If you’ve toured Japan lately and shelled out money in hotels, restaurants and theater in Tokyo, Yokohoma and other large cities, it was very costly. You spent $700 a day and higher. Consider a similar experience at much lower cost.

Book a nine-night cruise around Japan aboard the Diamond Princess, with prices starting at about $115 a day per person. Even more of a bargain, it includes cabin, meals, entertainment and local transportation.

From now through September, and starting again in April, the Diamond Princess cruise out of Yokohama includes visits to Nagasaki, Kyoto, Beppu, Kagoshima and other Japanese ports. For more info about these and other Princess schedules, go to  www.princess.com/learn/cruise...cruises/cruises/japan

Since 1902, the Algonquin has been the destination of literary, entertainment and intellectual names. The famed Round Table group met regularly there in the 1920s thru 1940s. They included John Barrymore, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Marc Connelly, George S. Kaufman and Alexander Woollcott.

Another tradition is the Algonquin cat. Greeting guests there has been a succession of shelter-rescued cats since the 1930s. Males are named Hamlet, and females Matilda. If your travels take you to Manhattan, stop in to meet the current resident cat. Algonquin, 59 West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, now owned by Marriott, offers rooms from $269. www.algonquinhotel.com

Since 1927, this Santa Monica Boulevard (Route 66) landmark has served tourists, locals, easy riders and an entire firmament of entertainment stars. Among early patrons were John Barrymore, Clara Bow, Jean Harlow, Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth, Errol Flynn and Clark Gable.

Later came rock legends, including Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Barney’s Beanery has also been used as the site of many movie and TV productions. For menu and more info, go to barneysbeanery.com

It seems while airlines keep raising costs of tickets, food and water, flight attendants are becoming less patient with us. What’s your opinion? PRT, Austin TX

A: In our frequent flying, we’ve seen both sides of the question. Crew members are human, and despite strict training, they may occasionally get fed up with passenger demands. For example, here are two of our recent experiences.

Minus: I’m a physically-challenged senior, and boarded a flight leaning on my cane. To get the heavy carry-on into the overhead, I asked the FA to help me. Turning away, she curtly said she didn’t have to do that anymore. Another passenger hoisted the bag for me.

Plus: On another recent flight, the FA willingly stowed my bag in the overhead as I smiled and thanked her. Then, when I tried to squeeze into my economy seat, she smiled and bumped me up to first class at no extra charge.

Proverb: A soft answer (plus smile) turneth away wrath.