The Canary Islands Crossing on the RSS Splendor was definitely an enjoyable cruise along with providing me with a number of firsts.
First time in Brazil, Cape Verde (not claiming Africa) and the Canary Islands. My first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and my first crossing of the equator on a Cruise Ship. The crossing the line ceremony was definitely more restrained than on other vessels.
Itinerary and Sailing Distances
| From | To | Distance* |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Cabo Frio, Brazil | 92Nm (170Km) |
| Cabo Frio, Brazil | Salvador de Bahia, Brazil | 683Nm (1,265Km) |
| Salvador de Bahia, Brazil | Maceio, Brazil | 283Nm (524Km) |
| Maceio, Brazil | Recife, Brazil | 137Nm (254Km) |
| Recife, Brazil | Porto Grande, Cape Verde | 1,605Nm (2,972Km) |
| Porto Grande, Cape Verde | Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands | 868Nm (1,608Km) |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands | Arrecife, Canary Islands | 157Nm (291Km) |
| Arrecife, Canary Islands | Lisbon, Portugal | 630Nm (1,167Km) |
| Total Distance | 4,455Nm (8,251Km) |
*Nm = Nautical Miles
Km = Kilometers
Canary Crossing Highlights
My Favourite Ports
Rio
Cabo Frio
Arrecife (Lanzarote)
Best of the On Board Experience
Cruising with my old and new friends!
The Crew of the RSS Splendor
Champagne Experience
Caymus Lunch
Dinner with the RSS Splendor’s General Manager, Gianluca Pezzolla. Unfortunately I don’t have a photo from this dinner
Having a drink John Laws (RIP)
My Suite
Espresso Tonic being added to the menu..
Best Meals of the Cruise
Bodega de Uga (Lanzarote)
Oro (Rio de Janeiro)
Flutuante (Rio de Janeiro)
Arcos do Canal (Cabo Frio)
Restaurante Janga Praia (Maceio)
Best Wine I Tasted
2006 Chateau d’Yquem, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (4.5 out of 5)
Krug Rosé 27ème Édition, 57% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier (4 out of 5)
NV Ruinart Rosé, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (4 out of 5)
2010 Kilikanoon Oracle, Shiraz (4 out of 5)
2006 Chateau Mouton Rothschild (4 out of 5)
2008 House of Arras Grand Vintage (4 out of 5)
Best Tours of the Cruise
Lanzarote Wine Tour
Cycling in Rio
Rio Day 2
Rio Day 3
Foodie Tour in Lisbon
Catamaran and Old Recife
Highlights of Cape Verde
My Canary Island Crossing
This was definitely one of my more enjoyable cruises. The facilities on the RSS Splendor are definitely a step up on those of the other ships I have been on. The crew of the ship, like any cruise ship, were fantastic and made the cruise very enjoyable.
The itinerary was excellent, being on a smaller vessel meant that we got to visit some of the smaller ports without having to tender, a small blessing.
My upgrade to a penthouse suite was a mistake, I am ruined for life now… How do you go back to a standard cabin, will have to find away or win the lottery.
The only “negatives” were the Connoisseur Wine Lunch was not what it used to be, possibly because there are now two other wine experiences, and the inconsistency in the quality of the food in Prime 7.
Looking forward to my next cruise… Not too long to go now. Need to finish my 2024 cruise updates first though.
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