Q: We’ve just booked our first cruise. Because it takes two flights to get to the ship, and baggage charges keep going up, we want to travel as light as possible. What clothing is absolutely necessary for cruising? J.B., Denver CO

A: The old days of tux and evening gown for cruise ship dinners are long gone. However, for dinner on the first night at sea, many passengers still dress up, with coat and tie for men and cocktail dresses for women.

When we cruise, we each bring one dressy, but not formal outfit. Most other stuff is casual and washable, and we take those into the cabin shower with us every night and hang to dry. If you need it, most cruises offer overnight laundry and ironing services. To avoid charges and pick-up delays after flights, we travel with a carry-on suitcase and backpack each.

To get updated answers about dress requirements on your specific cruise, ask your travel agent or call the cruise line.

Q: We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary with a two-week cruise. We live in a fairly secure neighborhood, but lately there have been burglaries. What can we do to prevent break-ins from happening at our house while we’re gone?

P.J., Skokie IL

Before you go, contact your local police department for suggestions on best ways to protect your house in your absence. Also ask them to drive by in marked police cars to check your house at least once a day and night while you’re gone.

Friendly neighbors and nearby relatives can also help by doing a daily inspections, as well as pick up mail, newspapers and other items that may be left at your front door. It may be helpful to suspend your mail and newspapers for the two weeks you’ll be absent.

Safety can be enhanced if you can set up electronic security, with 24-7 timer-activated on-and-off lighting, TV sets and music. They give your home we’re-here sights and sounds during regular hours.

Another precaution is if you and/or family members are active on social media. Don’t broadcast to online strangers who live in or near your neighborhood about specific planned travel dates from your house. Thieves use the internet to scan for potential home invasions during owner absences.

If you take proper precautions, your trip will be more worry-free. Bon voyage!

Q: We’re taking a cruise for the first time. We remember seeing photos from years ago when all passengers dressed formal on one of the dinner nights. Is that still required?

Marie S., Queens NY

A: No, it isn’t necessary these days. However, even on recent cruises, we’ve seen passengers show up in tux and gown for the first night at sea. Formal dress is voluntary, and usually for those show-offs who decide to lug the extra clothes aboard or rent them from an on-board clothing shop.

There are basic dress codes in effect on evening dining on some cruises. Shorts, swim suits, t-shirts and sandals may not be welcome. Before you pack, check with your travel agent or ship’s website to find out the rules.

Q: We’ve signed up for a cruise that'll keep us away for a month. We’re eagerly looking forward to it, but have one worry. Our elderly dog, Shep, now gets separation anxiety even when we’re gone for only one night. What’s the best way that won't upset him when we’re traveling for such a long time?

J.P., Cherry Hill NJ

A: As frequent travelers, we’ve similar problems with our pets. Young animals, like human kids, are adaptive to change. You can put them in a kennel or summer camp and they’ll be happy with new pals. Older ones are very attached to their surroundings and familiar human faces.

We find the best way is to keep them in your home and hire a sitter. We’re in a large apartment complex, and there are many young tenants who’ll visit, feed, clean and exercise our pets several times a day. We pay from $10 up a day for the service.

In big cities, there are many similar commercial pet walking services, with charges ranging upwards from $25 a day. We’ve use kennels only as a last resort, after researching to find the one with the best reputation for service and cleanliness.