Eastern or Western Cruise & why??

[savs]

My family and I are looking at taking a 7 night cruise in May and we are trying to decide on the Eastern Cruise (May 5-10) or the Western Cruise (May 10-17).

In your experience, which cruise has more to offer and why? We are a family of 2 adults and 2 children (ds-5 , ds-3). My husband and I have been on 2 other cruises (RC- to the Bahamas) and loved them and thought DCL would be a better thing to take our boys on.

I did notice that the Eastern has 3 days at sea and the Western only has 2 days at sea. What is your opinion on that part???

At looking at everyones posts, it seems more people are chosing to cruise on the May 10-17. Can you explain how you came to your choice?

Thanks,

 

[mmouse37]

I have been on both itineraries twice before. I like the Eastern for the extra sea day and shopping opportunities and I like the Western for the water activities in Grand Cayman and Cozumel. We are cruising again on the 5/17 Eastern and I picked this week not so much for the itinerary, but it was the only time we could go.

We have 3 teens 19, 18 and 15 and they don't really care which one we go on, as long as we go!!!

Both itineraries are lovely!!!

MJ

 

[grimgrinnin]

My DW and I chose the Eastern itinerary mainly for the extra day at sea.

grim

 

[BeanoC]

Sounds like your DS's may be too young for any open water activities, such as snorkeling. They will probably prefer the Mickey Pool! The extra sea day on the eastern was very nice for extra 'deck time'.

Overall, from the adults point of view, we like the western better because we love Key West, and the shopping in Cozumel was good too. But if you're willing to give up a port of call, it's also nice to use the Mickey Pool then, because there is no crowd!

For beaches and snorkeling, I'd say the eastern is better. Cayman is nice, but St. John is better! Trunk Bay is stunning.


Shopping : St. Maarten, IMHO, is a dump! You can get good deals on cheap tropical clothing for dinner that night, but otherwise I would probably stay on the ship in St. Maarten. Shopping is St. Thomas is very good. On the western, shopping is good in Cozumel for clothing, jewlery, chess sets and booze! Key West also has great shops, and lots of great restaurants.

So, the bottom line, in my opinion, is to do the eastern if you prefer more time on board and are not as concerned about shopping; Do the western if you want to more shopping opportunites. Either one has good snorkeling beaches, but I think the eastern is a little better. I guarantee you won't be disappointed with either one!!!



'Beano'

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I think you should choose the 5/10 Western, because I'll be on it!

I have only done the Eastern so far, and although we loved it, I would say that St. Maarten is not a nice port. I think the Western sounds like it has better ports.

 

[bennett]

We like the Eastern because of the extra day at sea and St. Thomas and St. Maarten. We are booked again on the Eastern--loved shopping in St. Maarten-although we didn't buy much-we loved the atmosphere. Everyone has different opinions---

 

[Bev J]

We like the western, the islands are more interesting. Also lots of people will be on tours on the islands so that leaves the best for you if you stay onboard-an empty ship for you to enjoy. With the ages of your kids you won't want to be dragging them around shopping so go for islands with fun beaches or other family activities.

 

[markey]

Went on both - returning on the Eastern because Key West is ok, but didn't think it was very different then any other Florida Beach town that you could drive to, except was a lot sleezer and had a lot of interesting he/shes walking around. Did not like GC, just wasn't very tropical and did not like to tender. Coszumel (sp) was very nice and loved the water choices.

St. Martin had great shopping, good place to bargain and the feel of another culture, loved Orient Beach.
St. Thomas was beautiful, could have sat all day on deck and just looked at the hills surrounding the harbor. And again beautiful beaches.

So that is my opinion - but everyone finds something they like or dislike.

 

[savs]

Thanks everyone for responding. I did notice a lot of you said you like those days at sea. That surprised me! Is there that many great things to do, while having a day at Sea. I don't just mean sitting by the pool, since we will be spending plenty of time there already (my boys are excited for that slide for kids).

Is St. Maarten really that bad a place to visit. We were thinking of the Maagens (sp) beach while there. Is that still a recomended to do?

As far as the shopping goes....my boys are pretty good about going shopping, but they may just want to stay on the ship for that part...lol.

Thanks again,

 

[BSDolk]

We went on the 2/22 Eastern with two DSs, ages 4 and 5. The St. Maarten day was by far our favorite day. We too thought the shopping area was kind of icky and just stopped there long enough to buy cute outfits for tropical night. Then we took a taxi to Dawn Beach and it was wonderful! Probably the most beautiful beach I've been to. Not crowded, immaculate, crystal clear water with just enough waves to make the kids happy, and the softest sand. We are going on the Eastern again next February and going to Dawn Beach again is one thing we will definitely do!

 

[outahere]

savs...............

Were you referring to the beach at Magen's Bay? If so, that beach is on St. Thomas, not St. Maarten. It is definitely a beautiful beach and worth a visit.

 

[savs]

Thanks outahere........

That is the beach we were thinking of...oops wrong island.

BSDolk mentioned the Dawn's Beach. How does everyone feel about that one? We need something that doesn''t have high or strong waves.

Any other suggestions out there?????

Thanks,