Cruising from Bali to Irian Jaya and down to Cairns

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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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

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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.

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I’ve met my cabin steward and worded him up on the gin that I’d like in the mini bar.
 
We are heading east south of Lombok and very calm conditions.

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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


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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.
 
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