Short Cruises Available in Alaska

Question: Are there short cruises in Alaskan and other northern waterways?

Answer: Short cruises are offered in various parts of Alaska and on the Yukon. Contact See Alaska Sightseeing Tours at (800) 426-7702, or Gray Line of Alaska at (800) 544-2206.

Q: Where can I get information about fishing in the Florida area?

A: Free information is offered by the Fish Florida Referral Service. Call (800) 741-5873 for information.

Q: We’re driving to the East and want to do some bargain shopping along the way. Is there a directory of manufacturers’ outlet stores?

A: A list of 250 outlet malls is available for $3 from Outlet Malls USA, Box 3308, Crofton, Md. 21114.

Q: Where in Pennsylvania is a famous old inn that was a millionaire’s retreat and also used by several Presidents?

A: The Inn, Jim Thorpe, Pa. 18829, built after the Civil War, has been restored. Former Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and William Howard Taft, plus other notables, stayed there. It’s close to the Poconos skiing area.

Q: We’re planning to see West Point. Can the public stay at the famous Hotel Thayer?

A: The Thayer, located on academy grounds overlooking the Hudson River, caters to visitors. Rates average from $60 single to $80 double. Advance reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (914) 446-4731.

Q: On our South American trip, we want to visit some national parks. Are they easily accessible and do they have facilities for tourists?

A: South America has more than 100 national parks of various sizes. Many, however, have limited amenities and only a few match the facilities of U.S. parks. However, tour operators in both the United States and major South American cities have escorted trips.

Q: Are tours available yet to Albania?

A: Canadian operators are currently marketing such trips. In April, however, they will also be available from the following American operators: Pecum Tours, 2002 Colfax Ave. South, Minneapolis, Minn. 55405; Sterling Cruises & Tours, 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 105E, Austin, Tex. 78723; Vega International Travel, 201 N. Wells St., Chicago, Ill. 60606-1394, and Kompas, 630 Fifth Ave., Suite 219, New York 10111.

Q: I’m planning a New York City theater tour, but we’re worried about the high restaurant prices. Do any offer pre-theater menus?

A: A number of restaurants in Times Square and the theater district offer pre-theater dinner specials. They’re usually served prior to 7 p.m. For a free restaurant guide, contact the New York Convention & Visitors Bureau, Information Center, 2 Columbus Circle, New York 10019, (212) 397-8222.

Q: Are there gambling casinos in Scandinavia?

There is legalized gambling in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, but not in Norway or Iceland.

Q: Where is the new museum that is exhibiting a collection of Diego Rivera paintings?

A: The museum, which contains about 140 of Rivera’s paintings and drawings, is open at La Noria in Xochimilco, a $10 taxi ride from downtown Mexico City. However, before making the trip, call for hours and other information.