Cruising from Bali to Irian Jaya and down to Cairns

[RooFlyer]

they get a 4pm checkout and tun up to check out ar exactly 4pm.

But what’s wrong with that? 4 pm is 4 pm. Later, sure, you’ve out stayed your welcome.

 

[drron]

But what’s wrong with that? 4 pm is 4 pm. Later, sure, you’ve out stayed your welcome.

But 4pm checkouts mean that better rooms and suites are more likely to not be available for those higher status member at 3 pm and earlier so they then complain. As I said I am happy to take a lesser room if it means I can check in early.

 

[Pushka]

But 4pm checkouts mean that better rooms and suites are more likely to not be available for those higher status member at 3 pm and earlier so they then complain. As I said I am happy to take a lesser room if it means I can check in early.

Then they shouldn't offer 4pm checkout then.

 

[RooFlyer]

But 4pm checkouts mean that better rooms and suites are more likely to not be available for those higher status member at 3 pm and earlier so they then complain. As I said I am happy to take a lesser room if it means I can check in early.

So that’s up to the hotel to manage. Late checkouts are rarely guaranteed and with Accor Gold and above you have the right to request a late checkout to 4 pm but it’s always subject to availability. I think diamonds might be different.

The place I’m at at the moment is huge. It’s also obviously far from full. I requested my early check-in by one hour and late checkout at 4 pm two days before I arrived in response to their email asking about this sort of thing. I don’t think in this case they have any excuse not to have my room ready at least at 3 pm normal check-in time. And having granted 4 pm checkout I would expect that they have it all arranged such as the next status check-in can be accommodated.

 

[RooFlyer]

Well, the hotel seems to have had its own view. My key cards stopped working at 2 pm.

 

[bPeteb]

We were next door at Nusa Dua Beach Resort and Spa. Blissfully quiet

 

[Pushka]

Well, the hotel seems to have had its own view. My key cards stopped working at 2 pm.

Drron is behind the desk I think.

 

[tgh]

Hotels should walk the talk, it is business and the customers have plenty of choice.

 

[RooFlyer]

They comped me the balance owning of the stay and today’s lunch. I thought they might.

A very solicitous Director of Rooms at checkout and escorted me to my hotel car that drove me to the port.

Just checked in and boarded my mystery cruise ship



Cabin midships. I’ll have to ask but the ship looks like it’s had entire recent refurbishment. Surfaces looking almost pristine and that new coat of paint on the outside.









I’ve met my cabin steward and worded him up on the gin that I’d like in the mini bar.

 

[RooFlyer]

Yes, vessel has been in dry dock in Singapore for a month. I guess we call this the shakedown cruise.

 

[RooFlyer]

We are heading east south of Lombok and very calm conditions.




Just had the first dinner and they invited the solos to dine together and meet each other. I think this cruise is going to be a lot of fun. 20+ singles and a very raucous group they/we are too.

The cruise director looked a bit shocked

Just 140 pax on board out of capacity 264 - excellent. Le Soleal https://au.ponant.com/cruise-ships/le-soleal



Included wines sort of OK, but paid wine list looks pretty reasonably priced. I have 300 euro credit to blow, so the grog will get part of that.

 

[Major]

Are the singles of a similar age group ?

 

[Flyfrequently]

Are the singles of a similar age group ?

Asking for a friend @Major ?

 

[JohnM]

Asking for a friend @Major ?

Nah - wondering how many pineapples to order.

 

[Major]

Asking for a friend @Major ?

Simply wondering if they are all of a similar age to @RooFlyer

 

[RooFlyer]

Sea day while we cruise to Komodo. Extensive briefings this morning on the overall program, rules, zodiac use etc. The exped leader is French, but raised in Australia - so has a perfect Aussie accent. Exped crew of about 15 as usual strongly biased to marine ecology; we have one glaciologist (well, she says, there are glaciers in New Guinea) and no specialist birders, which will be a blessing. Token 'geologist' as an inclusion in usual biology CV.

Pax mix about 60/40 Anglo/French & non Anglo - maybe even 70/30 - and the Anglos mostly Australians & everyone getting along.

I've just checked my on-board credit and it somehow has risen to 350 Euros Bought a shirt at the boutique and got 25% loyalty discount.

Are the singles of a similar age group ?

Yes, mainly oldies but range say from 40 to 60+ Most well travelled & at least one past cruise.

Brekky this morning



Cruising now

 

[RooFlyer]

Lunch. A pattern may be emerging. Brittany and Tasmanian oysters. Joined just after this by a couple from France. Shaping up to be one of the best passenger mixes I have experienced.

 

[bPeteb]

Love to hear the joy in your post Roo!!

 

[sanne]

I did this cruise in reverse many years ago..it was excellent. The passenger mix then was about the same as yours. On the L’ Austral.

 

[RooFlyer]

I've just checked my on-board credit and it somehow has risen to 350 Euros Bought a shirt at the boutique and got 25% loyalty discount.

Woot! I figured this out. I’ve been bumped up to the next status tier of Grand Admiral. I have a feeling Grand is in the sense of the French word but I’ll take it anyway.

Grand Admiral is the third of four tiers and I would say it’s equivalent to being Platinum, and it’s for life.

I have quite a few Ponant cruises booked but recently they changed the status achievement by the fact you have to actually finish the cruise rather than booking it but I must’ve crept in just before they brought in that rule.