When you’re on a cruise, some destinations your ship may visit are modern, all business and totally uninteresting. However, some cities welcome travelers with sights, history, entertainment, fun, shopping, dining and charm.

1. New York: For centuries, New York has been one of the major ports where cruise ships sail to and from all parts of the world. In the late 19th Century, the port and Lady Liberty welcomed immigrants from Europe to America. During wartime, they carried GIs to battlefields and home again.

Originally, only wealthy people could enjoy the luxury of pleasure cruises. Now many affordable sailings arrive and depart daily from the port of New York City, greeting or saying farewell to the Statue of Liberty.

They’ll annoy the hell out of you and want money to pose for photos. When they hug and grope tourists, you can’t know how clean they are under those homemade costumes. They’re often dangerous to passers-by when they fight each other for best sidewalk turf. The costumes are not authorized by Disney nor other originators.

How do you deal with the bothersome characters? Especially when you’re with vulnerable young kids, the quick answer is to move away swiftly. If approached, give a quick, loud NO! If the kids want to pose with genuine cartoon characters, take them to a Disney or Universal theme park.

Just walking out your house, especially if you're in advanced years, can be hazardous to your health, if you're not fit and aware of surroundings. When traveling and venture into a big city with a history of street violence or other hazards, it can be dangerous for both health and safety.

Before planning a trip, consult with members of your family, online government reports and news sources. It may be better to cancel or schedule travel in a less dangerous area.

First things first. Before embarking, schedule a check-up with your family doctor. Get assurance that you're fit enough for the requirements of the journey, and can handle any unexpected rigors you may face. Get a list of prescriptions and signed refill forms from your doctor. Keep copies in your suitcase and on you at all times.

Unfortunately, according to recent reports, the word is not if, but when it happens. One glaring statistic about Manhattan is that half of the 400 hotels, both ritzy and ratty, have been reported last year for being infested with the nasty bugs.

What can a traveling senior do about it when it happens in a hotel room? First, when you arrive, pull back the covers and top sheet and very closely inspect the bed and mattress. If you see evidence of the little black pests, get out of that room pronto. You may opt to insist on one on a different floor. Or check out entirely, making sure you’re not charged for your stay.