We have done it both ways, we mostly do the ports on our own, just depends on where you are going and your comfort level with traveling to new places. We love to explore and visit with the locals, that is why we do things on our own. We also find it cheaper.
I agree, I think it depends on what you want to do. Beach and sightseeing, grab a cab and do it on your own. 7 hour ruins tour, book through DCL. I booked our first excursion for the Atlantis Submarine in St. Thomas through DCL and it was fine. Now I would definitely do it on my own. There is also a lot more offered on each island than you will find at the DCL website. Pirate ships, katamaran snorkeling trips, speed boats, private stingray city tours. So do some checking and some asking. <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZSYYYYYYYYUS' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_3_1v.gif' alt='Snorkel' border=0></a> <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZSYYYYYYYYUS' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_3_130.gif' alt='Scuba Diving' border=0></a>
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