We’ll provide Royal Caribbean with your bed configuration preferences. The beds in the stateroom can either be set up as one larger bed or split into two separate beds. When you first get to your stateroom, if your bed isn’t configured as you wish, simply ask your Stateroom Attendant to reconfigure it and they’ll either put them together to form the larger bed or break them apart to form two smaller beds.

To avoid exorbitant mobile service charges while at sea, we recommend turning your phone to Airplane Mode when we’re not docked. If you don’t, you’ll automatically connect to “Cellular At Sea,” which has truly astounding per-MB rates for data/calls. Even if you’re not actively searching the web, most phones automatically download emails and refresh webpages in the background, and that could easily escalate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in extra mobile charges from your provider.

VACAYA will offer a clothing optional space onboard where sun lovers can sunbathe in the nude. We’ll have details of the exact location shortly before the cruise. The clothing optional sun deck is ONLY available on Sea Days. While in all of our ports, swimsuits are required on the upper decks.

And obviously… we ask that cameras not be used in this area.

Vaccinated and unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on this cruise. There is no testing requirement prior to sailing. Obviously, requirements could change at any time, and we will, of course, communicate any changes in protocols.

Mexico’s currency is the Peso (MXN) and as of February 2024, it trades roughly at:

1 USD = 17 MXN
1 MXN = 0.06 USD

1 EUR = 18 MXN
1 MXN = 0.05 EUR

A valid passport is required of all travelers.

Visas are not required for US Citizens, but may be required of other nationalities. 

Guests from countries that require a visa MUST obtain a valid visa before leaving home. Laws do not allow a guest who requires a visa to board the ship without required visa(s). SPECIAL NOTE: Even if you’re told you won’t need a visa if you plan to stay on the ship, this is NOT TRUE. If a visa is required of your nationality, you MUST have a visa even if you plan to stay on the ship.

United States Permanent Residents who possess an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) do NOT require a visa.

These travel documentation requirements are government regulations and policies. They are subject to change without notice. It is the sole responsibility of each guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents (such as passports and visas) are required for boarding, entry into other countries, and reentry into the United States.

We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a passport that’s valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal, or business emergencies, missing a ship’s departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.

The name on your VACAYA reservation must match the name on your passport or other identification documents.

Guests who do not possess the proper documentation will be denied boarding.

Unfortunately, no refunds will be given to individuals who are denied boarding due to improper documentation.

DAY: With warm temps, shorts and T-shirts will be your best bet while in port.

NIGHT: VACAYA’s dress code is “Evening Chic” – smart and stylish. But what does that actually mean?

Dress pants/designer jeans, collared shirts, cocktail dresses, and skirts with a nice top fit the bill perfectly.

We never want to limit your creative freedom as far as dress is concerned, so know that there are no hard and fast rules in regard to what’s acceptable and what’s not. But here are some specific recommendations that will help you decide what’s most appropriate for Brilliance of the Seas’ elegant and casual dining spaces throughout the evening:

• Tank Tops in the Main Restaurants for dinner aren’t the best choice. Let’s be real… only a few of us (and we applaud you fetishists) would want to see a hairy armpit while enjoying filet mignon and lobster.
• Dress Shorts are ok in the Main Restaurants for dinner. Swimsuits are not.
• Dress Sandals are ok in all restaurants for dinner. Flip-flops? Not so much.
• If you’d like to keep your dress super casual for dinner, Windjammer Café provides a perfect dining choice. And flip-flops are a-ok around the clock in Oceanview.
• Shorts and T-shirts are discouraged in the elevated dining experiences of Chops, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi.

PARTIES: Our theme parties will provide you with endless opportunities to show off your style with imaginative costumes. Just keep in mind that your penis and balls and your vagina have to be covered (unless otherwise noted). But by all means don’t be afraid of the exciting world of sheer fabrics… we love them! Because Windjammer Café will be open late into the night (and we know you’re going to want a burger at 2am), we ask that if you’re wearing a costume that exposes your butt cheeks, that you wrap a towel around yourself while dining. Towels will be available near the entrance of the café.

