Eastern or Western for 2 adults ?

[anne930]

Need help !!!

We are 2 middle-aged adults planning our first 7-day cruise for sometime in October, 2004. (We did the 3-day cruise a few years back and loved it, although I didn't particularly care for Nassau - we didn't get very far from the ship, though) In your expert opinions, which is more enjoyable: Key West, Cozumel & Grand Cayman or St. Maarten and St. Thomas? Any particular favorite excursions to do or great shopping locations? My DH says I can pick.

Thanks,

 

[dianthus]

After doing 2 Easterns & 1 Western, our family really enjoys the extra sea day and St. Thomas. St. Maarten I can live without, but it's not as bad as Key West... imho. The beaches on St. Thomas & St. Maarten are relaxing and beautiful. Grand Cayman & Stingray City are wonderful. Coz shopping & Mr. Sancho's Beach club is good too.

It's still pretty warm in October in the Caribbean, so you can't go wrong on either route. We just find that extra sea day on the Eastern makes it's more relaxing & enjoyable. Slows the pace just a bit...

You'll have a great time as long as you're on a Disney Ship!

~ Linda

 

[WDWLVR]

I agree with Linda. You really can't go wrong with either route, but for your first I would go with the Eastern.

Sea days are my favorites and on the Eastern you get 3 - lots of time to relax, enjoy the ship etc.

St. Martin and St. Thomas both have really good shopping, I found the shopping to be better on the Eastern than on the Western.

Don't know if you are thinking about early October, but the October 2nd Eastern has one of the special iteneraries going to Antiqua instead of St. Martin. You may want to check that out (not sure how booked it is already or what pricing is like).

I loved the Western as well but think the Eastern is a great starting point. My advise - book the Eastern and then have so much fun that you book your next cruise (a Western) while on board!

 

[JanDave]

Hi: MyDH and I (now both in our 50s) have sailed DCL Eastern twice. Our third DCL cruise is 9/18/04 when the itinerary changes to include Antigua and no stop in St. Maarten. According to my DH, he doesn't care where the Magic sails, as long as he is on it.

Enjoy!

 

[rae519]

We've done both several times and Eastern gets our vote - more relaxing to have that extra day at sea.

Rae

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

We prefer Western, but we also LOVE port days. The more ports the better for us. Eastern islands are beautiful, OK snorkeling, best shopping, St. John should not be missed! Islands are hilly and lush. I do like eastern, but I like the western better. More activity on the western itinerary that we like. Better watersports! I love Grand Cayman for snorkeling and diving, Love Cozumel for partying and this year we are going to go on dune Buggies, Key West plan on doing the "BOB". The Western is kind of more of the Desert Island looking scenery. More flat than eastern, but In My opinion nicer Beaches (other than St. John!). So Western it is for us. I always tell people that if you want shopping and Relaxation - Eastern. For Watersports, excitement and excrusions- Western.

maureen

 

[ELIJAH'S GRANDPA]

Both are great! If you force me to choose, I'd give the Eastern a slight edge. We also enjoy the extra day at sea, seems the more there is to do, the more we try to squeeze in. For a report of our western cruise last December (with a link to pictures)go to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=481040
Enjoy your cruise,
John

 

[jrabbit]

On the eastern, St. Maarten has some fun excursions (Golden Eagle Catamara for one) and very beautiful beaches (Orient Bay). You can also experience two "countries" Dutch (port) and France (on the other side of the island). Be prepared if you are "driving" around (taxi, bus, scooter, car rental) that there is poor living conditions that you will see.

St. Thomas has St. Johns which has some of the best snorkeling around.

Western: Key West - adult party town, Grand Cayman - great snorkeling/scuba and Sting Ray City, Cozumel - Party town with great beaches.

Having done both, I think that I like the eastern better. I really enjoy the shipboard activities (saves me a litte $ on excursions too). I think that the ship is more exposed to the ocean on the eastern so it rocks and rolls a little more. I like it (and I am one that gets terribly sea sick).

East or West - tough choice, picking DCL - easy/smart choice!!

 

[anne930]

You guys are terrific !!! Keep it coming - I had initially thought about the Western since I have friends who have been to Grand Cayman and loved it, but sounds like the Eastern has strong supporters. Which cruises go to Antigua or St. Johns? Is Antigua better than St. Maarten? I plan to visit the trip boards tonight to get more pointers.

Thanks so much.