douglas: I've been on several Caribbean cruises but never on an Alaskan cruise. Can you tell me anything about that or the cruises that go around the Hawaiian islands?

Tom Uhlenbrock: Never been on an Hawaiian cruise, but have done plenty to Alaska. Most of the cruises companies do the Inner Passage, with stops at Ketchiken, Juneau and Skagway. The scenery is gorgeous. The only drawback would be you can pull into a port and find two or three other ships there. So, you're hitting the shops and restaurants with a lot of other cruisers. The railway excursion at Skagway is nice. The best way to really see Alaska is to take one of the cruise lines that also offers a land package. You go by bus or train from your boat to Denali, and spend a night or two at the entrance to the park. There are narrated tours of Denali. You can't drive through. But that's fine because you'll be looking for caribou and grizzlies, and the road sometimes has no guard rail between you and the valley WAY below. Cheers. TU

Mtn Bkr: Best place between St. Louis and Oklahoma City for a getaway weekend that includes hiking, biking. Separate cabins for accomodations is desireable. Kitchen facilities and/or outdoor grills would be good too, but not necessary.

Tom Uhlenbrock: My favorite is Buffalo Outdoor Center at Ponca, Ark. It is on the doorstep to Buffalo National River, which is a national park. Plenty of hiking (the Goat Trail is unbelievable and so is the hike to the waterfall at Hemmed In Hollow.) The center does float trips and also has cabins that sit on a ridge of the Boston Mountains, looking down on the river valley. The cabins have porches, kitchens and views, and come in various sizes. Their site is buffaloriver.com. I'll be heading that way in a month or so. Cheers. TU

Nancy McSpadden: Hi Tom,

Have you been to Maui? How does it compare to Oahu?

Tom Uhlenbrock: Sorry, Nancy. Hawaii hasn't been on my hit list yet. If I was picking an island, I'd probably head to a book store and get a Fodor's guide. Good luck. TU

Francine Smith: Hi Tom,

Have you spent much time in Charletson? Any restaurant recommendations?

Thanks!

Tom Uhlenbrock: My boss, travel editor Jackie Hutcherson, just got back. She recommends: Coast on 39-D John Street (in the alley) 843-722-8838. The seafood is grilled on oak planks and I think it's the best meal in town. There's also Hyman's Seafood at 215 Meeting St., 843-723-6000. It's been there forever and the line's long for lunch or dinner in the summertime.
One more - SNOB - or Slightly North of Broad at 192 East Bay, 843-723-3424.

Ruth Jones: Are you familiar with Oceania Cruise line? I saw an itinerary listed that really appealed to me. What is the best way to get a good deal on a June 2009 cruise?

Tom Uhlenbrock: Never been on Oceania, but been on plenty of others. Just make sure the ship is newer. Deals on cruising depend on how flexible you are. If you want a specific cruise, at a specific time, you'd best book as soon as possible. However, if a certain cruise does not fill up, there may be discounts offered, usually 60 days before sailing, and again 30 days before. But if you wait till then, the cruise you want could be sold out. Also, if you can, find a travel agent familiar with the cruise industry. He or she can help you out, and their commission comes from the cruise line. Happy sailing. TU