arxcards

I think that is an allowable site. It gets linked here from time to time.

I found a Barb 😉

Go the bootlace bolo.

Close to everything and flat for the scooter, Four Seasons is close. Marriot is usually our go to these days, a bit further away, but a flat walk and a bit more modest in price. Both are easy walking, and there are resting places along the quay as well. The former Rydges (now Sydney Harbour Hotel) is the closest in a direct line, but it is a solid set of stairs in between there and the terminal. It is still closer than the others I mention, even after walking around on the footpath. I had given up on them, but haven't tried with their new management. Their pricing is comparatively cheap at present.

What sort of budget?

On formal night, you can also tie the remaining rope around your neck.

Alas, we got caught with one, as I was only looking at the total and hadn't spotted the $180 in payments that had already been taken. The dollar figure seemed about right but found after disembarking that Barb's purchases came across to my folio for payment on my credit card, but her OBC didn't and she disembarked with her $150 non-refundable OBC intact. That could be a FCC for 15 eggs bennies, but P&O said bad luck. In return, it has cost them far more than $150 already. So, it is more than annoying if you are having a good time and just looking at your outstanding balance. In balance though, theses are actual card charges and not holds, so there should be no lingering holds if they do it that way.

The Loyalty Islands have been seeking their own independence from New Caledonia, and I agree, will be in the middle of any unrest. Lifou is mentioned specifically in this report, although with more peaceful protests at this stage. Attempted prison mutiny, demonstrations ahead of New Caledonia constitution vote | RNZ News

Should be no gratuities. It is an $AU cruise, so even a sector linked to the US should still be $AU rules.. Easter Island was listed as a stop initially, with shore tours available but the more recent version of the itinerary is showing 4hrs of scenic cruising and no shore tours available.

Yep, a bit of history repeating. Or as P&O used to say when they were giving reasons for cancelling ports in the South Pacific - The natives are restless. Did you ever get to Ouvea? P&O cancelled calls there due to "restless natives" around 15 years ago but haven't been back since.

Pac Encounter is heading out towards Mystery Island at present, so should be OK for a few days. They are due to call at Lifou on the way back, so I guess that depends on whether they are New Caledonia or Loyalty Islands that week. Pac Adventure is also heading for Mystery Island & Vila and is scheduled to call in Lifou & Noumea on the way back on 20th May. Splendor departs to the Islands on Sunday. Noumea is the first scheduled stop on 22nd May, and they also have Lifou and a 2nd call to Noumea on the way back.

It is just a walk through to hand over cards at most, to keep people honest with their duty free allowances and declaration. Our last one around Willis Island on Majestic, we were given cards, filled them out, then shredded them we we got home. There was nobody to collect them, on what was otherwise a domestic cruise. Over the years, it has been 50/50 for us. @Astro Flyer Note that according to the Brisbane terminal page, arrival is 8am. If that is accurate, you have lost a bit of valuable time toward a possible late AM flight. https://www.portbris.com.au/cruise/cruise-ship-schedule

I have given up cruising on P&O.

It isn't always seamless. 20 minutes after being seated and all you have is menus, bread and a drink, they seat a group at an empty table nearby. You can then get caught waiting another 20 minutes while the waiters line up their orders with yours. Convenient for those moving into the empty space, but not always for the traditional diners that arrived for set service. That is why they try to keep both areas separate.

There are two types of anytime. You can pre-book for anytime on any day. You can book them today, or the same day as you are dining. If you don't want to use the app and prebook, just walk up (maybe join a line) at the designated walk-up dining room.