Taking a Western European Cruise Golden Princess July 2006. Any words of wisdom? Can I get around without taking costly shore excursions?

If you list your ports, people can make suggestions more easily.

I assume you mean doing it on your own vs. ship sponsored tours. The answer is a resounding yes! Many do. What are you port stops?

Zeeburgee (Belgium)
Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
Oslo (Norway)
Coppenhagen (Denmark)
LeHavre (Normandy-France)
Hamburg (Berlin)

Thank you all for any help you can provide concerning getting around w/o shore excursions

Oslo and Copenhagen are both very easy to do on your own. If you go to the destinations section of this website, you will find very good one day itineraries.

When in Rotterdam, take the train to Delft, a real nice old city.

Is it a short distance from the port?

Lots to do in Oslo on your own which include the museum/fort right there at the pier, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, and Holmenkollen, depends upon your interests. I would recommend the Fort, the Sculpture Park, and wandering around the shopping area in town.

In LeHavre, take local transportation/bus on Honfleur, walk around town and have lunch. We rented a car in LeHavre and drove up to Etretat and FeCamp (a couple of fishing villages) and drove back to Honfleur, but I understand that you can no longer rent a car for a day there. Maybe you can do it by renting a guide & car.

In Zeebrugee, take the train/bus to Brugge and spend the day -- Clock tower, canal, lace shopping, etc. Great little town.

In Hamburg, take the train to Lubeck for the day. Take a canal ride, and have lunch at Schiffergesellschaft.
"This historical, atmospheric seaman's restaurant dates from 1535 and serves regional dishes." Great food, great time, great atmosphere.