Eastern Caribbean vs. Western Caribbean

[mjaclyn]

DH and I are currently deciding whether our next cruise should be the Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean. We have only sailed once on DCL to the Bahamas and had a great time! Now we are looking for something longer...a 7 night cruise but still going out of Port Canaveral. I'd love to hear your thoughts on either itinerary and see which one more people prefer. So..which is your favorite and why? I'd especially love to hear from you if you've tried both!!

Our Options:

1. January 2012 Sailing on the Magic or

2. September 2012 Sailing on the Fantasy

We are leaning towards booking an Eastern or Western Caribbean on the Magic in January because it is a lot cheaper than the Fantasy and there is always the possibility of a Kids Sail Free promotion in January which would save us another $1000.

 

[jilljill]

Are you planning on a 7 day on the Magic or the Fantasy and what time of year? That would make a difference in helping people choose between the Western on the Magic and the Western on the Fantasy since the ports are different. Also, later in the year they are offering different itineraries, i.e. stopping in San Juan PR.


Sorry to make your post difficult, but next year choosing between an Eastern and a Western is a bit complicated with different ports.

 

[mjaclyn]

Just updated the first post with the options we're considering. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[davidls]

It all boils down to two decisions. Number 1 decision is of course money - what you can afford, and number 2 what do you want to do / see island wise. Both the Eastern and Western are excellent, and you will have a great time on either one. And, both ships are excellent. So, the decision is really all up to you and your family. You will in all probably get close to 50% / 50% break out on both the Eastern and Western.

 

[mjaclyn]

I think for me it would come down to which itinerary would be warmer in January and also offer the smoothest seas during that time of year. Does anyone know?

 

[Florida Princess]

We were just on the Dream Cruise with you ! We have sailed both Eastern and Western many times ! Can never predict the seas but September is when we had our itinerary changed due to Hurricanes ! Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 1---they can pop up any time then
We sailed once in March and had the roughest seas ever and very cold temps (never expected that) ! January can be cooler weather for Castaway Cay then we had in May !
Have you sailed on the Magic yet ? If not, then perhaps you would like to experience that ship
Whatever you decide---you will have a Wonderful Cruise !

 

[TinkBell10]

I have done both on the Magic...here are my 2 cents:

The Eastern has an extra sea day--2 of them being the first 2 days of the cruise, then another later on. This can be a pro or con, depending on your opinion of sea days. The ship's common areas (especially the pools) are very crowded on sea days. But, there are lots of activities to do.

The Western has an extra port stop. Again, this can be a pro or con. Personally, I love being on the ship when everyone else gets off on port days! On the Western stops, the ship really clears out and there is plenty of room around the pools. There are still lots of activities going on, but not as many as sea days. The kids clubs do stay open on port days, and my kids like being in there with smaller crowds.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll have a great time, no matter which one you choose!

 

[lbgraves]

I prefer the Eastern [twice] versus the Western [3 times] for many reasons. We only did a western this past January because of the KSF deal and timing and the Fantasy's MV is set so once again will be doing the Western. The eastern's regular ports are beautiful to see with lush green landscapes. We don't go for the excursions so like the atmosphere around the port and the view. It really doesn't matter to us what the ports are to be honest. The best part about an eastern is that it has 3 SEA DAYS!!! Even the kids prefer the sea days and the extra activities that they can do onboard the ship. They made me promise to NEVER book another 3 night cruise because there was no down time on the ship.

 

[momster24]

I can tell you that I chose Magic 7 day Eastern in Jan '12. I have done the Western a few times, but have never been to the ports on the 7-day. If I were you I would avoid Sept because of huricaine season and it is more money. The 7-day Magic is a great price in January.

 

[NancyIL]

I'm not much of a beach person, so I preferred the western itinerary (on another cruise line) to experience the native culture in Costa Maya and Belize (DCL doesn't go to the latter). I booked the Fantasy's western itinerary for Dec. 2012 (DIS Podcast cruise), and I want to go to the Tulum ruins from Cozumel.

 

[glindamood]

DH feels that the seas are generally calmer on a western but I LOVE that extra sea day on an eastern. I also love St. Thomas/St. John. We are doing a Western in Ocotober (we generally sail during hurricane season without issue) but an Eastern next December on the Fantasy with the stop in San Juan. You will have an awesome time, regardless of which you pick.

 

[Beth D]

We chose an Eastern over a Western itinerary as well, for several different reasons.

1. In February/March when we are sailing the Western has the same number of port stops as the Eastern - Key West, Cozumel, & CC for the Magic.

2. DH & I have been to Mexico several times already (not via cruise), and wanted to experience new countries.

3. The Eastern port calls seemed more tropical and exotic and more of what we had in mind for our first Caribbean cruise.

4. Unrest in Mexico - I know the ports and the whole Gulf coast of Mexico is much safer than the Pacific side, but I just don't want to worry about it.

Beth

 

[Beth D]

Forgot one more!

5. Key West - if you can drive to it, I don't want to cruise to it! I've also heard that not much is going on during the day when the ships dock, that to truly experience Key West you need to be there at sunset, after the ships leave.

Beth

 

[knhellesky]

We've done the 7-night Western and really enjoyed it.

Hopefully we can do the 7-night Eastern on the Fantasy, December of next year.

 

[mjaclyn]

I think we will end up with an Eastern Caribbean Cruise because DD has one day off of school during that week. Maybe we can book on board a Western Caribbean on the Fantasy!!!

 

[momster24]

I think we will end up with an Eastern Caribbean Cruise because DD has one day off of school during that week. Maybe we can book on board a Western Caribbean on the Fantasy!!!

We will be sailing together then!! That day off of school was a big reason for choosing that week also. We are also definitely rebooking onboard!