Carolyn Spencer Brown: Hello—and apologies for my late start. I'm here and will be firing answers back to you—you've already asked some terrific questions. And if you have any answers to contribute, please feel free to jump in.

Let's get started.
—Carolyn

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Wethersfield, Conn.: Carolyn, We are looking to book a cruise on the New England Norwegian Sprint cruise leaving NY on Oct. 12, 2008. All of the balcony rooms seem to be full on most of the New England cruises on all cruise lines including this one. Is there any way to sneak in a balcony room somehow? Do they tend to hold on to some until the very last minute booking, or when they are full, they are full and that's it? Thanks.

Carolyn Spencer Brown: Hi, Wethersfield. First let me say I did a one night cruise to nowhere on Norwegian Spirit and adored the ship.

Balcony cabins really do sell out fast—and it's, alas, likely that you may be out of luck. What I'd suggest is that you make sure your travel agent (or NCL if you booked directly) knows that you're interested in upgrading (and paying for it) and then stay on top of the situation, call every week until you leave if you have to.

Cruise lines don't hold on to much—they're under pressure to sell out every cruise. And I daresay that if cabins are left they'll be outsides or possibly insides. So stay on it and good luck.

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Merced, Calif.: Hi, Carolyn. My husband and I have been very disappointed with vegetarian selections on recent cruises. While other guests are enjoying a variety of entrees, we have pasta night after night. Are some lines more vegetarian friendly? Is there a way to encourage preparation of more innovative dishes? We love San Francisco's Millenium Restaurant and cookbook, and May Wah in New York has fantastic vegetarian lobster. Thank you.

Carolyn Spencer Brown: We're actually working on a story on cruising for vegetarians and our writer, who's a vegetarian herself, has the same complaints. The lines have definitely gotten on the ball with menus that incorporate more healthful fare—but in this case they're behind.

I don't know of any line that really goes all out to cater to vegetarians at this point but it doesn't hurt to put a little pressure on the industry to recognize these passengers.

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