Help! Cherbourg to DDay beaches by rental car?

We will be sailing on RCI Brilliance transatlantic early May and will be in Cherbourg France on May 16, 2-9 pm (yep - NOT good timeframe). Do we dare to rent a car in Cherbourg and drive ourselves to the beaches? How long will it take to arrive at the locations, what should we try to include, is driving in France difficult? I assume most of the museums will close at 5:00 or so. Is this even doable? Also, have any of you been on RCI's excursion to these locations?

We will be sailing on RCI Brilliance transatlantic early May and will be in Cherbourg France on May 16, 2-9 pm (yep - NOT good timeframe). Do we dare to rent a car in Cherbourg and drive ourselves to the beaches? How long will it take to arrive at the locations, what should we try to include, is driving in France difficult? I assume most of the museums will close at 5:00 or so. Is this even doable? Also, have any of you been on RCI's excursion to these locations?

WOW! As one who often suggests renting cars in Europe (and who personally does a lot of European driving) I do not think your port times are supportive of a rental car. And keep in mind that Cherbourg is your first port among the Schengen countries (Ireland is not part of that agreement) which can possibly add a slight delay to your ship getting clearance upon arrival in France. This might be one of those few times when we think a cruise line excursion makes good sense...although a private tour with a reputable company is also a good option.

Your cruise points out another good example of why we continue to make strong recommendations (here on CC) that potential cruisers carefully check both port times and days of the week in various ports. Not only does your TA have a lousy schedule for Cherbourg, but it is not much better for Brussels (arriving noon on a Sunday). If taking your cruise we would probably consider disembarking the cruise (with permission from the cruise line) in Cherbourg, renting a car, and staying in France for a period of time :).

Regarding one of your other questions, driving in this part of France is quite easy as its a very rural area (once outside of Cherbourg). Saturday afternoon/evening traffic will be very light in the region this early in the tourist season.

Hank