Of what I recall (three yers ago, Princess Cruises), any organized type activity was around $100/person. It sort of just worked out like that.

In Roratonga, right by the terminal, there were people offering their services as tour guides to go around the island for a decent rate (I think it was like $50 for both of us), and we shared a jeep with a German couple. The guy/guide was actually quite informative.

Something like that, i.e., not reserved via cruise ship, would be considerably less.

Do look on Cruise Critic. The people there are very well informed.

Anna Roz

Thanks anna_roz. Have been on to cruise critic too - lots of info there too.

Will keep checking back here and cruise critic in case some more recent visitors drop off their comments.

Vaycee..we´ve done Sydney to LA on last April-May. I also think the cruise shore excursions are quite expensive and we don't like to tour with another 30 persons with different interestes.I can tell you our experience..IN Rarotonga we shared a taxi with another couple,the driver was our guide in the tour and then drove us to a Resort (where the other cuisers went with the ship tour) we spent some time there swiming and having some snaks while the driver waited for us. In Papeete we walked around the city and went to a Resort with a taxi but other people hired a taxi and visited the fancy neighborhoods and surroundings. In Bora Bora it was impossible to rent a car for more than 2 hours (100 USD) because they were rented in advance.We rented one, drove all around the Island and then took a taxi to a beautiful resort and spent the afternoon there. Sure you are enjoying your cruise!

Thanks Virginia. Sorry for tardy response but shortly after my last post DH and I went to England and Ireland for five weeks.

Now Christmas and New Year are over I'm back into my research.

Thanks for all your hints - very valuable information.