I have debated on DCL versus private versus no tour, and decided between a mix of DCL and private...the only touring we are doing on our own is the day in Barcelona. We are 2 adults, traveling with 2 other adults, and we found tour mates on the disboards. Having been on another major trip with a language barrier, I don't want to try to do it on our own...it just isn't worth the stress for me, although kudos to anyone who is doing it on their own
Here is my plan (for the April 24 sailing)
Barcelona: day before cruise, hop on/off bus tour
Malta: Blue Grotto with DCL
Tunis: Carthage and Medina with DCL
Naples: Private tour with 8 people, 550 Euro, another 100 for guide at Pompeii
Rome: Private tour with 8 people, 600 Euro with private guide at Vatican
La Spezia: Private tour with 8 people, 700 Euro (Florence)
Corsica: Les Calanches tour with DCL
Villefranche: Private Tour with 8 people, 600 Euro
Adding other people made the private tours cheaper than the DCL excursions, with a lot more to see and less of a herd tour.
I really debated, because one thing I liked about going with DCL excursions was the priority tender when applicable...but decided that the better tour was more valuable to me. I researched guides extensively before choosing...For Rome, we joined a tour formed by another Dis'er, but the others I formed, and it was hard to choose! I am very happy with our decisions though.
Happy planning!