Hi to all of you. What a great site!
We are planning a "dream" cruise for our fiftieth anniversary next year and RSSC seems to be the safest no-disappointment option.But we know so little! We made one cruise 10 years ago to the Greek Islands on Rennaisance and had a good experience at a time we really needed to get away. But now we need a fail-safe experience. This site has already answered some questions and raised some precautions, but we still have more:

--How soon in advance should we sign on the dotted line and put down the required deposit? Everything seems a bit iffy with travel now because of the world recession.

--Ten years ago we found (on the Rennaissance internet bulletin board) great info on the in-port tours and on better alternatives than the cruise line offerings. From what I've read there is a queue from the RSSC land options and there are tips for how to guarantee the best options. How does that work? This web site seems to be helpful. Are there other sites as well?

--The local RSSC TA may or may not be swift on these matters. Any suggestions? Is a local agent you can eyeball across a desk the best choice?

We would be grateful for any and all tips, including what choice of a cruise. We have been thinking one that began or ended at or near Monaco or Nice would give us a nice few days ashore.

Jim&Ann