Hello toeraki, i live in Greece as well and i am planning to start a blueberry farm next year. Northern Highbush varieties need low temperatures in order to bloom which can be accommodated by the north Greek climate. If you live at the south of Greece then you should consider other varieties like Southern or Rabbiteye. As for the cranberries there are native to Greece, they are called "Krana" in our language, so you might find this plant easier. If you cannot then i might be able to send you some wild cranberry bushes from the hill. Now about the transport, it is not illegal as stated before but they have to be checked for diseases and viruses and be in specific condition, in dormancy for example in order to be able to be sent from USA. From Europe there is no problem. Of course this apply to big orders, you can get plants from USA through post without any problem, if you get bushes from ebay for example.

We took a Princess cruise and land tour several years ago. It was wonderful. We got a room with a balcony on the top deck so we could sit out there and look at all the sights without standing on deck being cold. We went in early May and the weather was not all that bad.....in fact, no mosquitos and very little rain. It was great to wrap up in blankets and call room service for coffee. We loved staying at one of the Princess Hotels in Denali and took the bus trip. Excellent! The train ride to Denali was OK but we took the bus back to Anchorage and enjoyed it much more. Our very favorite side trip was outside Skagway on the bus tour to the Yukon. There was also a train trip but the bus ride was a great experience. We got to stop along the way if there was something interesting to see.....like a big wolf near the side of the road. The guide was really a lot of fun and knew the history of the Yukon gold rush. We also stopped for lunch at a museum/gift shop. I bought the book Alaska by James Michener there and re read it. I would suggest you read it on your trip. We opted not to have scheduled meal times and that worked out very well. We met some people who were from a tiny town here in California where my maternal grandmother was born. Small world. We took the trip to Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau. Take lots of pictures and keep a journal so you can share your experiences with us when you return. Have a wonderful trip!

You mentioned being a little claustrophobic, I am not, but I see that Viking has nothing but veranda rooms or suites and I think that will help a lot. It’s great just to be able to go out on the deck and get out of the state room without having to be “in public.” Personally I went into my first cruise very skeptical, but I absolutely love being on the ocean and escaping from the Canadian winters. I have only been on two Caribbean cruises with a limited number of ports, none of the ports you are going to. I think the best way to set yourself up for success is to research each of the ports to know what the strong points are and what might interest you. Viking has a resident historian who gives talks before each of the ports and I have always enjoyed these kind of talks on other ships. For me, not a shopper, so I try to stay away from the markets and shopping excursions. For packing, my advice would be similar to any other trip to hot weather areas: bring stuff that you love and feel comfortable in, realize that there is laundry on the ship but it might be expensive, bring a couple of slightly nicer outfits for any dressy evenings, and absolutely bring very comfortable walking shoes or sandals for your excursions. If you enjoy swimming, the demographic on a Viking ship is going to swing older just because it’s more expensive, and no one will be taken aback by how you look at all. Everyone’s there for the same reason. Most ship excursions are very accessible for people with mobility limitations, if you read through the description of the excursion it will usually outline the physical demands. There are no formal nights on your ship, in fact they’re pretty much being phased out everywhere, and I did find the dress code here: https://www.vikingcruisescanada.com/oceans/frequently-asked-questions.html

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.