"Spirited" Away In South America

Master Echo · March 1, 2017

February 26 - Rio de Janeiro

The day proved to be showery, some heavier than others, which finally turned to persistent and steady rain just for the start of Carnavale at 10 pm!!!

We were one of seven ships in port, and we would not have cared to have transferred to any of the others. Having been to Rio on several previous occasions, and in view of the weather we stayed on board during the day. The highlight proved to be observing the feeding technique of a pod of dolphins just off our beam. This involved blowing bubbles underneath and around a small shoal of fish to corral them into a tight ball, the circumference of which is made ever smaller. In this way the confused fish were easy prey and we observed this activity several times during the day. Have only seen this once before "in the wild", we were however surprised at the closeness to shore.

Those going to Carnavale had the option of dinner from 6.00pm, with a quayside muster of 7.30 pm. Port shuttle buses ferried the some 160 participants to the main coach terminal for onward transit to the Sambadrome. Those doing the entire 63 day grand voyage were given this complimentary.

Tickets were delivered to suites individually, with reserved seat numbers. Some of our party were in one zone seated lower down on plastic chairs, whilst the others were in a different zone, though close by, and higher up in the stadium and seated on cement slabs. Silversea on the outward journey gave out cushions, ponchos, plus ear plugs for those who do not like loud music!!

The journey to the Sambadrome was very protracted, and the detour taken to reach here was extensive. Police trying to keep some semblance of order, shut roads to enable the floats to reach the Stadium, and even have half a road for pedestrian access as so many people walk. Therefore it was one hour and a half before we first sighted the venue. The coach dropped us as near as possible and we were escorted to the area of where we would be seated. As it happens there were no passengers from SS to my left, and we seemed to be scattered around.

We were told the history of how the Samba schools had originated, the music came first, and a whole year is taken from the original idea on which each school has decided, to the making of these giant floats and the fantastic and colourful costumes. Spawned from the favelas, each school tries to gain sponsorship from large companies to offset the huge amount of money that is spent.

We were fortunate enough to see a Boi Bumba performance put on specially for SS in Paratins, when we were on the Amazon cruise in 2015. This mirrored Rio Carnivale although on a much smaller scale, although the costumes and props were fantastic.

The parade started just after 10 pm, with the Brazil national anthem, and the crowd started to roar, shout and dance, as much as it was possible to dance, whilst standing precariously on a stone step surrounded cheek by jowl with other revellers. The lady in front of me was a Cariocan, sported a large feather headdress and I was in danger of losing my eye, as she gyrated back and forwards!!

The Sambadrome holds 70,000 people so as you can imagine the atmosphere is incredible. As each float passed, it seemed to surpass the former, and the spectacle was absolutely mind blowing, and the crowds cheered each school. It is impossible really to explain the joie de vivre, the electric atmosphere this Carnivale generates, but I think it is something you should experience at least once!

As I mentioned earlier, the rain began about half an hour into the start of the parade, and got steadily more persistent and heavier. Many donned the ponchos, but found you were getting wetter from inside, due to the intense humidity, so these were discarded for a short period, until the intensity of the rain gained momentum, so once again many people struggled to put them on in the narrow confines of these terraces. After the first set of samba schools, we decided that being wet to the bone was not conducive to staying for another couple of hours, particularly as we had been forewarned of the time it would take to get back to the ship.

However we were not prepared for a driver that clearly did not know which roads were being closed. The final straw was when he attempted to get into the dock hangers where all the coaches were dropping off, and he got stuck, having misjudged the space he needed to clear the side wall!! We then spent fifteen minutes until a decision was made, and eventually we all alighted the coach from the entrance to this area. We then had to wait for the communal ships' shuttle to arrive which ran along the quayside dropping off all the passengers to their various ships.

Finally getting back to the cabin at 2.00 am, where a thoughtful Butler had left a tray of sandwiches, cookies and cake. All I needed was to dry my hair and get warm!!