THE POOL DECK: Just like with the men, women are allowed to use the main pool and Solarium pool topless. If anyone would like to sunbathe fully nude, please use our Clothing Optional Sun Deck while at sea. Please note that nude sunbathing is not allowed on the Clothing Optional Sun Deck when we’re docked alongside the pier.

All emails to our Booked Guests are available here:

November 29, 2024 – The Winning CYOA Party Theme!

November 12, 2024 – Vote for a FINAL party theme!

October 25, 2024 – 120 Days To Go! Time for Party Themes!

April 22, 2024 – Hotels Now Bookable & Delta Discounts

Meet our fabulous Main Stage Divas!

This section of the Get Ready page is also where we’ll be previewing all of our other incredible entertainers through January. So, stay tuned!

For our female-identifying guests, floor-length evening gowns are required for the Orpheuscapade Ball on Monday, March 3. If you don’t have an evening gown that fits the bill, there are several New Orleans sales and rental houses that specialize in Mardi Gras Ball wear for women. They are:

THE RED CARPET
4113 Tchoupitoulas Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
+1.504.281.4610
OPEN Monday-Saturday: 11am-5pm
CLOSED Sundays

PEARL’S PLACE BRIDAL
3114 Severn Ave.
Metairie, LA 70002
+1.504.885.9213
OPEN Monday-Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 12pm-7pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
CLOSED Sundays

YVONNE LAFLEUR
8131 Hampson Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
+1.504.866.9666
OPEN Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm
CLOSED Sundays

Brilliance of the Seas will be docked in Downtown New Orleans close to Riverwalk Shopping Center. We’ll have the exact terminal/pier information approximately 60 days before our scheduled departure.

As always, the Terminal assignment can change at any time. Please check the board as you enter the Port of New Orleans to confirm the docking position.

100% of your prepaid gratuities go to onboard staffers, including your stateroom attendant, the culinary services staff, the behind-the-scenes hotel services staff, and the myriad department heads who work with their teams around the clock to create a flawless VACAYA experience for you.

A 20% gratuity is added to all beverage purchases, specialty dining purchases, and spa/salon services. If you purchase one of Royal Caribbean’s Beverage Packages, remember that you’ve already paid the gratuity when purchasing your package. No further gratuity is required, but additional gratuities are always appreciated.

A Note About Additional Tipping: As a community, we are extremely generous. We eagerly recognize outstanding individual service with a few extra dollars here and there. Of course, no extra monetary recognition is ever required, but when you take the time to say “thank you” and offer that 3am room service attendant or your favorite bartender a couple dollars, know that it’s always immensely appreciated by the crew members you recognize.

Brilliance of the Seas features Starlink Wi-Fi and package details/pricing will be available to you approximately 45 days before our departure date. 

When boarding Brilliance of the Seas, you’ll be greeted by several V Team members who’ll give you a choice of 3 different colored lanyards – red, yellow, or green. Not only will the lanyard hold your room key card (especially helpful when in a swimsuit without pockets), but it’ll also help tell a part of your story at a glance:

RED – I’m happily taken and off the market, but definitely open to new friends.

YELLOW – I’m magical and mysterious. Ask for my deets.

GREEN – I’m open and ready to mingle.

We recognize you’ll be making a lanyard decision on Day 1 that might look a little different by Day 3. If you decide later that you’d like a different color, please swing by the VACAYA Hospitality Desk when open (hours are listed in your daily program, Cruise Compass) and we’ll be happy to offer an alternative while supplies last.

If your luggage doesn’t arrive with you at the airport, be sure to file a claim with your airline and make sure they understand you’re getting on a cruise ship. It’s also wise to provide them with a copy of your itinerary. Once onboard Brilliance of the Seas, be sure to let the Guest Services Team know your bag has been delayed. This will help immensely in getting your bags to our ever-moving ship.

When you arrive at the Port of New Orleans, you will hand off your luggage to the porters at the taxi drop-off. Before handing off your bags, be sure each bag is properly tagged to your stateroom. When you check in online in advance of the cruise, you’ll also be able to print luggage tags. We recommend waiting to arrive in New Orleans BEFORE placing those tags on your luggage. This will help ensure they don’t get ripped off during your flights.

