re: Uxmal vs Chichen Itza as a cruise embarkation stop?

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The more interactive the site is, the better. I got to climb to the top of the main pyramid at Xunantunich in Belize. Amazing.

If you’re looking to go far away from the cruise port (which a lot of sites are), I’d see if the cruise line offers an excursion there so you don’t miss the ship.

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Absolutely, the more interactive, the better. I've been to Uxmal and you can still climb the pyramids there, as far as I know. It's not a small site at all. A lot less people there than Chichen Itza.

You absolutely do not have to book your excursions with the cruise line. All reputable companies (even individuals) are extremely careful about getting you back on time. I've not been on a ton of cruises but I've not used the cruise lines tours on any of them. Do your research (trip advisor is great) and find the best ones with great reviews. I took my mom on a cruise to Mexico and ended up taking an almost private tour to Uxmal. There were 6 of us in a nice van with 2 guides. They shared a lot about the history of the area, etc.

I find the best tours are the smallest ones where you can spend lots of time talking to the guide. Quite often, the cruise lines put you on a bus with a lot of people. Just do a lot of research and find the excursions that are best for you.