Lynn, the only thing different I recall about free excursions is that there was NEVER a great demand that they be included at all. Free internet and phone time are related to your nights onboard, nothing else. OTOH, there has been huge debate over the years about all-inclusive alcohol and a change in dress code, which I am assuming (both changes) came about because of customer feedback. As soon as all-inclusive alchohol was introduced, prices spiked considerably to make up for the lost revenue. During the recession, they added the free excursions for most cruises on 2009, but prices for 2010, in my mind, reflected this new perk, then they offered more incentives because sales still lagged, but prices for 2011 are over the top. I'm with Marc, would rather do my own port planning if I want, and pay less for the cruise. Unlike Marc, my perception on my last cruise with Regent (Vietnam) is that the busses were much more crowded than I am accustomed to.