Eastern or Western? HELP!

[Samsma]

I've booked a Eastern cruise for 2003, but can't decide if I want to change it. Has anyone been to St. Thomas or St. Martin with kids. How about Key West? I think my kids would enjoy the extra stop on Key West, but being Disney nuts, they might want the extra day at sea. Boy 10, girl 4. Help me figure this out please!

[TnRobin]

I can't speak for the Western Itinerary - yet. But Matthew has been on the Eastern Carribbean cruise twice - once at 5 and again at 6. He loved St Thomas and Coral World. He also enjoyed shopping at St Marteen because of the Del Sol shops. This is where the t-shirts become painted with the sun.

We are going on the May 11 Western and I plan to do a complete trip report when I get back.

As for Key West, we were diverted there in 1999. Matthew did enjoy the Aquarium. If we had more time, we would have visite the shipwreck museum too.

[bkline]

We're going to do the Western, because we have been on the Eastern (June 2001). I like the Eastern and Southern (which Disney does not do, HINT HINT). St. Thomas is great for beaches and snorkeling. I am not much of a shopper, but DW says it is great. On St. Marteen, I highly recommend the Golden Eagle Catamaran. It's a nice, short (about 4 to 4.5 hours) trip with a stop to play on the beach or snorkel. My DS went at 5 and 7 and loved it.

[Samsma]

bkline,

You will love the beaches in Grand Cayman as well, I went Jan. 1997. Tell dw to do her shopping in Cozumel, not in Grand Cayman, very expensive.