February 27 Rio de Janeiro

Contrasting to the day before, today was sunny, but very humid.

We went ashore about 11.00 am with a view to taking the tram from the stop outside the terminal. This runs from the airport and to a beach in the other direction. If we had been carrying copy passports, we would have been able to travel free, being over 65. The ticket machines accept only debit cards and not credit cards, and for cash, do not give any change, whereas we only had high denominational bills.

Thwarted in our attempt of a tram ride, we took a side street, one block from the tram stop, and were astounded to see a steady procession of floats moving at a slow speed heading for tonight's performance at the Sambadrome. Sir was slightly disappointed, because the floats were unmanned, except for the drivers, and so lacked the scantily clad female samba dancers!! Perhaps it was though, better for his blood pressure!!

Tracing our steps back to the tram tracks, we walked to the Museu de Amanha - the museum of tomorrow, closed of course as virtually everything is during Carnavale! It was interesting however to see this futuristic building.

We sailed at 23.00 pm preceded by a deck party, towards the conclusion of which, one senior member of staff decided to cool off and dived into the swimming pool!

Tomorrow is Buzios, and with a tour scheduled to start at 8.00 am, there will be no peace for the wicked, and certainly no lay-in!

So it's good night for now

Kindest regards

Master Echo

CruisinPashmina · March 1, 2017

What a detailed, colorful description of an extraordinary experience! Regards to Sir,:hearteyes:

Master Echo · March 2, 2017

February 28 - Buzios

After allowing Madame to type up her Rio Carnavale experiences, I am now back in charge of the CC postings!!

Buzios is a small modern resort town, a couple of hours drive from Rio and therefore a playground for Cariocans.

With no pilot to collect, Captain Arma arrived in the bay well ahead of schedule and the first tenders were away before the published 8.00 am booked time.

We had a shorex on the trolley which is an open sided truck that seats about 30, and this toured the peninsular for approximately two hours. Stops were made to see the Brigitte Bardot statue who put this town on the map in the 1950s, several high vantage points and a beach, the latter for about twenty minutes.

There were many attractive large villas encompassed by high walls atopped by electric fences, in others, by barbed wire surrounding the whole property. This gives an indication of the state of Brazil.

The town itself has many speed humps which are totally irrelevant, considering the large cobbled streets throughout the area, and makes for a very bumpy ride and not very conducive for picture taking "on the hoof".

The town itself is typical of many resorts with a mixture of clothing outlets, and restaurants and bars. Schooner trips in the bay seemed to be popular with the locals, and one of these trips was offered by SS.

The weather was very hot and sunny and by late morning a breeze had got up that created a small swell from the earlier flat calm.

Unfortunately this was only a short call, and it was up anchors ahead of the two pm scheduled departure with all already onboard.

We now had the rest of the afternoon at sea in an untypical head wind causing a lovely breeze across the open decks, more reminiscent of how one expects the southern Atlantic to be.

Thanks cruisin Pashmina for your kind comments, do hope all is well with you - Sir sends his regards, as also does Vicki to the Whisper Sisters! September looms ever nearer!

Sea day tomorrow.

Kindest regards

Master Echo

Master Echo · March 2, 2017

February 28 - Buzios

After allowing Madame to type up her Rio Carnavale experiences, I am now back in charge of the CC postings!!

Buzios is a small modern resort town, a couple of hours drive from Rio and therefore a playground for Cariocans.

With no pilot to collect Captain Arma arrived in the bay well ahead of schedule and the first tenders were away before the published 8.00 am booked time.

We had a shorex on the trolley which is an open sided truck that seats about 30,and this toured the peninsular for approximately two hours. Stops were made to see the Brigitte Bardot statue who put this town on the map in the 1950s, several high vantage points and a beach, the latter for about twenty minutes.

