Named by Travel+Leisure as the World’s Best River Cruise Line, Tauck has announced a new policy of free unlimited beer, wine and premium drinks while aboard. The service, include extensive Rhine River schedules, is available on its luxury cruise ships in operation this year in Europe, including ms Swiss Emerald, ms Inspire, ms Swiss Jewel, ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Savor and ms Treasures.

Previously, passengers on Tauck river cruises enjoyed unlimited wine and beer with meals only. Tauck’s new all-inclusive service now includes tips, shore excursions, some meals ashore and airport transfers in cruise fares. For cruise schedules, accommodations, facilities for those with limited mobility, prices and other information, go to www.tauck.com

Your travel4seniors.com editor has visited Japan several times, beginning with those little misunderstandings around the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945. Many decades after those hostilities, we find hospitality at Japanese restaurants, shops, hotels and everywhere else fantastic.

Now, Japanese in the tourist industry bow and say chinkyaku, a polite welcome to visitors. Everyone, including doormen, waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, are super considerate and helpful. However, tips are not expected nor accepted in Japan.

Some of our now-sedate senior readers may want to bring back memories of  their 1960s hippie days. Recall nights of secret marijuana parties in campus dorms or behind the barracks. Their travel plans could perk up now that pot is legal in Colorado, and some Denver travel organizations offer special events related to the hemp product.

While still forbidden in that state to smoke pot in public, there are opportunities for tourists to consume various marijuana products without breaking the law. For example, party buses and limos tour the Rockies while sightseers can smoke or eat pot-based products. Enroute they can indulge while creatively appreciating the beautiful snow-capped scenery and surrounding clouds, both inside and outside.

The scene at the high-rise resort near Palm Springs is enhanced by a heavenly body.