As the boat sailed into the port, Rio's mountain ranges (with the Christ the Redeemer statue), outlying islands, skyscrapers and beaches made for a grand entrance and introduction to Brazil. The deck was crowded with passengers eager to take photos of the spectacular sight.
I was amazed and surprised by the large crowds of revellers outside the terminal <<I had yet to comprehend the scale of the Rio Carnival>>. Most were in costumes or beachwear attire and eager to pose for photos.
As the tour van drove through the city, I could see many people partying/walking/drinking on the streets, carnival floats parked on the road, and that most businesses seemed to be closed too.
Escadaria Selaron (Selaron Steps)Locally known as the 'Lapa Steps' (being situated at the Lapa neighbourhood), it is a row of famous and popular steps by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron.
All the floats were elaborately decorated and with participants parading in front of them. 
The floats parades were divided into several sessions and each were given time slots for their performance. [22:00 Porto da Pedra 23:15 Beija-Flow 00:30 : Salgueiro 01:45 Grande Rio 03:00 Unidos da Tijuca 04:15 Imperatriz]
Pick-up by the coaches were arranged after the second session. I enjoyed the parade with its vibrant colour and exuberant display and decoration. However I was tired especially after the day tour. I took the transport back to the boat after the second session. <<Kudos to those who stayed till the end 💪👏>>
The view of the city and the Sugarloaf mountain from the pedestal were breathtaking.
A glass-walled cable car runs along the 1400m route between the peak of Sugarloaf an Morro da Urca. The view of the city and the beach view was breathtaking.
Copacabana Beach and night
He started renovating the dilapidated steps that ran along the front of his house in 1990 covering it with blue, yellow and green tiles (the colour of the Brazilian flag). It soon became an obsession, and although it was exhausting work, he continued until the entire set of steps were covered with tiles, mirrors and ceramics. There are 215 steps measuring 125m and covered with 2000+ tiles from over 60 countries.
The steps was very crowded with many people dancing on the steps and by the raised walls on the side. It made for really lively and riveting sights.
Rio Carnival
Traditionally, many people go on a fast during Lent and so the week before Lent is an opportunity to enjoy. It has since evolved to be one of the largest yearly celebrations in Brazil, and the Carnival is symbolic with the celebration.
It was jam-packed with people and transports when we arrived at the venue. Although chaotic, we found our seat at the front <<we booked the tickets (with assigned seat) as I was very apprehensive about the crowds, standing, etc>>
Day 2
Christ the Redeemer (statue)
The statue is located at the peak of the 700m Corcovado mountain overlooking the city. Constructed between 1922 - 1931, the statue is 30m tall (excluding the 8m pedestal) and the arms stretch 28m wide. It is the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world,
We viewed the statue from the viewing platform. It was very crowded too.
Sugarloaf Mountain
The Sugarloaf mountain is situated at a peninsula at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, rising 396m above the harbour. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2012.
The 4 km curved beach occupies a narrow strip of land between the mountain and the sea. The waterfront is lined with bars, shops and skyscaper apartments and hotel.
The construction of the city followed the uneven topology of two levels: the Upper Town and Lower Town. At the Lower Town, we stopped by Fort Barra, Barra Lighthouse and the nearby beach before going up to the Upper Town.
At the Upper Town, we visited the historic centre of Salvador, also known as Pelourinho. It retains a vibrant collection of colonial Portuguese architecture and monuments dating between the 17th - 19th century. We visited The Church and Convent of San Francisco, and I was in awe of its extensive and exuberant inner architecture. Pelourinho was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1985. 
The Plano Inclinado Goncalves (Goncalves Funicular Railway) also connects the Upper Town to the Lower Town. We took the funicular to the Lower Town.
I was extra vigilant as we walked along a short stretch of the beach, enjoying the exceedingly beautiful sunset <<We had been warned about poor security in the city and by the breach😕>> .
As the van rode through the city to send us back to the boat, I watched the throngs of people still celebrating on the streets... it was amazing!
Other sightsWe stopped by the road to view one of the largest favela (slum) by the hillside. 
I did not know and was astonished that the one week carnival literally turned Rio into a city-wide party. I looked in amazement as people walked and partied everywhere.
As Rio gradually retreated from sight as the boat sailed off, I was happy to have come to Rio with the boat during the carnival. I wonder how Rio is like without the carnival? <<I will not be travelling there soon to find out 😊 >>
I did not know and was astonished that the one week carnival literally turned Rio into a city-wide party. I looked in amazement as people walked and partied everywhere.
We also stopped at the stadium for photo-taking too.
Day 3
On the third morning in Rio, the boat left for Salvador, Brazil.
After sailing for a day (Day 63), the boat arrived in Salvador, Bahia.
Salvador Thursday 15Feb 0900 - 1900, Port of Salvador, Shed Number 3
Salvador is a Brazil municipality and the capital city of the state of Bahia. It lies on a small peninsula that separates the largest bay (Bay of All Saint) in Brazil from the Atlantic Ocean.
The majority of the population have African, European and Native American roots. The African influence in many cultural aspects of the city make it a centre of Afro-Brazilian culture.
The Lacerda Elevator is a public elevator connecting the Lower City (Cidade Baixa) to the Upper City (Cidade Alta).
We stopped by Casa do Carnival to have lunch at its fourth floor cafe. The food was tasty with a spectacular view of the All Saints Bay. 
Since I missed the funicular in Valparaiso, I was particularly pleased to take the funicular <<at least I took 1 funicular ride in South America 😀>>.
Modelo Public MarketIt was formerly the Salvador Customs House, and is now a handicraft market. It houses about 266 stores offering large varieties of handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs.
I bought souvenirs and also tried some local snacks in one of the cafes.
The boat also conducted a full safety drill.
I still looked forward to the daily sunrise and sunset, and tea break. And I still like just gazing into the vast (Atlantic) ocean.
The boat left Salvador in the evening to sail across the Atlantic to Africa. Although I only spent a day in Salvador, it was more interesting than I had expected and I enjoyed myself a lot. Sailing off from Salvador was a fitting end to the South America leg of the cruise.
Atlantic Ocean Day 65 - 72 (8 days)
The daily sailing routine of sunrise, classes, meals, talk, movies/drama resumed. The boat also celebrated Chinese New Year and one of the Japanese festival.
The boat sailed across five time zones between South America and Africa.
Thoughts
To be one of about two million people in Brazil during the Rio Carnival (the biggest in the world) was truly an extraordinary experience. The encounter and glimpse of the streets with Blocos (block parties), drumming, samba dancing and the carnival display of floats, sensational costumes and marches would remain long in my memory 😊.
On the day prior to arrival in Rio, I realised it would be challenging to do a free&easy to the various attractions. Zhaung (whom I got to know in Machu Picchu) helped to check if her tour group could still accommodate additional members. Fortunately, the tour leader PingPing did manage to arrange for us. Thank You Zhuang and PingPing 😊😘😘😊. <<The boat did not have any city tours 😐 >>
The weather had been very hot in Rio. PingPing discreetly nudged me to another van before the start of second afternoon tour. I found out later the air-conditioning of the van that I originally wanted to board has broken down <<so very thankful to her since I would probably suffer greatly in the other van >>
Initially I only wanted to experience the Rio Carnival. However I had gained insight and interest into Brazil's history and culture even though I only spent 4 days there. If I ever visit Brazil again, I hope I do not need to be warned repeated about the poor safety and security of the city. 😊
And as I sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, I also knew that more than half of the cruise was over, and I was still enjoying myself. 😊
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