South America Sunshine Cruise

After months of planning, we’ve arrived in Brazil for our first ever visit to South America. We’re spending two weeks on board the beautiful cruise ship Silver Spirit, sailing up the Brazilian coast from Rio de Janeiro to Barbados in the Caribbean.

After a somewhat delayed transfer from the airport (roads leading to the port were closed because of preparations for ‘Carnaval’), we reached the ship shortly after midnight, feeling hot and weary. We were warmly welcomed by a smiling crew and offered champagne and iced towels to mop our brows. We were shown to our stateroom on Deck 7 and introduced to Renan, our butler, who had thoughtfully prepared a light supper and a bottle of champagne for us in case we were hungry after our long flight.

Our stateroom is certainly well equipped with generous twin beds, a sitting area and a teak-floored fitted marble bathroom complete with full sized bathtub and an excellent separate shower. Between the bathroom and bedroom there’s a walk-in wardrobe with a deep six-drawer chest, generous hanging space with hangers and a useful shoe rack. We also have two TVs within the mirrored walls of the bedroom and lounge and floor to ceiling glass windows that open onto a spacious teak verandah. I can see us spending time here enjoying the magnificent ocean environment as we relax on the loungers.

We slept late that first morning, arriving at the Terrazza restaurant for breakfast  as it was about to close. Fortunately, the friendly waiters didn’t seem to mind and showed us to a table on the outside deck in the sunshine. It felt surreal to be in Rio, tucking into omelettes and coffee looking out to views of the  10-mile Rio-Niterói bridge on one side and the run-down port buildings on the other. Silver Spirit was just one of a long line of elegant cruise ships docked in Rio that morning – our companions included Azamara Journey, Crystal Symphony, Costa Victoria and the Veendam.

A Rio Tourism representative was on the concierge desk in the ship’s reception area. When we asked her how we could spend a couple of hours in the city,  she suggested taking one of the complimentary trips into Rio from the port that are organised by H Stern, one of Brazil’s largest jewellers. In return for taking a short tour of the H Stern workshop and showroom near Ipanema beach on the other side of Rio, we would enjoy a chauffeur driven ride and see some of the sights. When the tour finished, we could then walk the short distance down to the beach, mingle with the crowds and experience the excitement and vibrancy of the city. As long as we returned to the workshop before 5pm, we would be transported back to the ship.

We decided to go. The drive turned out to be longer (and faster) than anticipated, taking us through two mountain tunnels and around a picturesque lagoon with splendid views of Corcovado – the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. We also saw many of the floats being prepared for the street parades later that night.

H. Stern – a luxury jewellery brand was founded in Brazil in 1945 by Hans Stern and initially specialised in precious stones. It later moved to creating designer jewellery and now has over 150 stores in Latin America, United States, Europe & Asia. The workshop tour was fascinating and educational.

From behind glass screens we watched as highly skilled technicians worked with precious gems on the most intricate of designs. We had no idea that Brazil was such a rich source of gold, silver and precious and semi-precious gems. Much of the jewellery was exquisite, but with prices starting at around £700 for the most modest trinket, we resisted the temptation to buy.

Afterwards, walking down the side road and onto Ipanema beach was an experience in itself! The busy crowded streets had a  ‘festive’ atmosphere yet the traffic moved dangerously fast. Some people wore only  skimpy beach wear and Havaianas, while others were dressed up in elaborate carnival costumes. When we finally crossed onto the sea front, the long stretch of Ipanema beach was a seething mass of humanity!  Scantily clad bodies of every shape, colour and size were either stretched out under orange and yellow parasols, playing beach volleyball or standing at the water’s edge, chatting and jumping out of the way of the thundering waves. The sand was perfect – soft, white and clean.

One day is not enough to do Rio justice and we resolved to return to the Cidade Maravilhosa (marvellous city) when it is not quite so manic to see more of its amazing sights, urban beaches and fabulous parks.

We were up on deck early next morning as Silver Spirit   eased out of the passenger terminal at Praça Mauá. As she slowly edged out into the Atlantic, we enjoyed spectacular views of  Corcovado, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and the Sugar Loaf mountain.