The town has an inordinate number of speed humps, all totally irrelevant due to the large cobbled streets. This makes for a bumpy ride and is not conducive to taking pictures "on the hoof".

There were many attractive large villas encompassed by high walls atopped by electric fences, in others, by barbed wire surrounding the whole property. This gives an indication of the state of Brazil.

The town itself is typical of many resorts with a mixture of clothing outlets, and restaurants and bars. Schooner trips in the bay seemed to be popular with the locals, and one of these trips was offered by SS.

The weather was very hot and sunny and by late morning a breeze had got up that created a small swell from the earlier flat calm.

Unfortunately this was only a short call, and it was up anchors ahead of the two pm scheduled departure with all already onboard.

We now had the rest of the afternoon at sea in an untypical head wind causing a lovely breeze across the open decks, more reminiscent of how one expects the southern Atlantic to be.

Many thanks Cruisin Pashmina for your kind comments, and hope all is well with you. Sir sends his regards as does Vicki to the Whisper Sisters. September looms ever nearer.

Kindest regards

Master Echo

Silver Spectre · March 2, 2017

Excellent reporting, sounds like you enjoyed your Carnival experience in spite of the soaking

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Emtbsam · March 2, 2017

We're so glad you had a great Carnavale experience. Rio is an amazing city.

Hope the continuation of your voyage is wonderful!

See you in September.

Master Echo · March 3, 2017

March 1 -At sea

Prior to the departure from Rio, we thought we had made a serious over-estimate in the amount of sun cream needed for this voyage. Subsequently we haven't seen any rain and have been blessed with clear skies and one metre (3 feet) sea state.

Our sea days follow our usual practice, of pool deck lounging, swimming, and doing nothing very much at all. Another reason for liking cruises which have several sea days!!

Tonight was the Venetian Society cocktail party and now that the the Argentinian and Brazilian parties have departed, we are down to 326 passengers, of which 239 are Venetian.

March 2 - Salvador de Bahia

As usual Captain Arma got us alongside ahead of schedule.The brand new cruise terminal is perfectly positioned in the old town, and once again we were the only ship in port.

Salvador was the original capital of Brazil and remains the third largest city with a population of three million, eighty percent of whom can trace their ancestry back to Africa and was also the place where oil was first found in Brazil.

Embtsam had recommended a guy called Dirk who works for the company - Tours by Locals and we had booked a half day tour of specific sights ( as Madame had been here before). We were picked up together with Paul8718, from the quayside and drove out through the town, stopped at the lighthouse, and the Fort. We continued along the coast road Rio Vermelho, which has now been smartened up and it is an imposing Corniche. We arrived at the Casa de Yemanja, which is now a shrine to the African Deity of the sea - Yemanja. This little stone building was originally a weighing house in the 1920's. From here we went to the Itapagipe Peninsular and saw various different parts of this interesting city. We stopped at the Sorveteria da Ribera ice cream shop famous throughout Salvador since 1931. Whilst not particularly cheap, you are able to taste the dozens of flavours available, before ordering, and you also have a choice of a cone or a cup, and one, two or three scoops.

The last stop was the Bonfim church. This is world famous, a Basilica church, as they have a relic from Setubal, Portugal's third largest city, which is a little wooden red box purporting to have one of the nails taken from Jesus's cross. The church was built in 1745 and is now known for its miraculous healing. Many thousands of people have come here over the years to pray to be cured of an illness. In greatful thanks they left a bone from whichever part of the body was the affliction, which was hung up from the ceiling in a side chapel. Nowadays most of the body parts are plastic, but the effect is the same, there are also pictures and letters which cover the walls.

