simplyrubies

Sad to see we won't be seeing a production show on our Koningsdam cruise but I'm happy to see they're being brought back! Though, a downside is a little more schedule juggling since we often structure our evening schedule around getting a good seat at a production show (unless there's something we'd much rather be doing in port). Depending on the individual entertainers' talents we may or may not go to the same effort. Comedy in particular, isn't a favourite of ours.

If I had to guess, I'd guess it's slightly less likely if most guests onboard aren't Canadian. Agree that the health requirements for bringing the dog into Canada, if most cruisers are non-Canadian, may put off some illegitimate folks. Anyone flying in, Canadian or not, also have to get their dog past that (but could still succeed) - but as previously stated, if they'll lie about a service dog they may lie about this too. In countries with very strict animal import laws and strict rules regarding service animals or pets in general (ex Japan) I'd guess the chance is much, much lower. The hurdles to pass are much higher, might even require someone to fake certain certification documents that may be required. I've seen more stories and pictures about 'service dogs' on HAL than other lines. Not sure if it's confirmation bias, or maybe these folks specifically seeking out HAL, or something specific to how other cruise lines are handling this problem that HAL could maybe learn from. Illegitimate service dogs do a major, major disservice to legitimate service dog teams and can cause additional onboard problems.

I had the same thought as Alberta Quilter. Possible there's been a miscommunication somewhere? To make things more confusing, the 3 Vancouver locations are all in the downtown core. Two of their hotels (Waterfront and Pacific Rim) are only one block away from each other! If it's the exact same hotel and dates, I'd look to the conditions and inclusions in each package to see what the catch is if any, beyond the rate. It's also possible that there is some computer problem, such that hotel availability on one person's end is showing up erroneously - ex. showing as available when it should be showing as waitlisted. I know the cruise I'm going on is sold out for example, but there are still many cruise websites still listing that cruise on their website with prices attached.

I'd normally recommend going elsewhere for afternoon tea for price reasons unless you're very interested in having tea in the Empress, but with an 8:30pm stop I don't think those other venues would be open. If you want to have afternoon tea in Victoria at all, the excursion might be your best bet. (And there's the added bonus of getting to do it in the atmosphere of the Empress). If you're just okay on it, I'd skip and maybe consider trying afternoon tea somewhere more local.

No tourist info at the train station that I know of, beyond potentially some pamphlets or advertisements on display. There is a tourist office in the city itself, though I can't speak to how good it is as I never stopped in on my visits to Rouen. From the station to the town centre, there is some walking involved as Hank said. And there is also some walking within the historical centre of town. I think Rouen is very DIY'able and a very practicable trip from Le Havre. There is a lot to do just in the historic centre like the cathedral, Musée des Beaux-Arts, the new Joan of Arc Historical Exhibition, even just walking around the shops and trying different foods. I always DIY'ed my Rouen trips and was glad to be able to see the city on my own time and schedule.

I second Hlitner's suggestion of the Flixbus. When I lived in Le Havre I used the Flixbus often to transit between Le Havre and CDG. There are only a few per day. The Flixbus leaves from the central bus station next to the SNCF train station in Le Havre. It's essentially a small bus bay outside one of the train station's doors. You can take a taxi or public transportation from the port to the station. There's only one stop on the Le Havre to Paris route (Paris La Défense). It will bring you to Terminal 3 at CDG, from there you can take the airport tram to different stations as needed. I found the bus to be the most convenient (and cheapest) way to get to the airport. I also found luggage transportation easier as the driver can help you load the luggage in and out of the bus compartments. There is additional storage above the seats for smaller items. You don't have to watch and carry luggage onto the train yourself.