It usually takes between 4-6 hours from the moment you hand over your luggage to the pier-side porters until the bags arrive to your stateroom. If your luggage hasn’t arrived by 8pm, reach out to Guest Services on Deck 4 mid-ship. They will do their best to track down your bags. Usually, the reason for a piece of luggage not making its way to your room is that the identifying tag was ripped off at some point in the transfer from pier to ship. These untagged bags are placed in corral awaiting identification.

For all the latest VACAYA gear (or V-Gear, as we call it) – from T-shirts and hoodies to coffee mugs and hats – visit our online marketplace…

SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT THE VACAYA MARKETPLACE

Basic medical services are available onboard. The Medical Center is located Deck 2 mid-ship and their opening hours will be posted in the ship’s daily program, Cruise Compass. 24-hour emergency services are also available.

VACAYA recommends that you consult with your primary physician before sailing if you’re experiencing any serious or chronic medical issues. The onboard medical team can provide basic services for illnesses/injuries that may occur onboard. They are also able to diagnose and stabilize most emergency situations. If you require emergency services that can only be provided by a shore-side facility, transfers can be arranged. Please note, however, that while sailing, transfers may be affected by weather or other logistical considerations.

Quarantines: The health and safety of guests and crew is of paramount importance. And on rare occasions, the medical team may decide your condition requires you to be quarantined to your room. This is most common when highly contagious gastrointestinal illnesses like Norovirus are diagnosed. We’ve all heard the stories of hundreds of cruise passengers falling ill with stomach issues like Norovirus and the like. Based on Center for Disease Control guidelines, quarantine is the medical team’s best defense in stopping the spread of viruses such as this. If you’re quarantined, we will do our very best to make you as comfortable as possible for the duration of your quarantine.

VACAYA is all about connections. And we’ll host different professional and interest group meetups throughout the week, giving you the chance to come together with others who share like interests. We’ll also host twice-daily 12-step meetings. It’s time to make some new friends!

No one does LGBT+ charter cruises quite like VACAYA, and Brilliance of the Seas is no exception. We’ve done divvied up Brilliance like Sunday supper leftovers, creating five New Orleans-themed “lands,” each with its own distinct Big Easy charm.

Jackson Square
Just like the French Quarter’s famed hub, our Jackson Square will become the beating heart of your VACAYA experience. That starts on Night 1 with our signature THIS IS ME party in the Centrum! Mystery, magic, and fun will unfurl here as the Centrum, Casino Royale, Latte-tudes, and the Shops on Centrum fall under VACAYA’s voodoo spell this week. Y’all ready?

Lafitte’s Landing
No buccaneer is more famous in The Crescent City than Jean Lafitte, and this indulgent land is a perfect fit for every pirate king, queen, or monarch. Featuring two of Brilliance’s performance venues – Schooner Bar and The Colony Club – Lafitte’s Landing will come to life each night with cabaret and piano bar entertainment, endless drinking, and some of the most delicious food onboard at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and the Chef’s Table. “Gimme a song, a bottle, good eats, and good company, and I’ll show you a pirate’s idea of heaven.”

Saints & Sinners
The sports deck is an homage to New Orleans’ beloved professional football team, the Saints, but it’s really the Sinners who are likely to rule this land when Brilliance’s basketball court converts to our famed Red Light District each night. VACAYA gives a whole new meaning to southern decadence as these upper decks turn into the most hospitable playland on the high seas. If the RLD isn’t really your speed, no worries, because Starquest Lounge will be our late-night disco for those who’d prefer to dance their way into the wee hours instead. So, the choice is yours… Saint, Sinner, or somewhere wickedly in-between?

The Bayou
“I’m as warm as a turtle on a log in a Loosiana bayou.” The sun has never been more inviting as we all mix and mingle at The Bayou’s Main Pool and Solarium Pool, both on Deck 11. Hopefully, the humidity on the upper decks isn’t nearly as swampy as it gets in the actual bayous of Louisiana, but just know… this bayou will definitely show its bones. Just keep reminding yourself… “it’s time to be as cool as a cucumber in a bowl of hot sauce.”

