As ever RCI had a slick and well organised embarkation (Barcelona) and disembarkation (Santos for Sao Paulo). After debarking RCI organised a few hours at a good Sao Paulo hotel to help pass the day until the time for our return flight, a much appreciated touch.

Fellow cruisers from many countries called for announcements in four languages except in the 42nd. Street Theatre where they managed with just two - English and Portuguese.

Splendour OTS is one of the smaller, and older, ships which, I gather is due for some upgrading in 2011. But to be honest you would need to look hard to find evidence of poor maintenance - certainly nothing to detract from the ship board experience. The decking and most of the carpets appear new. The general layout is similar to other ships except that Windjammer overlooks the bow. Getting from deck to deck is easy with nine lifts (elevators) available. Read more