We want to take our 2 granddaughters who will be 13 in 2013 on a Mediterranean cruise but 1 is terribly afraid of ships, she's never been on one anyway to visit?

Unfortunately, due to Homeland Security regulations, going aboard and visiting a cruise member on departure day is no longer allowed. Ah the good ole days! but large franchise and local travel agents who book a lot of cruises for a certain cruise line, can usually get a visitors invite for buffet lunch, and a look around the ship prior to sailing on departure day.