I have never been on a cruise, or even a day-long guided tour, because I want the freedom to do what I want...when I want.
I have however had some great trips, that because of the flexibility to follow whims...resulted in some wondrous discoveries off the beaten trail.
My favorites in order:
1. Aruba (Great people! motto: "One Happy Island")
2. Alaska by rail and automobile. (Unsurpassed scenery. Anchorage to Seward by rail a must. Also take the bus trip into Denali Park to Wonder Lake.)
3. Italy. (Driving a rental car in Rome, is something every 'adventurous' person needs to put on their bucket list
)
4. Hawaiian Islands (favorite is Kaui)
5. Vancouver, BC (must include overnight trip up to Whistler/Blackcomb)
6. Cabo San Lucas (be careful swimming on Pacific side, STRONG undertow)
7. Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya (not that far from Cancun, but might as well be a different country. Drive up and spend a night on the grounds of the Chichen Itza ruins)
Least favorites:
1. Costa Rica (San Jose doesn't have a system of named streets or addresses
)
2. St. Croix, USVI (The phrase
"Island Time" is often used to cover for just laziness. You drive on left with left-hand drive rental vehicles)
3. Cancun (way too many people/tourists. Pretty unsafe these days too)