Now’s the time for all roaming seniors to start planning for next spring and summer cruises. When you’re at sea, some ports your ship may visit are modern, all business and totally uninteresting. Beyond all that, these cities also welcome travelers with sights, history, entertainment, fun, shopping, dining and charm.

1. New York: For centuries, New York has been one of the major ports where cruise ships sail to and from all parts of the world. In the late 19th Century, the port and Lady Liberty welcomed immigrants from Europe to America. During wartime, they carried GIs to battlefields and home again.

Your travel4seniors.com editor captured this impressive vista from a Fairmont Hotel suite balcony on Nob Hill. Upper left is a light grey hint of Marin County across the Bay, fronted by infamous Alcatraz Island. Upper right is the Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill.

Senior guest writer Marie O’C, San Bernardino CA: To celebrate a special family occasion, we dined at one of the most famous restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Spago, owned by famed celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, boasts a superior and well-deserved reputation.

We made reservations for dinner on a Sunday night, and upon arrival, were greeted warmly by a formally-dressed maitre d. As we were then escorted to our table in the main dining room, we observed the sparkling decor.

Guest Correspondent Michelle F., Newport Beach CA: I've made several shopping trips to the world's fashion capital of Milan, Italy, and always come back with some great finds. There are great designer shops on Milan's ultra-trendy Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea.

Elsewhere in the city are factory outlets and outlet malls that offer budget-conscience shoppers to find good deals on new clothes. Some are official locations run by the brands themselves.