The Garden District
There’s no more dramatic a neighborhood in New Orleans than uptown’s Garden District. And here on Brilliance, our District features the Pacifica Theater where our beloved entertainers will provide almost incalculable star power to our Garden shenanigans! Without question, The Garden District will be THE place to be each and every night of the cruise.

If you’re one of the hundreds of guests driving into New Orleans, you’ll want to reserve your parking spot at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal in advance. 

Parking for Julia Street Cruise Terminal (available to ticketed NCL and Royal Caribbean Passengers ONLY)

• Parking is available at the 100 Poydras Garage, located at 100 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 70130. The 100 Poydras Garage opens at 9:00am local time and has over 500 covered and secure parking spaces.

• Parking rates: $25 per day without reservations and $25 per day plus $1/per day fee for advance reservations.

• Parking reservations can be made HERE.

• A shuttle will be available to take all cruise passengers and their luggage to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal.

• Please have your boarding information available. You must show it to the parking attendant to enter the facility.

• Maximum vehicle height is 6′ 4″ with a maximum length of 22′. 

For Oversized Vehicles (RVs, Buses, and Vehicles Longer Than 22′)

Please call Ann Hanks at +1.504.528.3318 for reservations.

Overflow Parking

Due to high parking demand, it may be necessary to redirect passengers to the overflow parking lots that are conveniently located near the cruise terminals. Shuttle transportation to and from these lots is provided.

VACAYA’s promise to you is to deliver party themes for each of our trips an industry-leading 120 Days before our adventure together.

It’s Oct 25, so here we goooooooooo!!!

THIS IS ME
Feb 22 @ 10pm

It’s Night 1 and we’re all meeting in Jackson Square’s center atrium for our signature welcome party! Wear a little somethin’ somethin’ that shows other Vacayans who you are and where you’re from.

THIS IS ME AFTER PARTY
Feb 23 @ 1am(ish)

At 1am, we’re moving the party upstairs to Deck 13’s Starquest, where you can dance till the wee hours.

SLAP YA MAMA V-DANCE
Feb 23 @ 4pm

One of New Orleans’ favorite hometown spices sets the stage for our stoplight V-Dance. Wear GREEN if you’re ready to mingle. RED if you’re off the market. Or YELLOW if you’re somewhere magically in between.

CYOA PARTY – BRILLIANCE
Feb 23 @ 10:30pm

Vacayans have voted for BRILLIANCE as the winning theme for our Choose Your Own Adventure Party! In celebration of our host, Brilliance of the Seas, we go SHINY tonight! Embrace your inner diamond by adorning yourself in iridescent and bejeweled outfits that reflect light in every direction. Think sequined tops, shimmering jocks, and metallic accessories that catch and refract the glow of the party. Don’t hold back – layer on the sparkle with glitter makeup, glow accessories, and radiant jewelry that’ll make you the star of the night. 

FEAST
Feb 24 @ 10:30pm

With a dash of true southern decadence, tonight we feast on a banquet of fetishes. And in a VACAYA first… if your kink is being naked in public, then we invite you to attend sans clothes!

(Please note: if you’re coming naked, you must cover yourself when outside the Deck 11/12 party space. So, wrap a towel around yourself on your way to the upper decks. Towels will be available when leaving the party and moving into other public areas or returning to your room.)

KREWE
Feb 25 @ 10:30pm

It’s (Low) Fat Tuesday! Let Purple, Green, and Gold be your guide as you and your crew (or “krewe” in true New Orleans fashion) get ready for the biggest Mardi Gras party on the high seas!

MARDI GRAS AFTER PARTY
Feb 26 @ 2am(ish)

It’s a Sea Day tomorrow, so hit Starquest and dance till your heart’s content. Throw me somethin’, Mister!

