- If your time in port is four hours or less.
- If the tour goes to several different locations, it may be much easier to simply go with the ship's group.
- If you definitely need or want a guided tour of a particular site of interest. Official guides are often available on site, but they may insist on waiting to start the tour until there are enough tourists of a particular language group to take it. You may not have time for this delay. (By the way, this problem can usually be solved by paying extra - if you've skipped the ship tour price, you'll probably come out even.) If the ship you're on has a policy of disembarking tour participants first, and the time in the port is limited.
- If you tend to worry about getting back to the ship in time. There's no point in saving money if it leaves you a nervous wreck, unable to enjoy your adventure.
When to Do It On Your Own
- If the site is near where the ship docks, and can be easily reached independently.
- If you want to visit an important site at your own pace. Ship tours will often race through a site so they can get you back in time for lunch on the ship, something you may prefer to replace with an inexpensive local taverna snack and more sightseeing time.
- If you prefer to shop on your own, rather than at cruise-company affiliates.
- If you don't mind the slight uncertainty inherent in getting your own transportation and getting back to the ship on time.
- If you prefer spontaneous wandering to forced-march group events.
- If you're already familiar with a particular site, or want to explore particular aspects of it which may not be on the "official" tour.
