Jan 28-30

January 28 Ilhabela (Sao Sabastiao)
Ilhabela is a charming, small island (130 square miles) off the coast of Brazil. It was the Prinsendam’s maiden call ---in fact, I think, Holland America’s first call. The island’s volcanic origins are evident from the steeply rising peaks covered by a dense tropical jungle. The interior and east coast are virtually unpopulated. The island contains almost 400 waterfalls and 85% of it is designated as a state park. Ilhabela means island of beauty. It is famous for its mosquitoes and sand fleas. Happily, we didn’t encounter either.
Ilhabela is a vacation spot for the wealthy from San Paulo. A few high end shops, very friendly people, and that was about it. We walked along the waterfront, past small fishing boats and marinas and then returned to the ship…..for a lesson in how not to approach a cruise ship with a tender.
We came alongside the Prinsendam and the sailor in the tender door opening was ready to throw the line to the ship. Unfortunately we never got close enough. We made a second try. And a third.
I'm thinking, "this guy won't get the employee of the month award," when we had to made a fourth try. For the fourth attempt, the crewman threw the line to the Prinsendam but the guy on the Prinsendam didn't get a wrap on it or secure it so he had to let it go or have his arm pulled out of the socket.
Fifth try. The sailor goes out onto the bow of the tender and tosses a line to the Prinsendam. Guy on the ship grabs it but ----surprise, it isn't fastened to the tender. Good thing it wasn’t an anchor.
At that point everyone on the tender is having a good laugh. Except the crew. And the guy who had to go to the bathroom.
Sixth try or maybe it was the 7th. Success at last! We didn't see any great current....and there wasn't much wind or seas. Just “ a bad day at the office” for the operator of the tender.
As we sailed away from Ilhabela and headed south, we made our way to the Captain’s Quarters for cocktails with the captain. We were part of the Cruise Critic group invited to meet with captain and drink his liquor. J
For anyone wondering how the master lives on the ship, his quarters are forward on the starboard side, just after t six or seven suites. He has a large living room with several sofas, chairs, tables, a bar, and bookcases filled with pictures of his wife and 10 year old daughter. A door led to his bedroom and sliders to a large balcony. As he explained, the room is also used for small parties and welcoming local dignitaries. Another door led to his office and then the bridge. According to him, he is just 35 seconds from the bridge when in his bedroom.
Our captain is very witty and personable --what else would you expect from a Norwegian.
Unfortunately, it was a tad rocky and I spent more time wondering how long I would last before I had to leave than enjoying the champagne and open bar. I made it to the end of the party but skipped dinner. Alan doesn’t have to worry that I will ever want a suite or the pent house high up forward on the topmost deck.



January 29 and 30. At Sea
Great entertainment….Ken and Casey….a man and his duck. We saw them on the Amsterdam last year and were delighted to see them here. I think it was the best show of the cruise and by the laughs and applause so did many others.
The night before we had a great pianist. I don’t remember his name but I enjoyed him so much I bought his CD.
Our position at 4:10 pm, January 30
34° 49.37S 052° 59.02W
Air temp. 77° F Sea temp 80.6° F
Barometer falling
Humidity 80%
Winds from the south --force 2
Seas confused.
Sunset 8:09 pm

I just looked at the Post of Rio. If you look very carefully at Cordovarda you can just make out the statute on the top. Above the clouds.

Today, the 31st, we're in Montevideo. More later.