I've never done a cruise but that is my feeling as well. I want to be able to stay and enjoy a place and not be rushed.
I do like the idea of sampling a bunch of places before going, but I have enough places I know I want to go it's not necessary.
It reminds me of the last time we were in Cozumel. That little main area all the cruise ships dock are just madness and chaos of people. All rushing to try and get stuff in to be back at a certain time. I feel like all they get from each location is force fed by people just looking to take more of their money. I liked being able to go around the island. Food was so much better too when you got of the tourist trap port area.
That vibe makes sense and early in our cruise life we fell into that trap. Our cruise last trip to Cozumel (id recommend a week on Cozumel at some place like Secrets if anyone hasnt been) we ended up at a beach club call Nachi Cocum because it wasnt an option offered on the cruise ship. Ended up relaxing on a beach for 7 hours with a spattering of snorkeling and then heading back to the ship.