Dirk finally took us to the Cidade Alta (the upper and old town) and dropped us off adjacent to the Cathedral of Sao Francisco, which is particularly magnificent inside, and definitely worth the 5 Reis (£1.50 or about $2) to enter. This area which includes the pelourinho (the stocks), is really only accessible by walking and is narrow and steep in parts. There are lots of shops and restaurants and we spent some time here, before walking back to the Elevador Lacerda to descend to Cidade Baixa (low town) where the Spirit was docked, passing a short time in the Mercado Modelo. Even in this local market, we found the prices on the high side, so apart from some coffee as a present, we were not tempted by the many different products on sale, and returned to the ship for a welcome swim in the beautiful hot afternoon sunshine.

Master Echo · March 4, 2017

March 3 - At sea

We have been so blessed with the weather on this cruise, and despite forecasts of thundery downpours in each successive port after Rio, none have materialised. We have also had exceptionally calm seas with the Beaufort scale not rising above 4, and today continued the trend.

Our sea days follow a very similar pattern, a comfortable breakfast in the MDR, Sir prefers to be waited on, and then a lounger by the pool. It really is so marvellous to appear on the pool deck, and whoever spies us first, the drink tray is immediately discarded, and the loungers are positioned facing the sun, and covered in towels. Since the demise of the head rests, many enterprising crew, fashion a towel to achieve the same end! This is such a lovely "extra", as we are quite capable of getting our own towels etc, but this feels like the icing on the cake.

We rarely budge, apart from many swims, and sometimes a pool grill lunch, they have such lovely fish of the day, or maybe to cool down, a lunch in the MDR.

Now we have eschewed Trivia, I am ashamed to say, the day stretches endlessly watching the sea, and today we had a company of gannets following us for hours and diving periodically for the fish which were disturbed by our bow wave. It seems imcredible that not only the height but the speed at which they dive into the water, does not damage their head or neck muscles.

Tonight we dined with one of the two International hosts, the first time we have encountered a male, he also doubles up as a DJ at night.

March 4 Natal Brazil

Arriving before 8.00 am, there is quite a long sail in up the Potengi River. Natal is the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte and lies on the northernmost tip, and is known for its extensive coastal sand dunes and some stunning beaches. As you enter the last part of the river before docking, there is a star shaped fort, Forte dos Reis Magos, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.

Unfortunately this was only a short call, all had to be back onboard at 1.30, for a 2 pm departure. Whilst SS did offer shorexes, many were dissatisfied with the city tour. Apparently they only saw three things, and the trip was protracted and could have been executed in less than two hours, rather than double this time. SS also put on a shuttle bus into town with two stops, the Artesanto market, and a shopping mall further into the centre of the town. Neither were particularly of interest according to many passengers, who had hoped to visit the beaches for which Natal is known.

The town itself is a bit of an enigma. Forgetting the dock area, there are many run-down streets, with derelict buildings, one of which faced the ocean and had probably once been a lovely hotel. In the tropics of course, buildings deteriorate so much quicker, and the dampness covering many, added to the dilapidated appearance. Further into town, were many shiny high rise skyscrapers, cheek by jowl with tiny shacks. Undoubtedly there is a certain affluence here, but as with elsewhere we have seen in Brazil, this comes at a cost with high walls, electric fences and sentries in a small tower.

If SS had manage to stay in this port for longer, and been able to see the many beaches, we are sure passengers would have had a different impression of Natal

The afternoon again, was lovely and sunny. Surprisingly SS has resurrected the deck barbecue, which will be tonight. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather remains good. We will not be dining al fresco, but come up for the special cabaret later. We feel it is an awfully lot of hard work for all the crew and would prefer it not to take place. But then we are probably being spoilsports for all those who love it.

The cruise is running away from us, and Fortaleza, will be our last Brazilian port.

More in due course

Kindest regards

Master Echo

Silver Spectre · March 7, 2017

Sorry you missed your port ME, but thanks again for your detailed reporting. What happened with the Trivia?

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Master Echo · March 7, 2017

March 6 - at sea

We were scheduled to cross the Equator at 11.00 am, typical of Captain Arma, we were fifteen minutes early.

