio, you’re sure to find your beloved reds or whites at Vintages wine bar.
Fitness & Spa
Emerge renewed, relaxed and rejuvenated at the Vitality Spa. Professional spa products from acclaimed brands.
Entertainment & Nightlife Whether you prefer a masquerade mystery or traditional toga, you’re in luck. Themed nights and parties may vary in era, but always deliver in fun.
Casino There's nothing to stir your sense of excitement like the sound of cards being shuffled Or Chips being stacked and slot machines paying out, Consider the Casino Royale to be your little slice of Vegas right at sea—with thousands of square feet of lights, action, slots and tables. Join a tournament at sea, become a member of Club Royale® or just soak in the winning atmosphere of the incredible casino when you come aboard.
Onboard Activities The ship boast a sea of vacation possibilities for every guest. Like the chance to learn Italian, salsa dancing, or the recipe for a perfect martini. To conquer the rock wall and ice skate on the equator. Or slow things down with a hot stone massage and duty-free designer shopping. See, do and learn more at sea than you ever thought possible.
Celebrations & Special Occasions
Whether you're celebrating a special day or a special someone a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is packed with amazing moments from start to finish, and extras that make your voyage truly unforgettable.
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New Orleans Mardi Gras Caribbean Gay & Bears Cruise 2025 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
15 Feb |
New Orleans, Louisiana |
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4 PM |
16 Feb |
A Day at Sea! |
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17 Feb |
Cozumel, Mexico |
8 AM |
5 PM |
18 Feb |
George Town, Grand Cayman |
11 AM |
7 PM |
19 Feb |
A Day at Sea! |
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20 Feb |
Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico |
8 AM |
5 PM |
21 Feb |
A Day at Sea! |
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22 Feb |
New Orleans, Louisiana |
7 AM |
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Days 1 & 8 - New Orleans, Louisiana
With a penchant for partying and a joie de vivre lifestyle, every day in New Orleans is cause for celebration. Its melting pot culture is as rich as the roux in its Creole cuisine— and adventure dangles on iron-latticed balconies alongside colorful Mardi Gras beads. Head to the French Quarter in the heart of the city, and get swept up in the wild beat of Bourbon Street. New Orleans cruises give you the chance to check out Frenchmen Street clubs for live jazz tunes, or roam the leafy Garden District. Whether it’s the voodoo vibes, fiery cooking, or down-home hospitality, the quirky heart of Louisiana will forever call you back.
Day 2 - A Day at Sea!
Sit back, kick off your shoes and put your feet up during our 'at sea' days, where you can chill in the bar, lounge by the pool or enjoy a relaxing beauty treatment in the spa. For simple pleasures, why not try a game of table tennis? Or if you’re feeling energetic, now’s the chance to explore all the amazing activities the ship has to offer, from spectacular, West-End-style entertainment to adrenalin-charged sports.
Day 3 - Cozumel, Mexico
With its lively tropical reefs, crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, Cozumel is ripe for one-of-a-kind adventures. Cruise to Cozumel and head to Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel among the colorful reefs and schools of tropical fish that give this island its premier diving status. Or travel back in time on an adventure through the towering Maya ruins of Tulum. When you’re done exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture savoring to soaking up sunshine, you’ll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.
Day 4 - George Town, Grand Cayman Grand Cayman is where the high life meets island life. This international banking haven is as much known for award-winning beaches as for the flocks of celebrities and high rollers that frequent them. You can sip Cayman Mama’s while rubbing shoulders with the global glitterati. During your Grand Cayman cruise, you can snorkel with stingrays in Stingray City. Treat your inner foodie at eateries established by acclaimed top chefs like Michael Schwartz, or chow down on conch fritters by the seashore. You can even soak up some rays at one of the beaches voted best in the world, Seven Mile Beach. And do it all in the same day.
Days 5 & 7 - A Day at Sea!
Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or total tranquility, our ship have it all. Catch a dive-in movie on the poolside screen. Scale the Rock Climbing Wall. Melt away land-based stress with a spa massage, build a scrapbook of memories or simply relax poolside. World-class performers from across the globe come together on our ships to WOW you from morning to night. Catch Broadway musicals, thrilling casino action, live comedy and music, bars, clubs and much more.
Day 6 - Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico
With its laid-back beach-town vibe and one of the world’s longest piers, Progreso is the gateway to adventure on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Malecón Beach is a hub for sun seekers looking to lounge (or party) on long stretches of sand. And the fishing villages of Chelem and Chuburna are both prime spots for kayaking through mangrove estuaries. Explore shipwrecks at Alacranes Reef and swim with sea turtles in the clear waters off Perez Island. Or travel inland to stroll around Merida’s bustling squares. Yucatan cruise offer access to a treasure trove of Mayan archaeological sites digging deep into Mexico’s fascinating ancient past.
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