I have been watching this thread since Wendy began it. Having only done the Baltic since the inception of "free excursions", I can only say that the ones that I took advantage of were fine except for stopping at the same shop 2 out of 3 days in St. Petersburg. New tour company, therefore new store. I have been on this cruise 4 times, and only took the free excursions to visit some places I enjoyed before, but if it hadn't been free, I wouldn't have taken any of them.
I get a kick out of Marc and Frank 2525 talking about only paying for what they want. Despite the fact that I do love Regent overall, of all the "inclusive" perks I get, I only use the internet...I do not drink, and have no family to call, but since it the fares are structured with those things and free excursions, you just have to accept it or go elsewhere.....
There is no easy answer.
Lynn