Shore excursions - cruise virgin!

[hopeishere]

We are looking at a Med cruise with several stops. At the ports do you just get off the boat and do your own thing or are there organised tours and do these cost more?

Do you tend to pick one or two things you want to see / do and plan that or just wander?

It depends where you are stopping and whether you are on a budget or whether the cost isn't important. Also how confident are you at using local transport and guides?

The tours can be expensive but also can maximise what you see in the time available. They won't sail without you if you are on a tour but if you go it alone and miss the train back they will leave you behind.
What is the itinerary?
Do your research before you go. Find out where the ship docks in relation to the port, look at the organised tours and decide whether they appeal.

Some of the ports are a long way from the place of interest - Rome for example. The ship docks a very long way away and so time is tight. I would book an organised tour for that one.
On the other hand for Cartagena the ship docks right on the promenade and you can wander on and off and explore on foot very easily.

It is to Croatia and Greek Islands. There's no detail of the organised trips on the website (Royal Carribean) but I think if you actually book you can see the tours info?

You haven't booked it yet then? I've been on a few cruises and the excursions are always pre-bookable although you can also choose to book once you are onboard.
I would guess you might visit Dubrovnik, Split or Kotor? All of those are very easy to DIY.

No we've not booked yet.

It's Dubrovnik, Kotor, Santorini and Katakolon. When I click on Cruise Excursions it just brings up generic stuff not detailed info.

I've been on a cruise that called at Dubrovnik and Kotor but not the Greek islands.
Dubrovnik is very easy, the port is quite close to the city, a short taxi ride. You can easily spend a day just wandering around. If you've never been before then that's all I would do. If you've been before then you might want to explore further. I seem to remember there were excursions to a cable car and other coach trips.
Kotor is a small town and the ship docks right in town so again you can just hop off and look around. It's not the most interesting place (and we were warned not to go in the sea there) but the arrival and departure are the most spectacular scenery as it's in a lagoon. See pic.

Katakolon
Ship docks in the main street! just walk to the opposite end of the main street and look for the Happy Train the little thing most sea side places have, it goes to this winery then drops you at a nice little beach with a cafe etc
www.google.com/destination/map/topsights?q=Katakolon&client=safari&rls=en&site=search&output=search&dest_mid=/m/033m9z&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjU3vSe14PhAhW1VRUIHZ1BBogQ69EBKAIwAHoECAQQBQ#dest_mid=/m/033m9z&trifp=skpm%3D/g/1tg7j2wz
The winery sells excellent wine and is very peaceful, the ship charge a lot for this if booked with them
Santorini, as you get tendered from ship to dock you can get a boat trip to Oia for a few quid, its excellent then they bus you back to the town, they also do a trip to the volcano and mud bath things having been three tines we feel these two trips and better the watering around the town looking at tat.
Kotor, you need to get up and see the sail in and out as its lovely, walk in to the old town and you can walk around the walls of the town but go early as its steep and hot, a few tourist kiosk type places we rented a Tuk Tuk and driver who took us up the road to a few point which was good.
Dubrovnic
I think you need the ship bus to take you to town then just wander around, it has a small craft market and the usual tat shops, I do remember some tame birds in the main street that where good to see.
Best source of info is Cruise critic forum as you can search by port.
Its easy do your home work and plan, Google the area and you will find local companies who will be better and cheaper than the cruise line, we got quoted £6000! for 12 hours in a bus with tour guide, I contacted him directly and paid £300 for us all one of the best trips ever.
In Russia we used SBP tours much cheaper and better, they also do other cities so have a look
The cruise lien will have you waiting ages with constant toilet stops and tat shops and never enough time in cash place
Any questions just ask

whatsinport.com gives loads of information about ports, maps etc and "useful hints" Kotor is lovely (especially if you love cats!) The sail in/out is spectacular and there are cats everywhere in the town. Was one of my favourite ports although one of the smallest

Thanks everyone. Some great advice!

Look on trip advisor! We found an amazing canoe trip in Dubrovnik, it's always cheaper to not use cruise excursions BUT be sure to be back in plenty of time!! YouTube has many clips of people missing their boat!!