VTV BEACH HOUSE
Feb 26 @ 4pm

Brilliance of the Seas represents the very best of Y2K cruise ship design, so we’re turning back the clock to the ship’s earliest gay days for a rockin’ Beach House V-Dance hosted by none other than MTV Icon Downtown Julie Brown! It’s Y2Gaaaaaaay!

TWIST: A RUBIK’S CUBE 80s PARTY
Feb 26 @ 10:30pm

We’re going back to Jackson Square’s center atrium tonight for the whackiest 80s party of all time! Tonight, dress only in colors you’d find on the classic 80s Rubik’s Cube (blue, green, red, orange, yellow, and white). But here’s the deal… mix up those colors with your clothing choices – a green sock, a white sock, a blue t-shirt, an orange pair of underwear, etc., etc. Then, over the course of the night, you have ONE objective (besides having fun, of course)… SOLVE YOUR LOOK! Exchange clothing pieces with other Vacayans to ultimately be wearing all the same color by the end of the night! OR, if you’d prefer, just stay mixed up all night long!

RED BEANS & ANNE RICE: A FANGTASTIC RED PARTY
Feb 27 @ 10:30pm

Two New Orleans favorites come together for our Red Party! This time, with an “I want to suck your blood” twist! Author Anne Rice’s classic Interview with a Vampire provides all the inspiration you’ll need for our biggest party of the week! Fangs and fortunes await the brave as we go all red all night.

RLD AFTER PARTY
Feb 28 @ 2am(ish)

After all that blood sucking on the dance floor, it’s time to hit the Red Light District for our after party! It’s a Sea day tomorrow, soooo… laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

SHE’S A MESS V-DANCE
Feb 28 @ 4pm

You know the drill… wear one piece from every costume you’ve worn this week and gurrrrl… be a mess. You’ve earned it!

As always, costumes are encouraged, but never required. You’ll have fun in or out of costume. You’ll discover that some Vacayans go ALL OUT, where others might wear a themed T-shirt or a jock strap to each and every party. You do you, Boo.

*All events/party themes/DJs are subject to change at any time.

Inbound and Outbound Satellite Phone Services are available from your stateroom at a cost of $7.95 per minute. Calls are paid by credit card (Visa and MasterCard only).

For inbound business or emergency calls, have callers dial +1.888.724.7447 or +1.321.953.9003. Once prompted, choose to connect to Brilliance of the Seas.

For more information about this service, visit http://shipdial.com. Per minute pricing subject to change at any time. 

Guests looking to preserve their cruise memories may encounter onboard photo and video documentarians in the form of the Royal Caribbean photo team and the VACAYA media team.

For the most immediate access to photos from your vacation, look out for the Royal Caribbean-badged photographers onboard. Royal Caribbean offers an extensive range of photography services for guests to capture and preserve memories of their cruise. Trained photographers are on hand to capture every special moment of the vacation, from formal portraits to candid shots around the ship. There are a variety of packages available, ranging from single prints to digital packages, to cater to different budgets and preferences. Special events, such as parties and shore excursions, can also be commemorated with specially designed photo packages. The photos are captured using high-quality cameras and equipment, ensuring they are of professional quality. The photo desk staff is available to assist guests in choosing the right package and scheduling a photo session that fits their schedule.

VACAYA also has a media team onboard to document the overall guest experience for our photo and video archives. The main goal of this team is to showcase the VACAYA brand to current and potential guests through our website, social media, and marketing communications. Their work is critical in helping us achieve our vision of becoming the #1 global brand in LGBT+ vacations. While they’ll be capturing the guest experience, it’s important to keep in mind that they are not specifically there to serve as individual photographers for guests. If you’re looking for personal photos and videos from your vacation, the Royal Caribbean photo team is available to provide professional photography services and capture stunning, high-quality memories of your time onboard.

At VACAYA and Royal Caribbean, we understand some guests may prefer not to have their photos taken during their cruise. We respect your privacy and your right to decline photography services. If you prefer not to participate in either the Royal Caribbean photo services or the VACAYA media team’s documentation of the guest experience, simply let our photographers or media team members know your preference.

