A Rome Example of Cruiser’s 
                 Shore Excursions Issues & Solutions

A summary of a few actual cruisers’ opinions PLUS my suggestions

    a. Time Management: ‘Too many sites, too little time'; rather focus on 1 or 2 key sites or activities: the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican Art Museums.     Opt for advance ticket booking &/or expensive VIP access.

Anecdote: London's 'double-decker, open' bus tour: went so fast through the streets of London that the guide's commentary often came when we were well past the sites he was referring to.  Too many sites, ... too fast.                

If you watched the above clip for very long, ---
How much did you learn? How much did you see?
How much did you care?

    b. Highlights and Recommendations:
        Tier 1 Sites: Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City (including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel), Piazza Navona.      

                              Takes time to walk through Roman Forum 

.                        
                                                                                                                                       ➩➩➩➩➩
        Foodie Experience: authentic Roman cuisine, tasting tours or dining away from tourist traps are favored for authenticity.
        Local Interaction: local authentic cooking classes, and local artisans.  YT VID: Dali, Chi dumplings.

    c. Ship’s Shore Excursions Alternatives:
        Private Tours: Ideal flexibility (Cruising Rome: offers customizable Tier 2 experiences & skipped line access. 
        Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: Excellent version/alternative ‘self-guide walking tour’ for overview.
        Walking Tours: Student-guided ‘free’ walking tour

    d. Competitive pricing with more personalized experiences thru:   RomeCabs or Shore Excursions Group (e.g.: Stefano’s RomeCabs: focused on max site & experience time at less crowded Tier 2 time sites avoiding long waits & chaos.

    e. Logistics from Civitavecchia (Rome’s cruise ship port):
1 hr to Rome; public transport options exist, but easier pre-arranged transfers or tours AND Guaranteed return to ship on time (cruise ship Shore Excursions’s significant advantage.)

My Advice: If you really want to explore major cities sites, either Big Bus Tour or independent self-guided travel.