Looking at shore excursions to Pompei from the port of Naples.
Have you tried the Naples Express, the bus excursion, or booked on your own at the port...any advice?

Book on your own at the port

I had a private tour guide booked but while I was waiting for him( as I came off the ship) I sure met some other nice guides that I talked to as I waited ..my guide was 5 minutes late!!

You need a guide at Pompei to explain things to you.

Percy

Has anyone been to both Pompeii and Herculean? Which is better and why?
Is one more commercial?

I highly recommend Italy Car Service, we hired them for Pompeii and Amalfi Coast drive and were impressed with their services. Our guide in Pompeii was the best, he is an archeologist, he answered all of our questions and gave us information, we noticed that other groups would get close to us to hear what he was saying because he was so interesting. After leaving Pompeii, we went to Positano for lunch and returned to the port by way of the Amalfi Coast and it was a truly spectacular drive. The vans were new, air conditioned and the drivers were courteous, knowledgeable and very willing to adjust to our requests to stop to take pictures, etc. And as a bonus, we got to see the Emerald Grotto, an underwater cave, it was the best part of our trip!!! Contact Josephine at italycarservice.it and you won't regret it.

thanks for the great recommendation...you can never see too many caves...would not have thought of it there...

If you can see both cities its worth it. They are quite different. Pompeii is very big... wear good walking shoes, and if its going to be hot, be prepared. Herculenium is smaller and was destroyed in a different way... In Pompeii if you are short on time, concentrate on the houses closer to the forum.