Q: Our travel agent said it would cost another $50 a night if we booked a cabin with a private balcony. The cruise is 14 days, requiring another $700. Is it worth the extra cost? Jeanne L., Birmingham AL

A: Looking out at the ocean by day and by moonlight is great from your own private balcony. And watching  the full panorama of arrivals and departures in harbors are wonderful cruise experiences. If airfare and your two-week cruise already costs $4,000 or more, consider spending the extra bucks. Think of the selfies and lasting memories!

If you want to save money, here’s an idea. Try for a balcony cabin without the extra charge. When booking, and depending on the season, ask your travel agent if you can be bumped up to a balcony cabin free as part of a special promotion.

The Trump Taj Mahal has shut down. It’s sad that the New Jersey shore town has closed five of it’s major casinos in the past couple of years. Is it just local, or are people tired of losing their money at casinos, and it will soon happen in Las Vegas? Barbara J., Providence RI

A: OK, let’s imagine a sad Las Vegas scenario. The glitz and glitter will fade and the Nevada desert will eventually turn Sin City into a ghost town, a lonely haven for gophers and rattlesnakes. Future archeologists will dig into the ruins of once-great Caesars Palace on the Strip.

Every time I research the net to plan a cross-country or overseas flight, the info is different. Aircraft seat locations are listed as economy, premium economy, business, first class and whatever else the airlines decide to do to make more money.

Even more frustrating is what does or doesn’t come with the seats, such as meals, soft drinks, booze, peanuts or other . How can I book the best deal as simply as possible? Marilyn L., Chicago IL

A: A quick answer: Nothing about airline pricing today is simple or certain. Dealing with it can be like a casino bet, win or lose. If you don’t want to attempt all the math about flying, let an expert do it for you. Set up a personal contact with your friendly neighborhood travel agency.

Q: I’m a good slot machine player. Could I make a post-retirement living in Las Vegas? LRW, Chicago IL

A: Basically, there’s really no way for you to consistently win in Las Vegas, nor at any other casino. With electronically-set slot machines, odds for the gambler are slim. Casinos advertise that for every dollar put into slot machines, they return from 70 to 90 cents. Translation: If you keep playing, you lose.

You have a better chance at blackjack, poker and other table games. Odds are better than on the machines, but statistics prove that in all casino games you’ll lose. However, winning at blackjack did happen in at least one very publicized instance about ten years ago.