Carriage horses await riders in Salzburg’s Altstadt town square, a location where The Sound Of Music was filmed. Photo by travel4seniors.com editor while on a fantastic Gate 1 Travel European river cruise.  www.gate1travel.com

Q: I see frequent ads about big last-minute bargains for unsold cabins on cruises. Are they actually big discounts? LMMcC, Boston MA

A: Yes, if your timing and luck are right. Chances are best if you deal directly with the cruise line or a long-trusted travel agency rep. Cruise ships must sail on schedule, whether all cabins are sold or not. Empty cabins mean lost revenue. Additionally, it also means fewer passengers to buy drinks, gifts, spas, shore excursions and gamble in onboard casinos.

The combo of mechanical arms are called N1-C and B1-O, sort of reminders of C-3PO and T2-D2 from Star Wars. And maybe an earlier movie robot, too.

They serve on the Royal Caribbean Line’s newest and most technically-advanced cruise ship in its aptly-named Bionic Bar. After you belly up, whether you order a Bloody Mary or Scotch on the rocks, a robot will have the drink in front of you in a quick minute or so.

It all sounds great to us, and if we’re lucky enough to sail on the new RCL ship, we just have one question: How much do you tip a robot bartender? Further, what do you use as a tip? Are three screws, two wing nuts and a bolt enough? 

For more information on the Quantum of the Seas and other RCL schedules, go to www.royalcaribbean.com

When seniors venture into foreign countries, they hope for happy times. Unfortunately, unhappy challenges may happen. It could be illness from tainted food, bad weather, pickpockets, accidents, political unrest and other unexpected interruptions.

For protection, always be prepared to contact nearby branches of the U.S. State Department in case emergency help is needed. While in a foreign country, always have phone number, website and street addresses of the closest U.S. consulate or embassy.

Additionally, carry all applicable private travel insurance ID cards, other required info and medications. Be aware that some U.S. government insurance plans, such as basic Medicare, may not pay for all instances of emergency treatment abroad.

Further, before the next trip to a foreign destination, contact your travel pro and insurance agent to be sure you have all possible travel health and other coverages in effect. For more info, go to travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/health.html#healthy