Isn't there anyone out there who like me, just wants to experience the "cruise" and not worry about shore excursions? Isn't it just as fun to do a little shopping, maybe find a nice beach and pool for a few hours and then just relax on the ship when it isn't as crowded? Or am I fooling myself that I will really be missing something?

I have your same attitude about shore tours. My idea of a vacation is relaxing, not running around like crazy. You might be a little delusional about finding a quiet beach, though. When several ships, carrying 2000-3000 people each, pull into one small port, the liklihood of finding a quiet beach is slim!

My idea of a great cruise is to do what I want. That being said I have done cruising where I have not done anything in port but just get off and take a little walk around the are. I have also just stayed onboard the ship because I did not feel like going into the port. As was said with all the ships in port finding a quiet place on a beach may be a challenge but there is no reason for not trying to find the quiet place on the beach.