We are now featuring an all-new way to book our recommended hotels in each of our host cities. For New Orleans, our recommended hotels are the following:

LUXURY

• The Eliza Jane
• Four Seasons
• Windsor Court

MID-LEVEL

• Hilton New Orleans Riverside
• Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
• InterContinental New Orleans

ECONOMY

• Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Downtown
• Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD

You can book our recommended pre-/post-cruise hotels using THIS SPECIAL LINK.

If any of our recommended properties doesn’t show up in your search, that means the hotel is sold out. In that case, you can choose from our second tier of recommended properties, which will appear automatically.

And don’t forget, if you’re looking for a post-cruise experience that is OVER-THE-TOP AMAZING, join VACAYA at Hotel Indigo for our post-cruise Mardi Gras program. Details can be found HERE and space is limited.

• Guests are not allowed to bring Beer, Hard Liquor, Fortified Wines, Other Alcoholic Beverages, or Cases of Soda/Water onboard for consumption, with the following exception:
  • Guests wishing to bring personal wine onboard at the beginning of the cruise may do so, limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per person. When consumed in any shipboard restaurant, bar, or dining venue, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.00. It is recommended that you pack your personal wine in your carry-on bag, as alcohol packed in regular luggage has the potential to be confiscated by security.

• Illegal Drugs and Illegal Substances: All illegal drugs and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
  • A note about Medical Marijuana: Royal Caribbean does not allow guests who possess medical marijuana permits to bring marijuana onboard their ships. It is only legal to use medical marijuana in the jurisdiction (state/county/city etc.) where it was prescribed. It’s a federal offense to possess it when leaving and entering the U.S. and many foreign countries.
  • Kratom is prohibited.

• All Firearms and Weapons, ammunition, explosives, incendiary devices, and realistic replicas of firearms are prohibited. For security reasons, Royal Caribbean does not permit guests to carry firearms onboard during their voyage or otherwise secure weapons for anyone on their vessels or at the pier. Guests will need to make arrangements to leave the firearms at home or contact the local authorities for alternate arrangements. Royal Caribbean does not allow any guest (including law enforcement officers on vacation) to bring weapons onboard the vessel. All weapons should be left at home, locked up in a vehicle if driving to the port, or turned over to a local office of Customs, police, FBI, etc. for safe keeping during the voyage.

• Flammable Items: All items with open flames or heating elements are strictly prohibited; the exceptions are hair curling irons, straightening irons (flat irons), and hair dryers, which are permitted onboard. Flammable Items include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Candles
  • Clothing Irons
  • Travel Steamers
  • Hot Plates
  • Incense & Burners
  • Tea Cup Immersion Heaters
  • Aerosols, except for personal care toiletries
  • Fuels, including cooking fuels and any flammable liquids
  • Gasoline
  • Gas Torches
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Flares
  • Flammable Paints
  • Turpentine & Paint Thinner
  • Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries
  • Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes
  • Car Batteries
  • Hoverboards
  • Oil diffusers
  • Electric Blankets
  • Electric Heating Pads

• Knives and Sharp Objects: All knives with blade lengths of four (4) inches or greater are prohibited. Knives that are concealed or disguised as other commonplace objects such as belt buckles, walking canes, pens, credit card holders, etc., are also prohibited. Flick knives (also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, ejector knife, or switchblade) or any other type of knife with a folding or sliding blade that is opened automatically by activating a button, lever, or switch on the handle. Knives that incorporate locking blades are also not allowed onboard. Other sharp objects, such as scissors with blades longer than 4 inches, which could reasonably be used as a weapon, are also not allowed. Sharp Objects include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Box Cutters
  • Ice Picks / Ice Axes
  • Meat Cleavers
  • Razor-Type Blades, such as box cutters, utility knives, and razor blades not in cartridge (Note: shaving safety razors are allowed.)
  • Sabers, Swords, and Fencing Foils
  • Scissors with blade length four (4) inches or greater

• Recreational Diving Knives Exception: Recreational diving knives are permitted onboard regardless of blade length but must be held in the safe custody of the Chief Security Officer. Dive knives may be checked in and out by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise

• Personal Grooming Items Exception:Personal grooming items such as metal nail files, cuticle tools, scissors for trimming facial hair, manicure sets and other similar small personal grooming implements, are permitted onboard.

