Thinking about cruising but wondering what it's like? Janet Go and Perry McGinnis, Coloradans who celebrated their 75th birthdays with a four-month, wonders of the world cruise in 2006 aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, have written an easy-to-read, informative book that describes their 41-port, 27-country, five-continent voyage. There'll not be many more just like it, as QE2 will retire to become a luxury floating hotel in November 2008.

You can mail-order "Don't Miss the Boat: Cruising Through the Leisure Years" (Lifetime Chronicle Press, paper, $22) by e-mailing jgoco6@bresnant.net, or via www.amazon.com; or write Janet Go, 1111 Horizon Drive, No. 208, Grand Junction, CO 81506 (shipping and handling $5 for one book; $9.50 for two; $14.50 for three).

LANA'I

HOTEL RENOVATION, NEW RESTAURANT

Workers are putting the finishing touches on a comprehensive renovation of the Hotel Lanai, Lana'i City's plantation-style lodgings beloved of locals, business travelers and budget-minded visitors. All 10 rooms and the adjacent cottage have been spiffed up, and Maui celebrity chef Bev Gannon has taken over the restaurant, renamed the Lanai City Grille. The restaurant opens Oct. 12 with a four-course, wine-matched dinner ($95) benefiting Lana'i High School and continues the celebration through the weekend with special drinks, discounted meals and live music. Owners Tom Kiely and Mary Charles are looking forward to seeing old friends return to the establishment, opened by James D. Dole in 1923 as a retreat for Dole Pineapple company executives and guests. Rates: $139 to $229. Information: 877-665-2624, 808-565-7211.

VENICE

EXPLORE WITH SCHOLARLY GUIDES

Context, the company that hires noted scholars to lead walking tours in European cities, has added Venice to its schedule. The company recruited art historians for two tours: Venetian Renaissance I: The Early Years, and Venetian Renaissance II: Titian and Tintoretto. Themetic walks — which the company emphasizes are seminars, not umbrella-led rag-tag tours — include a half-day trip to Torcello, Burano and Murano that sidesteps the over-touristed glass shops and examines the islands' Byzantine history. Limit six people per group. Sales of Venice tours began earlier this month. Last May, Travel + Leisure magazine lauded Context for being among the most innovative tour companies on the continent. Information: 888-467-1986; www.contexttravel.com.