Eastern or Western cruise for a first timer

[A1A1]

Hi.

Dd, 5, and I would like to take our first cruise in December or January. I think we'd like the 7 day cruise. I don't know which to choose, the Eastern or the Western. I think I want to do a lot more than shop, and it seems like the Eastern cruise has a lot of shopping in its port visits, and that the Western has more adventure-type excursions. Of course, I have no first-hand knowledge at all. Can anyone help us with this? Thanks.

[mmouse37]

Personally I would choose the Eastern. The reason being if it is your first cruise you will want to spend time on the ship and explore and enjoy the experience. The Eastern itinerary has three sea days which are wonderful, in my opinion. It gives you chance to take part in all the wonderful activities DCL has to offer. If you do not want to shop then stay on the ship during port days and enjoy an almost empty pool!!!!

Of course it also depends on what islands you want to visit and what shore excursions, if any you want to participate in.

MJ

[Horace Horsecollar]

I was on the 3/23 Disney Magic Eastern Caribbean itinerary, and I've cruised a Western Caribbean itinerary that included Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Key West on another cruise line.

As much as I enjoyed St. Maarten and St. Thomas, I'd give the Western Caribbean ports a slight edge. It was amazing to visit the Mayan ruins at Talum and to snorkel at Chankanaab National Park on Cozumel. We missed Stingray City on Grand Caymen because of storms, but Grand Caymen was a delightful port anyway.

I actually think it doesn't matter which Disney Magic itinerary you take. Whichever one you don't take on your first cruise, you can take on your second cruise!