As usual in this part of the world, King Neptune came onboard to root out any Polywogs whomay be lurking. Madame has participated in Crossing the Line ceremonies for more decades than she cares to recall. In the old days, any Polywogs would be put in the Bosun's Chair, rigged up by the side of the swimming pool and unceremoniously ejected backwards into the water!

Flávio the HD had justifiably barred the use of food during the Polywog initiation procedure because of the mess it makes on the deck. Madame was the only passenger Polywog who underwent a surgical examination by the Doctor, but was spared the spaghetti tomato ketchup shampoo. Vicki (CD) did an admirable job in hosting the visit by the King and He left the ship satisfied that all Polywogs had been suitably punished.

The lunch time mileage pool has metamorphosed from an art form into a science! During the Captain's noonday announcement on seadays, he advises the total distance covered from either the last port, or noon the previous day, whichever is the shorter. Prior to the announcement, cruise staff invite passengers to guess what the distance will be, and the person closest wins prize points - SS's equivalent to Bitcoin.

On a previous seaday, a fellow passenger used his GPS facility on his smart phone to come up with a figure a couple of nautical miles different to that announced by the Captain! Such a tactic must rank as equivalent to using an IPad during trivia, and therefore takes the fun out of the competition. Is nothing sacred anymore?!

Another change apparently is dining room seating. Previously many people would ask to join a "sharing table" with unknown passengers, making up a table of six or eight. Seemingly the trend is no longer to do this, requesting tables for only two or maybe four. This of course puts a strain on the RM to find enough tables to accommodate passengers' requests.

spinnaker2 · March 7, 2017

ME

The mileage pool has been a fun event on some of our cruises. I never won the pool, but I did try and figure out a formula for personal use. I estimated the number of nautical miles based on an average for prior days, that failed miserably. Then I tried creating a formula for projecting miles based on a mean of our speed multiplied by the time, nope.

I thought I remembered the formula was distance equals speed multiplied by time, and again couldn't get the exact number.

After all of that stress I just gave up and guessed.

Life lesson for me, some things are more fun without intense scrutiny.

Thanks again for your posts!

Camillus112 · March 7, 2017

Spins, coming from a somewhat statistical background (economics, mostly) I gave thought to doing exactly what you intended to do, but immediately decided against it,,, I was on vacation, anyway!! In fact, I've decided to not even calculate tips at shore restaurants, which is fortunate as DH is more generous. But it is certainly fun to guess-calculate; in fact, I once came in very close with my guess-calculation.

Stumblefoot · March 8, 2017

The lunch time mileage pool has metamorphosed from an art form into a science!

As a management consultant, I learned to stop guessing on our second voyage. This, of course, was after our fist voyage whereby I drove my DW crazy with my analytics. I'm thankful that she learned how to pry me away from work and help me relax.

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Master Echo · March 8, 2017

March 8 - Devil's Island ?!

For those eagle eyed amongst you - you will notice the omission of March 7!! Not wishing to bore you all completely, it was a sea day and followed all our previous. Three points are worth mentioning from the 7th.

Captain Arma has a habit of walking round pool deck during the morning on sea days, stopping to chat to passengers. In this respect, he is unusual, because so often other Captains only become visible on Formal nights. He talked to us a little more about the Fortaleza situation. There were two ways in which he could keep the Spirit safe alongside without risk of the lines breaking due to the swell. The first is to have a tug pushing to keep us in position, whilst the second, was to keep the ship's propulsion in operation to achieve the same thing, and neither of these options were viable. Hence the port call was abandoned.

The second thing worthy of mention, was the dinner on both the 6th and the 7th. On the former, three of us had the lamb, and this proved to be inedible, but we declined a further dish, as we did not have enough time to be prompt to see the show - "Ship Happens". On the 7th, Sir ordered the pork tenderloin in La Terrazza. For only the second time in twelve years, Sir sent his meal back, because the pork was so tough, and it was a disgrace to call it remotely "tenderloin". The restaurant manager tried to cut it and agreed. These experiences are indicative of the cuisine onboard. Whilst there have been many "hits", here have also been too many "misses" for a consistent product. Something peculiar to the Spirit, is that the MDR luncheon menu only changes every three days. From a senior source, this is supposed to be the norm across the fleet.

