Sorrento Cruise stop

It's so easy to do it on your own. At the train station in Sorrento, take the commuter train (Circumvesuviana) to Pompeii and tour on your own at your own pace. You can pay for a guide there if you want one. For AC and Positano, take the SITA bus which picks up in front of the train station, and ride along the AC to Positano. Get off at the second stop for Positano. On your way back to Sorrento, you can either take the bus again or, take a boat (our favorite way to get around on the AC). You will save a lot of money doing it on your own. A private guide (but doing it on your own would be my first choice) would be more preferable than the cruise line 'all-three-in-one-day' trip. Way too rushed. Way too much in one day. Visiting these 3 places in two days, rather than one, would be ideal. I would do the AC & Positano on the first day when you have the most time, and Pompeii on the second day. All three are well worth your time and effort! Sorry, I don't have private guide recs. We've done them all many times on our own.

Meg, I just wanted to add.. I recommend getting the RS Italy guide from the library and copying the pages you'll need for these three places along with directions on how to get there, plus the section on Sorrento. We love Sorrento, it's our favorite place in Italy, and it's well worth some of your time too. In fact, I like it much better than Positano. Enjoy your trip!

Another vote for do it your self. These places are easy to get to on your own. Save your money.

Since you have two days, there's no need to take a single day marathon tour. You can break these sights up into two days, and be much happier. Whether you see them on your own or with a tour is up to you; I agree that with 8, a private driver may be worth it. Since you're taking a cruise, you should get the book Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports. This will have all the details of seeing this area on your own, so you will know what's involved and can decide about a tour. He also recommends some drivers and guides. If you want to take a private tour, in addition to Rick's recommendations for guides, you will get lots of recommendations from Cruise Critic. Here's their Italy Ports Forum: http://tinyurl.com/bwqtmhk

Thank you everyone! I am glad I asked, it did seem like a marathon day. We are going to break it up on our own. Thanks for the suggestions with the books I will definitely get them.

Susan is right in my opinion, do Amalfi coast first and Pompeii second day. If taking bus be sure to sit on side of bus away from driver for best view. As she said, get off second Positano stop. From Sorrento, get off train at first Pompeii stop, only maybe five minute walk to ruins, be sure to wear good shoes and take water bottle with you.

Meg-I would recommend a guide at Pompeii. There are several at the entry gates and nominal for a small group. I wish we had done this as you will be wandering all over the site and not understanding what it is you are seeing nor the history behind it. Just remember there are no artifacts there they are all in the museum in Naples. Another point as suggested, take the bus from Sorrento to Positano (sit on the right side going over - spectacular view, and take the ferry back to Sorrento. Spectacular scenery as well. If you stop only for a few hours in Positano then further your trip by bus to Amalfi itself and there is a ferry there back to Sorrento as well. Bus fare is only about 2-3E and the ferry I think should be around 5-10E.(not sure of these prices as we did this 7 years ago).
Enjoy.