We normally have done a combination of "doing our own thing", an excursion through RSSC or hiring a private guide. We've had good luck with all of these! Since most of my experience was on the WC I can say that the tour desk was most helpful in all regards. I never felt they were trying to talk us into or out of anything. If we wanted to do our own thing, they always had excellent suggestions and eager to help.

Of all the RSSC excursions we've taken 95% were excellent that I can highly recommend. Once in awhile there's a dud...but such is life.

The overnight/leave the ship tours such as Queenstown NZ, Taj Mahal, Luxor, Bangkok were very well planned and excellent!

As Doug said, sometimes you are more than happy to just pay a higher price, know everything will be arranged for you and all you have to do is show up!