Q: My company gave me a birthday present when I hit age 55: a layoff notice. My spouse and I have already booked a cruise for next month, but I’m worried about getting a new job. Should I cancel the cruise?

Q: Our divorced daughter and mother of two kids married another woman, also mother of two children, in Connecticut. After a lot of soul-searching, we’ve welcomed all as family members.

However, we were a bit put off when they signed us up to go on a cruise themed for parents and children of same-sex marriages. We’d like to go along to spend time with our grandkids, but we’re very straight-laced and straight New Englanders, and may refuse. While we’ve had to accept our daughter’s new marital situation, we don’t like the idea of spending a week’s cruise among hundreds of gay people. What should we do?

Q: OK, before I begin my gripe, call me a nasty old man. That said, I believe cruise ships should ban children under age 12. I spent many years working so I could enjoy my well-deserved retirement. I love cruises, but not when the ship is full of screaming, out-of-control brats who hog the pools, spas, buffets, passageways, elevators and everywhere else they spawn. Am I wrong with this Scrooge attitude?

Q: Our travel agent said it would only cost another $25 a night if we booked a balcony cabin on our next cruise. However, the cruise is for 14 days. That’s another $350. Is it worth the extra cost?