A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN & VACAYA ON BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS!
Our 2025 Caribbean Cruise sets an all-new standard for what’s possible in the world of all-LGBT+ and all-gay cruising! We’ll sail 7 magical nights roundtrip from The Big Easy, returning to New Orleans just in time for the biggest party in the world… Mardi Gras 2025!
At the end of the cruise, we have an incredible 4-night post-cruise stay in New Orleans available for purchase, as well. Those 4 nights are packed with nearly everything you could ever want from a Mardi Gras experience – grandstand seating for the best parades (Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, and Rex), delicious food, bayou fun, transfers everywhere you’ll need them, and VIP Tables at the Orpheus Ball! Mardi Gras has never been this easy or this much fun!
Sailing Feb 22-Mar 1, 2025 from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Yucatan (Progreso, gateway to beautiful Merida), Mexico. Brilliance of the Seas with VACAYA in New Orleans at Mardi Gras is sure to make this the most sought-after all-LGBT+ adventure of 2025! That’s why we’re putting this cruise on sale early, to give you the chance to start dreaming of your plans to take part in the MOST FABULOUS PARTY ON EARTH! We know you think you’re ready, but unless you’ve been to Mardi Gras before, you truly have no idea how much fun is packed into the streets of the Crescent City. So… start your engines and get ready to escape normal on this trip of a lifetime!
If you love next-level thrills, fantastic dining, and stellar entertainment, you’ll love this VACAYA getaway on Brilliance of the Seas. There are very few ships that are truly perfect for all-LGBT+ charter cruising, and Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships are among the very best. Brilliance of the Seas is the second in the line-up of four Radiance Class ships, joining our other favorites – Celebrity Millennium Class, Solstice Class, and Edge Class – for top honors. Add Brilliance’s approachable and helpful staff to the mix, and she’s an all-around winner for VACAYA!
Brilliance’s stunning nine-story central atrium is surrounded by glass, and elevators face the outside, giving you endless ocean views throughout the ship. And after a day of fun out in the Caribbean, indulge in the comfort of an Interior, Oceanview, Balcony Stateroom, or Suite – each at a different price point to fit every budget. From their spectacular views to the deluxe amenities sprinkled throughout, you’ll find Brilliance’s myriad rooms the perfect home-away-from-home.
SHIP HIGHLIGHTS
A nearly perfect journey awaits on Brilliance of the Seas
DINING VENUES
WINDJAMMER
No matter what kind of dish you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something tasty worth trying at the Windjammer. Pop in during the morning for scrambled egg Bhurji served with roti, or home-style crispy chicken and waffles. Refuel in between adventures with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad or classic fish and chips. Or sample your way from Italy to India with dishes like traditional chicken marsala, savory pork vindaloo, tangy duck à l’orange, and flavorful Caribbean goat curry.
PARK CAFE
In the mood for deli classics that knock it out of the park? Head to Park Café, where you’ll find quick bites to please every palate. Crisp made-to-order salads? Check. Fresh-pressed paninis and sandwiches? Double check. And don’t miss the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich — it’s a guest favorite (and a rite of passage for cruising foodies). The menu at Park Café offers something for everyone during breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. Come here for deli classics, like soups and sandwiches, plus sweet treats and a stellar breakfast spread.
IZUMI ($)
From delicious sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. Savor izakaya-style appetizers and rolls that range from classic to imaginative. No matter what you order, you’re in for a far out, Far East feast filled with incredible flavors from Tōhoku to Tokyo. At Izumi Sushi, you’ll indulge in a four-course meal that includes one starter, two mains, and one dessert. Extra charge.
CHOP’S GRILLE ($)
For more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille have proudly presented quality, hand-cut steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant. Now, they give you a fresh twist on a favorite, with a revamped menu that brings contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings. Most intriguing: the exceptional prime beef. This prime beef is joined by Maine lobster, grilled branzino, and other succulent dishes paired with addictive sides and irresistible desserts. Extra charge.
GIOVANNI’S TABLE ($)
Every meal at Giovanni’s Table is a family-style celebration of rustic Italian flavor. You’ll find all your favorite Old-World classics on the menu here, like house focaccia served with marinated artichokes, olives, and pesto, fluffy gnocchi tossed in a thyme-scented sauce of lamb and root vegetables, traditional risotto finished with porcini and truffle mushroom tapenade, and veal osso buco paired with creamy cheese polenta, ripe tomatoes, and sautéed green beans. Extra charge.
R BAR
The vintage décor at R Bar creates the perfect atmosphere to order a classic old fashioned or gimlet, but you should definitely also try one of the signature cocktails on the menu. Those who prefer their drinks on the fruity side will love the Purple Haze, made with Bacardi 8 rum, Blue Curacao and Pernod, and shaken with pineapple juice, passion fruit puree, and a splash of grenadine. The bartenders here are pros. Let them surprise you with something not on the menu.
VIKING CROWN LOUNGE
RED LIGHT DISTRICT
VACAYA’s signature venue returns! Step inside VACAYA’s Red Light District where fantasies come alive and inhibitions melt away. As queer folx explore this sanctioned intimate play space, you’ll discover an intimate world where uninhibited passion and desire take center stage. Lose yourself in the labyrinth, the rhythmic beats, and the tantalizing sounds of fervor that hang in the air. Full details will be posted on the trip’s Get Ready page as we get closer to sailing. And of course, we’ll have a satellite bar nearby so you can grab a drink before heading in!
There are currently no extensions for this cruise.
OUR BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR!
