East or West Carribian?

[OKW Lover]

We enjoy both. Basically we alternate the two. Agree with the PP's that the extra sea day is nice.

 

[TestingH2O]

1. If you want concierge reviews, go to the trip reports section. The experience is comparable on the Dream and Fantasy. I’ve done a couple concierge cruises on the Dream. It’s a nice experience but not worth the up charge in my opinion. I’m glad our first cruises were concierge though since they helped us learn the ropes. Now, we don’t need the extra hand holding and prefer to cruise more often or do more excursions.

2. Generally, eastern ports are considered relaxing and beach heavy. There are several ports that rotate for the Eastern itineraries though so to get specifics you would need to actually look at an actual date. Western is considered more active and has more thrilling type excursions like zip lining. Both are lovely and we had a great time at all port stops.

 

[KashasMom]

We're in the minority. We've had some of our best excursions on the Western itineraries. IMO St. Thomas is all beaches and shopping. I've never particularly cared for it. Of course being a U.S. territory you'll find little in the way of culture. Tortola is a pretty boring port aside from the Baths, which doesn't sound like it would be of interest to you. We don't enjoy the extra sea day so would never choose the Eastern for that. Mexico does have history/historical sites and good food. We found that in Jamaica as well. For us, Grand Cayman was more of a beach day. We did an amazing Heritage walk in Falmouth and ended the day with authentic jerk chicken (not the kind in the locked in port area). We've also done tubing on the Rio Bueno twice, which although doesn't seem to be your thing, was amazing. One of our favorite excursions on Cozumel was a Baby Sea Turtle Rescue (with a good excursion around the island), which was one of the best port excursions we've ever done.

Honestly, IN COMPARISON to other places/countries, I don't think there is a lot of culture on the Caribbean islands, especially ports. They tend to be created and geared for cruise tourists and you'd have to get from them to get a good feel for any island. As far as Concierge, I would definitely go with the Fantasy over the Magic. We went Concierge on the Magic and it was...okay. I think the newer ships are better. Have a great cruise, whichever you choose!

 

[grantclaire]

Hi, we have done one of each both on Disney Fantasy. Loved San Juan for the history and food. ST Martin had nice beaches and some good shopping. On the Western in Cozumel we had a nice inexpensive meal and drinks. Falmouth was very touristy in the gated port area but the country side was beautifull and lush, Grand Cayman was very modern with good shopping and great beaches, just my two cents!

 

[MomOTwins]

We did the Western and probably wouldn't do it again. We tried to do culture/history type excursions and it was all very tourist trappy, but we loved the beach day we did. I think going to the caribbean and just doing beaches is the way to go, and the beaches look amazing on the eastern, so that is what we'll do next. We'll save the history/culture for when we can plan and control the touring on a land trip rather than being dragged along with a cruise tour group.

 

[Quellman]

We have done both and I think most of the people who have replied have NOT taken into consideration your culture and food requirements.

Eastern only gives you 2 ports. Typically 2 of the following: Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Tortola, St. Maarten. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with lots of great food and a diverse landscape. St. Thomas is America lite. St. Maarten/Sint Martin is a dutch/French island with a culture that reflects that. Tortola is the only one I haven't been to, but only because our ship was diverted.

Western gives you 3 ports, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth. If you have the desire to ferry to the mainland and the ability to spend time on a bus, you can of course see world heritage sites in Mexico. Grand Cayman is largely a beach Island with aquatic wonders abound. Jamaica is a land that has some challenges with regards to safety but has its own culture and cuisine.

I can't make any recommendations on the food part of the trips as that is not an area I would be qualified to make a decision on.

 

[MickeyD]

We have done both, but neither from the perspective of food and culture. It is either "do we want an extra sea day, or do we not?" But since you mentioned you are interested in culture and food, I would say the Western is far more geared towards that. Probably not so much with DCL excursions, but if you go to Trip Advisor or Shore Trips (hope I can mention those, if not, mod please delete) and look up food tours. I know Jamaica has a great one as does Cozumel. The culture part of it is also great in Cozumel and Jamaica, but geared towards the tourist so some may be "cheesy." I am thinking the San Gervasio ruins. But Chitzen Itza is nice, albeit hot!
As for the concierge experience, I have no clue. I have never wanted to pay the upcharge on any of the ships for it, but I can see the Fantasy being perhaps nicer because they have a large sundeck just for concierge.

 

[Cruise Diva]

We prefer the Eastern or the Southern Caribbean cruises. St Martin is one of our favorite stops. We love to do the 12 Metre Regatta in St, Martin. The Regatta is a 3 hour sailing race on 12 metre yachts and you actually crew the yacht. On the Southern Caribbean cruise you visit more islands but there are no stops at Castaway Cay.