Thirdly, at 22.30 on Pool deck was a "death by chocolate" party, that was accompanied by heavy rain - a scene of singing and dancing in the rain! Plus ca change for a deck barbecue!

Now back to the 8th. Anchors were due down at 8.00 am off Devil's Island - well three islands actually. It appeared to have not stopped raining all night, and the eerie images of these infamous French islands appeared in and out of the heavy black clouds in the near distance. Captain Arma announced from the Bridge that there was quite a swell and to advise passengers extreme caution at the tender pontoon. Due to the short call - five hours, shore leave for crew was cancelled, as extra time would be needed to move all passengers wishing to go ashore, and return. Fortunately we had been eighteen months ago on the Whisper when it had been an absolutely gloriously hot day. Today was totally different as the heavy rain persisted until our departure, and we are sure that Captain Arma breathed a sigh of relief when all his passengers and tender crew were safely back onboard as we sailed for our next and final port -Barbados, two days hence.

Joywrk · March 9, 2017

Thank you for these fun and informative posts. Am on my first SS cruise on the Spirit in March, Ft Lauderdale to Lisbon. Hope the rest of the cruise is enjoyable and safe home.

RachelG · March 9, 2017

Just catching up with all your reports, Master Echo, and thoroughly enjoying them. I am thinking Brazil does not sound that attractive to me.

Master Echo · March 10, 2017

March 8 - continued -

Regarding Trivia, Vicki now has this down to a fine art, and to aid any Britishers who may not understand her "English", she has a guy from Grimsby to help her. Unfortunately he is slightly dislexic, so the pronunciation of some of the Brazilian ports visited which were questions from the daily Chronicles, became quite hilarious.

In answer as to why we did not continue with Trivia, we decided to employ our small talents to Name That Tune held each sea day at 3.30pm. We will however be playing Trivia again next cruise on the Muse.

Our luck with the weather finally ran out and most of this afternoon after leaving Devils Island was cloudy and wet with what I refer to as a "lumpy" sea - typical Atlantic troughs. I am sure that Sir had ordered this state of affairs, to entice Madame to start the dreaded "P" word. Despite the amount of times we have to do this in a year, it is always something which Madame hates.

Having utilized the afternoon to at least put shoes in the bottom of one of our three checked bags, Madame felt quite righteous, and Sir suitably mollified! Tonight was of course formal and the farewell dinner. Much to our surprise this did not include a reception by the Captain, nor the much loved crew parade. We found out the reason the following day - the Show lounge is not convenient, not being big enough, and previously the Captain had to split this goodbye, by skipping from the Panorama to the Bar. Another downside for sailing on the Spirit. A further peculiarity, seemingly of the Spirit, is that many passengers decline invitations from senior officers, who host tables on formal nights. Whether, or not this has any bearing on the matter, but there tends to be a greater number of "first timers" on this ship than any of the others,

The boutiques onboard have plumbed new depths even for them. As usual the shops were the quietest place on the ship and were deserted. The minute a person went to have a browse, they were pounced on by an over zealous sales person. In all fairness, one can feel sorry for these shop staff, as they must be extremely bored.

There are two large rooms dedicated to jewellery and watches and a smaller area which houses the apparel, such as it is. A couple of Joseph Ribkoff dresses and jackets, Paul & Shark men's swimming shorts at nearly $300 US, a very limited stock of fragrances and designer sunglasses. There is absolutely no SS logo items, from caps, T shirts and polo shirts, despite an ad appearing in the Chronicles on the last morning. When the answer came back to Madame, no we have not, they had no explanation as to why it had appeared. All in all, a dead loss and the sooner it is kicked into touch the better!!

