Q: We’re booked for a cruise next month. We’ve heard that shore excursions from ships are expensive. Would we save money if we just go ashore in ports to shop and explore on our own? FGS, Santa Fe NM

A: Once your ship docks, you’re usually free to do whatever you want ashore, as long as you’re aware of all safety concerns and when you must be back aboard before the ship is scheduled to sail.

Before you rule out excursions, know what’s included in each trip. For example, the cost may be $200 per person for a comfy bus ride, on-off sightseeing throughout the day, plus a sit-down local lunch.

Q: I’m a newly single guy. Still in good physical and financial shape at age 62, I’d like to get my personal life kick-started again. A friend suggested I sign up for a single seniors cruise. Is that a good idea? FMG, West Allis WI

A: The happy stat alone should get you to go. Did you know that passengers on singles cruises average 70 percent women and 30 percent men?  But first, there are some situations you should consider.

Many cruise lines charge the same price for a cabin occupied by just one person. It may be $1,500, where two people pay only $750 each, while a single occupant may be billed for the entire fee. However, to entice singles, some cruises will waive some of that extra charge. You may find sailings where you can be alone in a cabin and pay just 25 percent more.

Q: We keep getting phone calls, some of them recorded, about very economical vacation packages to Florida, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas and other places. Some actually begin with: Congratulations, you may have already won a trip to....

The low prices and freebees sound just too good to be true. Should we buy one of those packages or at least follow up, call the 800 numbers and get more info? ARMcN, Omaha NE

A: In a word or two: HELL, NO! In our experience, we’ve never found any unsolicited telemarketing travel offers, no matter how exciting, cheap or absolutely free they seemed, that were honest. Not only should you ignore such calls, but NEVER call back and give personal info, especially credit card and other financial ID info.

Q: I recently boarded a flight, and was surprised to see a big German Shepherd dog stretched out on the floor inside the first row of seats. His harness plate ID showed he was a service dog. During the flight, he sat between the bulkhead and his blind master’s feet.

He looked very calm, as if flying was no big deal. I know service dogs are permitted to ride in the passenger area on U.S. flights, but what about other countries? ADF, Minneapolis MN

A: In 1940s and 1950s Navy duties, your travel4seniors.com editor rode in some third-world flights with chickens and goats wandering the aisles. Of course, it has become a bit more sophisticated since then. U.S. airlines allow documented service dogs to ride in passenger cabins.

For people who must travel beyond the U.S. in foreign airlines with service dogs, it’s necessary to check the rules. If you or a companion intend to bring a service dog, first contact the embassy or consular offices of countries where you’ll be visiting.