• Tools include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Axes & Hatchets
  • Cattle Prods
  • Hammers
  • Drills and Drill Bits
  • Saws
  • Other Tools (such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers) greater than 7 inches in length

• Martial Arts and Self-Defense Items include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Billy Clubs
  • Black Jacks
  • Brass Knuckles
  • Kubatons
  • Mace / Pepper Spray
  • Martial Arts Weapons
  • Night Sticks
  • Nunchakus
  • Stun Guns / Shocking Devices
  • Throwing Stars
  • Handcuffs
  • Bows & Arrows

• Sporting Goods Exception: Sporting goods and equipment are permitted onboard. However, guests should be advised that the items must be stored in their stateroom and are not to be used, displayed, or carried in the public areas at all. Violations of this policy will result in confiscation of the item and may be considered to be a Guest Conduct Policy violation. Sporting goods include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Baseball and cricket bats
  • Hockey sticks
  • Skateboards
  • Surf boards
  • Golf clubs
  • Bicycles

• Disabling Chemicals and Other Dangerous Items: The following items or those similar are not permitted onboard:
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 7
    • Royal Caribbean no longer allows Samsung Galaxy Note 7 cell phones onboard their ships. This decision was made in light of recent incidents and safety concerns raised by Samsung about this particular device, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recent ban of the phone from all airplanes. We ask guests who own a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to not bring the device on your cruise.
  • Chlorine
  • Bleach
  • Spray Paint
  • Tear Gas
  • Transformers
  • Electrical Extension Cords – including power strips/surge protected strips
  • Spillable Batteries (Note: Wheelchair batteries are permitted)
  • Small Compressed Gas Cartridges
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Other Compressed Gas Cylinders (Note: Dive tanks are permitted if they are empty; Medical gas bottles are also permitted)
  • HAM Radios or other transmitting devices are strictly prohibited due to potential interference with the ship’s onboard communication systems.
    • Baby monitors are not allowed to be used onboard our vessels as their radio signal could interfere with ship communication and/or navigation systems.
    • Note: Guests are allowed to have two-way radios, more commonly known as walkie-talkies, for onboard personal communications. Basic specifications are as follows: Up to 10-mile coverage range, Up to 5 watts power, Internal Voice, Operated Transmission, No external mounting antenna.

Our Red Light District will be open nightly (with the exception of the night of February 28) from 11pm-4am(ish)*. We ask all guests to be respectful in regard to cleanliness. Supplies, towels, and trash receptacles will be readily available; please use them. A simple rule to ensure we’re able to continue offering the RLD: if you make a mess, clean it up. 

You can learn all about our Red Light District HERE.

*We close up shop once attendance begins to dwindle to just a handful of Vacayans. 

Wearing a mask onboard is not required, but if wearing one makes you feel more comfortable, by all means… you do you. We all recognize that each person traveling has their own set of circumstances back home that affect their decision to wear a mask. No one will judge you if you choose to wear one.

A long list of safety protocols is in effect behind the scenes to minimize interruptions to the experience. #AdaptToLive 

At VACAYA, we’ll do our very best to serve both cruisers who smoke and those who don’t. The designated smoking areas onboard Brilliance of the Seas will be detailed in your daily program, Cruise Compass. 

Do you have a special need in regard to mobility, stateroom accommodations (for example, needing a shower stool), dietary restrictions, or medical equipment being brought onboard (for example, a CPAP machine and you’re in need of distilled water)?

If so, Royal Caribbean has an entire department to handle these types of special requests. We’ll have full details closer to our sailing.

If you’re deaf and in need of an ASL Interpreter on the cruise, please alert VACAYA by emailing info@myvacaya.com.

We’ll have details about the ReachOUT initiative for our 2025 Caribbean Cruise here approximately 30 days before our sailing.

