6. Service animals can be accommodated but you should contact Dept. of Agriculture of your ports of call to determine policy of each destination.

They regulate entry of dogs, which will also be subject to inspection, and may be denied disembarkation at certain ports.

7. Understand that not all conditions can be accommodated on onshore excursions and investigate ahead of time so as to avoid disappointment.

Some ports and cruise lines require tendering. The ship anchors away from dock, and passengers are taken ashore ("tendered") in small boats. They may not be able to accommodate wheelchairs.

8. If you are pregnant, consult with individual cruise line for their policies.

Most strictly prohibit travel after 6th month. At times a physician's medical statement or waiver of liability or both are required. Once aboard, make sure you have a lifejacket that fits. Understand that most doctors are reluctant to give medication to pregnant women, so consult your personal physician before you go, for such things as seasickness.

9. Most cruise lines restrict infant travel.

Disney, for instance, doesn’t allow babies under 12 weeks of age, while Princess requires they be six months or older.

10. Many cruise ships are well-equipped for other special needs. Be sure and check ahead of time.

Electric wheelchairs can be accommodated with recharging facility. TTY kits (text telephone, bed shaker, smoke alarm, door knocker and phone amplifier). You can usually bring oxygen tanks for personal use. Medically-related dining requests can often be accommodated. Some have hydraulic lifts for hot tubs. Hydraulic lift transfers may also be available.

Along with availability of these special services, check on any additional charges.

Chief Joseph, 250-400 Nez Perce warriors and their families passed through valley in their futile flight to freedom in Canada, in what is known as Nez Perce Indian War of 1877. Their attempt to maintain their freedom and avoid reservation was only time Nez Perce fought whites.

Marcus Daly, one of Montana's famous copper kings, came to Bitterroot in 1888, lured by timber needed for his Butte mines and our mild climate. He purchased 22,000 acres, established Bitterroot Stock Farm, and built now famous Daly Mansion east of Hamilton. In 1890 Daly brought James Hamilton & Robert O'Hara from Minnesota to develop a planned community. The town was named after Hamilton & O'Hara was first mayor. Hamilton was incorporated about 1894.

In 1891 Chief Charlo and Salish Indians, who had befriended white settlers for 86 years now, were forced from their ancestral home. They were one of few tribes to never do battle with white man. In October of 1891, Salish tribe traveled 66 miles north of Stevensville and were settled on Flathead Reservation in Jocko Valley north of Missoula. The valley now belonged solely to white settlers. The Salish people still come to valley on a religious pilgrimage to visit "Medicine Tree", an important religious symbol for their people located along Hwy 93 south of Conner.