After the farewell dinner Vicki had choreographed the Silversea voices in a rendition of Abba. For those who remember the pathethic attempts by the company who took over from Jean Ryan, who staged both an Abba and a Motown show, this resemblance was in name only. Vicki has also obviously got great talents in this art field, as the result was slick, funny and highly entertaining and was hugely popular with all the passengers. A rousing way to end evening entertainment on the cruise.

March 9 at sea

Today's weather was at least slightly better with the appearance of the sun, interspersed by some violent heavy rainfall. It was at least possible to sit by the pool and have a final swim. Unsurprising , knowing the strength of the sea, the pool waters had battered against one set of steps, and broken one rung, which was hastily repaired later in readiness for the incoming passengers.

Breakfast in the dining room produced rotten grilled peaches for the second time this voyage. Other passengers had suffered similarly and point to some quality control issues in the galley.

In a final little farewell drink with Captain Arma, beardless (he felt that the Grand Voyage was ending) he was saying how difficult Rio had been. Being Carnivale everything but everything was not available. The ship was unable to take on fresh water, there were no facilities to carry out underwater checks on the propellers, and indeed if you had died, you would have remained where you fell, because no medical staff were working. He goes on leave at the end of the Grand Voyage in FLL, and is scheduled to join the Wind in mid May. We bade our goodbyes to other members of the ship's company, saying arriverderci and not adieu.

Overall really, Montevideo, Rio and Salvador de Bahia were the only real ports of interest from an historical and architecturallly point of view, although it might have been nice to have spent a little longer in Buzios. Our only disappointment was not to have had the opportunity to have seen Fortaleza.

All officers staff and crew were of the best, and it is this that "old hands" return to - the family - but HQ should be mindful of the contuining policy of cutbacks which now reign, and be cogniscent that loyalty is not unending.

March 10 - Barbados

Arrival prompt, and breakfast in La Terrazza on the outside deck was a windy affair. Facing us was the hideous P&O's Britannia for whom this is a turn round port. The .Spirit sails at 11 pm tonight with a full complement of passengers, hence the necessity to embark a considerable number of extra crew.

Disembarkation was, as usual extremely quick and hassle free. So too, was the entry into Barbados, when we merely showed our passports, all the relevant paperwork we had filled in a few days ago and returned to Reception.

Well this is the end of our "Spirited" away in South America and hope you have found some of our ramblings of interest.

Next stop - Muse pre Christening in April!

duct tape · March 10, 2017

I knew this would be a good read so I have been saving it for a rainy day Voila! Rain AND flurries. All settled in, warm and cozy, I have enjoyed this immensely! [emoji4]. I feel like I was on board. Very visual. I can see most of the faces mentioned. We were some of the nay-sayers when the Spirit first appeared but it has grown on me. I am very excited about the Muse. Maybe we will meet there! Thanx again for this tome. I look forward to more!

spinnaker2 · March 10, 2017

Yes a good read indeed.

Thanks much.

I will board the spirit on March 31.

Can't wait!

spinnaker2 · March 10, 2017

As well, good writing provides the reader with mind pictures which may be as good or better than actual photography.

master echo has mastered the skill!

Mudhen · March 10, 2017

We're newbies, sailing on the Spirit for the first time at the end of April. Very excited! We enjoyed all of your postings and can't wait for our adventure to begin.....you've whet our whistles! Thank you for posting!

Isklaar · March 10, 2017

I've very much enjoyed reading all posts.

Reading has confirmed for me that I'm not ready to return to Silversea currently, but super nostalgia as I had some wonderful cruises on Spirit 5 or so years ago.

Thank you!

Silver Spectre · March 11, 2017

Thanks for the detailed reporting ME, I bet Vicki has fun talking to her boy from Grimsby, even we Brits struggle to understand them. Enjoy the Muse.

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"Spirited" Away In South America

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