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Granbury, Tex.: Besides Disney Cruise Line, what cruise line is best for hosting families with children under 10-years-old?

Carolyn Spencer Brown: I think that Royal Caribbean has an outstanding program for kids of all ages so I'd definitely recommend the line. Especially the newer ships, which have more bells and whistles (recreational options, water parks, etc.). One note: Nickelodeon just completed its first ever charter—complete with characters and special events—and it was outstanding! We launched a story on a mom's trip with her son that's really fun. Incidentally, that trip took place on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas....

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Phoenix, Ariz.: Which line and destination have the best singles cruises? We're women, with ages ranging from 45 to 65.

Carolyn Spencer Brown: Hi, this is such a broad question—I'll try to get you started and then let's see. In the big ship, mass market end of things I really like NCL's newer ships for women traveling together; it's got great spas, flexible onboard ambience (no rigid rules about how you dine), lots of restaurants, and plenty of nightlife.

For a somewhat more sedate experience, I also like the upscale Crystal; there are gentleman hosts to dance with, a great spa, nice alternative restaurants. The line practices a set-seating, set-tablemate evening dining scenario and I've noticed that it takes more care in matching passengers.

If you want a singles cruise persay, my suggestion is to book through one of the handful of travel operators that specializes on putting these together.

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Folsom, Calif.: Carolyn, we want to take an Alaskan cruise/land tour next July 2009 for our anniversary. Which cruise is the best option where we can include Denali National Park? We are able to depart from San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver—just about anywhere on the west coast. Is Princess the only option w/lodging?

Thank you,
Karen

Carolyn Spencer Brown: Hi, Karen. Holland America, like Princess, is also very strong in land/cruise tours and has been running them for eons. I'd definitely look at those two first. Other lines do offer the tours—Royal Caribbean and Celebrity for sure—but I think Princess and HAL offer the best variety.