Will this be your first cruise? If not, you can do your research and do your exploring on your own. If it's your first cruise, I recommend you book shore excursions with the ship. They usually cost more than trying it on your own, but if something happens to make you late getting back to the ship, they'll wait on you. Not so if you're off on your own. Also, what ports will you be visiting? That can also make a big difference in what you choose to do. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time!