Eastern Med cruise excursions vs arrange touring on your own

No direct experience with cruises, but in general, I imagine your biggest concern should be to make the most of the time alotted, so you get back on the boat before it leaves. Two of the stops probably will be better done through the cruise line. Olympia and Ephesus are some distance from the coast, and the port may not offer many options for touring those sites. I you were not careful, you probably would eat up time on Public transport and the cruise lines tour will be working to the schedule of the boat. The rest of the stops though, you could spend just in the port city at your liesure or find a guide to meet you at the dock. For Mykonos, there are many boats to take you over to Delos, Mykonos town is best done on foot, and a taxi can get you to the beaches along the southern part of the island.

Michelle - I think you'll find more people who can answer your question(s) on a cruise specific forum. I would suggest you check out Cruise Critic's forums. I've been to Athens (easily done on your own) and Ephesus (usually best to do a tour because there isn't good public transportation to/from the ports). In general, you will find that the prices of doing it on your own are much, much lower. Especially if you are able to meet up with others on your cruise through cruise critic and arrange to tour as a group.

My family of five just got back from a cruise to Messina, IT, Athens, Ephesus, Rhodes, Crete, Naples. For Athens, Ephesus and Naples, I found English speaking driver-guides ( I did this on-line) who picked us up at the ship and drove us around for the day. We found it a very comfortable, affordable and an efficient way to see the area. The cruise excursions were all in big buses and the people were herded about. We spent the time as we wished and ate at local restaurants. In Rhodes, Crete and Messina, we rented a car and found that very cheap and easy too. If you'd like further details, I'll be glad to help.
Elaine

We have done seven European cruises so we have hit most of the ports. To go it on your own requires a fair amount of homework. We are big fans of hitting the TI for local walking tours etc. but that is not always possible in the smaller ports. We have prearranged some tours via the internet. Also, there will be all kinds of tour offers when the ship docks just outside the security area. We have had good luck with taxi drivers giving tours. Just talk to a couple and check out their English. Often for 50E there will easily take you around for four or five hours. Also, the Steves' guide books are especially for independent cruise travel. Follow his suggestions for Santorini. I will find the tour company we used for Ephesius. Had a great taxi driver in Dubrovnik.

After cruise u may regret not enuf time in any stop but live and learn. I've been to all Greek ports & also feedback from "cruisers." My tips: Prep!! READ UP in GOOD guide like Rough Guide (u can get from library, Xerox key pages). Then you can "D-I-Y" for many places, have more fun. RHODES: No need for excursion/car. Pier right by Old Town, worth a whole day to explore! If a Tuesday, u can do a Wall Walk anytime from 9 - noon!! MYKONOS: Ditto. Just 4-5 hrs, so just wander Port Town. EPHESUS: Get taxi right at port, share w. another couple; print out a D-I-Y tour from internet, you'll learn just as much; ship tours often drag u off to a rug merchant's, ugh. "Google" "Ephesus taxi tour?" to get rates & referrals. OLYMPIA: Share taxi fom port. Advantage?? Ship tours go first to outdoor site, then to Museum. If u go to museum FIRST, it's empty!! Good signage, easy to understand .. again, advance prep adds to enjoyment SANTORINI - Exursion best, alas, because ship puts these people first in line for tender boats & cablecar, the rest must wait, & your stay is SO short (4-6 hours). It's a rip-off!! ATHENS: Go to Trip Advisor GReece Foum, use "search" slot for "one-day Athens tour" & u get many good recommends' find another shipboard couple to share & it will be better experience & cheaper as well. 4 in a Mercedes taxi vs. a crowd in a bus. Finally I recommend doing a lot of "googling