davwen81

Yes exactly. I use the wise card to deposit A$ on then convert to whatever currency I need at extremely good rates. The other two we just put A$ on and use to pay for tours, ATM withdrawals etc and they convert to the local currency at very good rates, better than any rates you can get here in Oz.

We have Wise card, Up card and UBank card and they all work incredibly well overseas and their exchange rates are phenomenal. We did have a Qantas card but never again as exchange rates are so low.

Our acct shows our OBC and I was able to book cooking classes for our cruise in September using it.

Very sad to hear for you, especially missing ports of call, it seems to be a fact of like rd cruising now, and we’ve had it twice on ships. We were at the end of our immunity though, or that’s what I’ve put it down to. Keep well.

Fabulous pics. We loved Kenrouken gardens, lovely to see their autumn colours.

Thank you both for your replies, much appreciated.

When you book a half day in the Sanctuary, is that set hours eg 8-12, 9-1 12-4, 1-5 or how do they work out half days. Really appreciate anyone who’s done this giving us the heads up please. Many thanks.

I didn’t pay anything like that at the Four Seasons and my booking at Rydges was their top room so it was an easy same price swap! Only paid $100 more!

We’ve actually changed our booking to the Four Seasons. For the same price we get a full harbour view room and the reviews are spectacular. The reviews for Rydges are just awful now.

The Rydges is now open for bookings in April 2024 too

Hi I can’t answer your question but be interested in your information on your tour guide for these ports as going next year. many thanks Wendy

I have bought US OBC to use but have also supplied a credit card which has US $ on. Will they use my OBC to settle the bill before they charge my CC??? Also, if I have OBC left at the end of my cruise, how do I take it out as Id rather have the cash to pay extra tips and use in Hawaii than get it sent back via cheque? Is it possible to redeem it at the concierge desk, guest services or casino? And if only at the casino, how do I do it! Many thanks in advance for any help as this is a new process for us.

Yes, exactly!

Weve booked several times with an OS agent until the last few years when our $ slumped and she couldn’t match our prices here. But when our $ was reasonable I found they gave great OBC, gave us great upgrades as the price fell, (from balcony to suites) and were very easy to deal with just by email. Yes we do pay more here, especially as we don’t automatically get the new prices, but have seen Aussie cruisers saying by ringing they are, so that’s a nice change. We managed to get 1K off a December Celebrity cruise by ringing our agent here, and we kept all our benefits like OBC etc. Id try an OS agent and see if they can give you extra benefits.

We’re new to HAL and are on our first cruise with them in August on NIEUW Statendam. We have booked all the speciality restaurants we’d like, but how do mealtimes in the MDR work. Can you go at the same time every night or are they like other cruise lines with early, late sittings. any recommendations for speciality restaurants we’d be interested in too. Many thanks for any help.

Yes, I agree, it’s not showing up for our cruise next year and wondered why. Shows on the deck map though.

Just wondered what are the starting times offeredfor boarding at the new cruise terminal? Anyone with user knowledge replying would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Wondering if anyone can give us a heads up on reliable car transfers for our stay. We need three, so hoping to book with same company. We won’t be driving, as not comfortable with driving on the wrong side for us, so just want transfer car company info. Thanks gif any help.

You’ll love the sky loft suite. We had this cabin on Allure a few years ago. Not with kids but should be ok. Great size balcony and lovely roomy cabin. Suite concierge was very helpful with getting reservation changes or show times. Coastal Kitchen was fabulous and the concierge was great at getting us off the ship seamlessly past all the lines. We’ve booked one on Quantum for transpacific next April.

It’s a fair way at they end of a long jetty as it’s so tidal. Before Covid they would shuttle you in to the terminal.

No Enid we are on 27 July sailing Darwin to Broome with Ponant. The only excursion offered now is Horizontal Falls, as we no longer stop in Wyndham, making all the other excursions obsolete. However, Ashmore reef is a world heritage listed area and will provide an amazing day off the ship.

We have just found out there has been a major change to our itinerary for our Kimberley cruise. Because of this, we have been given a large OBC of 300€ which added to OBC we had been given by our TA leaves us wondering what on earth we can spend it on on board Le Soleal. We can spend a small amount on an excursion at the Horizontal Falls but that’s our only excursion option now, so what else is there? Can we cash it in on board somehow? Any advice gladly received,