Week-long passes to Brilliance of the Seas’ Thermal Suite will be sold onboard starting at 3pm on Feb 22. A limited number of passes will be available. The price for the week-long pass is 159 USD per person or 299 per couple in the same room. 

Before you purchase a pass, however, please understand this space…

First and foremost, it’s important to get this most crucial of issues out of the way first: the Thermal Suite is NOT a sanctioned play space. It never has been, and it never will be.

Many guests of all genders pay top dollar for massage treatments in the spa, and then pay for Thermal Suite access before/after their session as part of the therapy. Spa workers will be coming in and out of the Thermal Suite non-stop to collect those guests. While certainly relaxing and meditative, this is their workspace. It’s NOT a space for sex.

Now, let’s talk “for reals.” We recognize there’s not a sauna or steam room at any gym on earth where guys don’t do guy things. It’s ubiquitous. But everyone also knows there are consequences to being caught doing sexual acts in those spaces. So just don’t. One thing that separates Vacayans apart from every other group of guests out there is that they’re respectful to each other and to the workers who call Brilliance of the Seas home. We don’t want the spa workers to have to kick anyone out, but they will. And if you’ve purchased the week-long pass and get kicked out for inappropriate behavior, there are no refunds. You lose access and your money.

So, what are your alternatives? Well, VACAYA has created the largest sanctioned play area in LGBT+ cruising with our Red Light District. So, use it. Or if you’ve found “the love of your life” in the steam room, take them back to your room.

VACAYA is striving to create the most welcoming environment on earth for everyone in our community. To do that, though, we need everyone’s care in recognizing that certain spaces – like the Thermal Suite – will be occupied by men, women, and our non-binary guests, all of whom have paid for a spa experience. Don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable by being lewd. It’s not a good look for you or for VACAYA.

We hope you recognize that VACAYA is extremely progressive in our views on sexual expression, and we believe we’ve proven that we don’t beat around the bush on complex topics. We embrace sex and sexuality enthusiastically, but we also recognize when and where it’s appropriate. It is NOT appropriate in the Thermal Suite.

Our post-cruise Mardi Gras Ball, Orpheuscapade, is Black Tie. If you don’t have a tuxedo, there are several rental houses in New Orleans we can recommend:

Perlis Clothing: For over fifty years, Perlis has been a go-to for formal wear, especially for occasions like Mardi Gras balls. They offer a diverse range of tuxedos and accessories. More information is available on their website: http://perlis.com.  Tuxedos can only be rented out at the following location:

Perlis Magazine Street
6070 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone Number: +1.800.725.6070

Bliss Bridal: Situated on Magazine Street, Bliss Bridal provides tuxedo rentals and features a “Build A Tux” option for personalized styling. For more details, visit http://jimsformalwear.com

Bliss Bridal
3624 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone Number: +1.504.592.7507
Email address: nola@beablissbride.com

John’s Tuxedos: Serving the New Orleans area since 1984, they offer an extensive selection of tuxedos, suits, and accessories.  Additional details are available on their website: http://johnstuxedos.com

John’s Tuxedos
3200 Houma Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70006
Phone Number: +1.504.455.5353
Additional Links: https://www.johnstuxedos.com/mardi-gras-tuxedos/ and https://www.johnstuxedos.com/measurements/

Mr. Tux II: A well-established business in New Orleans, Mr. Tux II offers a unique $76 Black Tie Special and various tuxedos suitable for different events, including Mardi Gras balls. Visit https://mrtuxii.com/ for more information.

Tux rental at Bliss Bridal is an easy three-step process:

1. Meet us at 4959 West Napoleon Ave., Metairie, Louisiana 70001 so we can measure you and help you select what you need.
2. On your scheduled pick-up day return to our location to pick up your tux and accessories.
3. After your event return your tux and accessories to our Metairie location.
4. Phone number: +1.504.486.5309

If you need assistance with a VACAYA-related matter, our Hospitality Desk is located on Deck 4 near Guest Services and will be open daily. A detailed schedule will be posted here before our cruise. Opening hours will also appear in your Cruise Compass daily program.