Jenson, Hubs and I have only ever been on one cruise, around the Hawaiian Islands. It was on the SS Independence, which was run by American Hawaii Cruises, which was owned by American Cruise Lines. After 9/11, tourism to Hawaii dropped drastically, and they ended up shutting down the Hawaii cruises. The cruise was extremely well run, the food excellent, the staff courteous, attentive, helpful, and wonderful. We would do that cruise again in a heartbeat if ACL still had it operational. We know that ACL does river cruises in the US, and we regularly receive brochures, special offers, etc., from them. We figure that eventually we will go on each of the river cruises that they offer (including Alaska). We love the fact that the riverboats have no more than 150 passengers (and some less than that). Most of the rooms have private balconies, which is nice. And, I think river cruises would be wonderful because you get to see so much, you don't have to worry about the motion of the sea, and you still can do shore excursions. So, go for it! Have a great time, take lots of photos, and post some of them here for us to enjoy when you get back.

Sabbath, our overnight ferry was Silja Lines. My recollection was that it was nice. I would think that Viking ought to be very nice! Here are the things that I remember: It was mid-July and it never really got dark. At one point in the later part of the evening, we could see the sun nearly setting on one side of the ship and the moon rising on the other side. It was mid-July and it was cold! DH and I thought it would be great to have coffee on the deck before breakfast. We opened the door, got slammed by a cold wind, and went back inside. The speed of the ship combined with the water temperature made it very chilly. It was a smooth trip. Although you cross the Baltic Sea, you are never really out in wide-open water like the Atlantic or Pacific. I had no trouble sleeping. The funniest part of that trip, which has no bearing on your trip, was my daughter hitting DH up for money for the video machines. We were at dinner. She finished and wanted to go play the video machines. DH would give her a bit of money and soon she’d be back for more. He’d give her a little more. This went on for a while until she turned up with money to give him! Unbeknownst to us, she was playing the slot machines and finally hit a small winner! She was 11! Bon Voyage!

Hi Seagrass and all. Long time lucker (joined Gardenweb several years ago) and first time poster. Chiming in kind of late but I wanted to add my endorsement of Nelly's Suits You Swimwear shop in Hyannis that Jojoco posted. I live just north of the Cape and found Nelly a big help. She's an expert in fitting swimwear! I was very self conscious about my older (late 60s) apple shape body, etc. but I needed something for our trip to Costa Rica for a niece's wedding. Nelly helped me find two swimsuits, a one-piece and a tankini (top and bottom different sizes), that fit well and were flattering- one week before we were to leave! Colors were navy blue and white Solid and print combos. Also bought two solid colored button-up swim cover ups that are below the knees. One blue, one white. I use them for summer bathrobes, too. You've received great suggestions and I like what you've found for yourself. I'm going to check out Cran's suggestion to go to Seabreezes in Hyannis for myself this year. I understand your concerns. We enjoyed the one family cruise we took in the Caribbean more than we thought we would. So enjoy the shows and activities aboard the cruise ship and any side excursions you take. It will be fun!

Our next port of call is Lahaina on the island of Maui. Arrival was at 8:00 and we were due to sail away at 6:00. Lahaina does not have a pier for cruise ships, the ships tenders are used to shuttle passengers back and forth. There were many people on our ship who used walkers and those folks managed to get ashore without too much of a problem. However, those in battery operated scooters just would not be able to make it. Rather than just turn loose all those who want to go ashore, there are tickets given out shortly after dropping anchor. The numbers on those tickets will determine when you go ashore. They also are working with passengers who have paid the ship for an official excursion (tour) and those get priority. Once again we rented a car. I headed for the small town of Makawao using as many side roads as possible. We went to Maui Hands, where we, once again, spent money. We ventured into a couple of other stores that offered art from local folks. Then, again, using side roads, we headed to the famed Hana Highway. We did not go to Hana, but aimed back toward the small town of Paia, where we went to the Maui Crafts Guild store. More local art. Lunch was at Thai Spice there in town. However, if you ever get to Paia, you must consider the Paia Fish Market restaurant! Communal dining with fresh, fresh fish! We took our time driving back to Lahaina to return the car. Free shuttle back to the ship was convenient. If you are ever on Maui, consider going to their aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center. A great place with two restaurants. Also on Maui is the shield volcano, Haleakala, a long drive away, but wonderful views and some good hiking to the top. That is a US National Park and some folks like to get there for sunrise (reservations recommended for that). There are some great stores in Lahaina, so if shopping is your thing, spend your money there. Back on the ship, Adagio performed in the Explorers Lounge (always called Adagio with different violist/pianist). The Ocean Quarter had the evening off, but Johnny held forth in the piano bar. The Lion King was shown a couple of times in the theater. In the Mainstage, Hyperion Knight (billed as a virtuoso pianist) had shows at 7:30 and 9:30. Since there was no live music in the Ocean Bar, at 8:30 and fun time was with Majority Rules Game, what a blast that one is. There were promotions throughout the ship for Rudi’s Sel de Mer dinner. Very French, with a menu of mostly fresh fish, inspired by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. This is in the Pinnacle Grill and there is a $49 charge for this special event. Reservations required.