I just had one client who reserved a rental car ahead of time in each port. The family of 4 got off the ship, got their car, and headed for what they wanted to do. They had done alot of research ahead of time and knew exactly where they were going. Overall, he said they saved a huge amount of money on shore excursions when you figure there were 4 of them. And by pre-registering for some of the activities, they paid much less than those who did the activities through the cruise line, since the cruise line has to add their fair share to the cost.

But he thoroughly convinced me this was the way to go to avoid the crowds, do more, do what you want when you want, and pay much less.

Pete