Love the freestyle cruising, I can be my casual or dressed up self whenever I want to and I don't have to worry about getting stuck dining with people I don't know. Embarkation was delayed a few hours due to foggy conditions earlier during the day and text communication was not as clear but port staff made up for it by keeping us hydrated and they dealt nicely and patiently with the impatient passengers. Disembarkation went faster and smoother than I expected (reviews that I read were bad). Our cabin was always clean, enough options when it comes to dining - you can go to the same dining room and not exhaust the menu. Entertainment as always is of professional caliber. Did not have much time at first port due to the delay in embarkation but it was okay - appreciate the Captain's effort to not skip it. - and the main attraction is just across the port anyway so we still got to see what we wanted to see. Shore excursions were priced reasonably. Best port I would say is Dubrovnik. All the staff and crew did their best to make up for the delay and gave excellent service as always.
Our steward made sure that we have everything we need all throughout the stay and that we have a clean room to "come home to" every time.
Did our own as well. The fortified town is just across the street from the port. If you have time, you can walk the steps up to the city walls - steep and slippery though. Nice historic town.
Walked to old town which was about 15-20 minutes walk from the port. Kind of sad sightings on the way seeing the abandoned/closed buildings but when you get to old town, you'll see the hustle and bustle.