As you know, cruising takes the guess work out of travel. And with all the added VACAYA benefits – from signature entertainment and welcoming parties to endless social activities and non-stop fun – it’s also an incredible value. With so many inclusions, your precious vacation dollars have never been better spent. And with this cruise – like we’ve done with all our big-ship Caribbean cruises since the beginning – you’ll have the ability to purchase Royal Caribbean’s unlimited beverage packages to make the value even better!
It’s amazing what’s included:
- 7 Nights aboard Brilliance of the Seas
- Onboard meals with flavors from around the world*
- 24×7 Stateroom Service**
- World-Class Fitness Center
- All-Star VACAYA Entertainment
- Endless Royal Caribbean and VACAYA social activities
- Warm, friendly parties with music you love and can even sing along to
- Party themes 120 days out
- Royal Caribbean Booking Numbers 45 days out
- Abundant, clear, and timely communication via email and our exclusive GET READY page
- VACAYA ReachOUT Philanthropic Service Opportunities
*Some of the specialty dining venues have an additional cost, but they’re worth every penny.
**There’s a nominal delivery fee for room service.
This incredible Caribbean adventure will feature the top-quality entertainers VACAYA is known for. Edge media wrote that VACAYA entertainment is “packed with top-tier entertainers – a hallmark of the brand, which has quickly risen to best-in-class for queer travelers.” We believe onboard entertainment should be plentiful, fresh, diverse, and unpredictable, surrounding you and delighting you with spaces and experiences never seen before. Brilliance provides the perfect canvas for our artists!
COMFY ROOMS
Brilliance of the Seas is one of our favorite ships for all-gay/all-LGBT+ charters! She offers unmatched spaces for our parties, as well as super comfy staterooms. Brilliance’s staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action our cruises are known for. From the spectacular views to the deluxe amenities, a stay with VACAYA and Royal Caribbean is like nothing at sea. All the creature comforts you’d expect to have during your vacation are available to you on Brilliance of the Seas, from 24-hour room service to daily cleaning services.
DELICIOUS MEALS
ACTIVITIES & PARTIES
NUDE SUN DECK
GIVING BACK
One of VACAYA’s main missions is to give back to the communities we visit. We view travel as a truly transformative experience. Gay travel specifically has changed the way people all over the world view our community. They have given us so much by welcoming LGBT+ travelers with open arms. Now, it’s our chance to give back to them through our ReachOUT program. Stay tuned for details on the trip’s GET READY page!
Let the good times roll as we board our beautiful Brilliance of the Seas in downtown New Orleans! While we anticipate most of our guests will spend time in New Orleans after our cruise to celebrate the biggest weekend of Mardi Gras, there’s no doubt the party has already started for most of you, So, get ready to kick it up a notch with VACAYA, because the biggest party in the world gets even bigger onboard!
It’s our first sea day and you just know we’ve got some incredible moments in store. How will you spend this day? By the pool with cocktails in-hand? Or in the theater with everyone’s favorite Vacayan, Sister Helen Holy? The choice is entirely yours to make. We do know, however, that EVERYONE will be at our first V-Dance this afternoon. So be ready!
From the moment you step ashore on this vibrant island, you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico. Choose to indulge in delectable Mexican cuisine, sample authentic margaritas, and shop for local crafts in the bustling markets. Adventurous souls can embark on thrilling excursions, such as snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or exploring the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Tulum. Whether it’s sun-soaked beach relaxation, cultural discoveries, or exhilarating adventures, Cozumel offers a diverse range of activities that promise an unforgettable, tropical escape for everyone! Or would you rather stay onboard and have the ship almost all to yourself for a decadent spa day? If that sounds more your style… you do you!
On Grand Cayman, you’ll find pristine, white-sand beaches with clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling, where you can witness colorful marine life and visit the famous Stingray City. The island offers a host of water-based adventures, from diving in vibrant coral reefs to paddleboarding and sailing. For a taste of local culture, you can explore the lively George Town, indulge in duty-free shopping, and savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, interact with aquatic life, or savor the island’s charm, Grand Cayman offers a diverse range of activities for everyone.
After a couple days of island hopping, it’s time to make the most of our beautiful ship. Today, you can hit the spa, check out the rock climbing wall, dance the afternoon away on the pool deck, or simply sleep in. This day is all yours. Is tonight the night you finally hit the Red Light District? If you’re into it, go right ahead and enjoy!
Progreso, with its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, provides an enticing gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula. You can explore the fascinating Mayan heritage by visiting nearby archaeological sites like Chichen Itza or Uxmal, where ancient wonders come to life against the lush backdrop of the jungle. The town itself offers a glimpse into authentic Mexican life, with bustling markets, tantalizing street food, and opportunities to experience local traditions. For those seeking relaxation, the stunning coastal beaches are perfect for basking in the sun and taking in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or a beach lover, Yucatan promises an unforgettable experience for every guest. Our stop in Progreso also provides a gateway to beautiful Merida, an almost-undiscovered gem in this fascinating region.
After last night’s party and the after-party, today is all about recharging before heading home tomorrow. But before we wrap this up, our signature SHE’S A MESS V-DANCE will hit the upper decks! SHE’S A MESS is easy… just throw on one piece of every costume you’ve worn this week. This is our fun way of celebrating all the weird and whacky costumes worn over the week. So get crazy, Vacayans!
Welcome home, y’all! After an incredible week on the seas, you’re arriving back in The Big Easy for the BIGGEST day of the Mardi Gras celebrations. Tonight, the Krewe of Endymion rolls through New Orleans for the largest street party on earth, with well over a million revelers packing the city streets! Hope you’re ready to join the fun!
Bookings for the Caribbean Cruise 2025 start at $1,597 for Solo Interior Staterooms to $5,747 per person for (4 Guests) Suites. Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of spaces and for reservations.
