Eastern or Western for little boys?

[JJsmama]

I want to plan our first 7 day for Fall 2005. I wonder which itinerary is better for us with boys who will be 4/5 and 6/7? I always thought ST Marten sounded more exotic and lovely, but when I read the Passporter, I got the feeling they really like Key West and Grand Cayman.

I'd like a place where we could get off the ship and do a little sight seeing or beach time without a lot of taxis, paid excursions, etc and then easily return to the ship.

Thanks

 

[deebs]

I'd think that the Western itinerary would be better as you get to visit Grand Cayman, home of Stingray City!

 

[wahini03]

If you're not interested in a lot of excursions, I would recommend the Eastern. My son has been on two Disney cruises. One when he was 6 and one when he was 8. He LOVES the Eastern. Snorkeling in St. Thomas is wonderful. The water is clear and blue, and you don't need an excursion to do it. The beaches in St. Maarten are fun - it was a little windy the day we were there and he got to do some body surfing. He can find a million ways to enjoy himself on the beaches in St. Thomas and St. Maarten - he has a habit of trying to dig to China. And, if your sons like to poke around in little shops, there are a bunch lining the beaches. It's lots of fun!

If you think they'd like excursions, then probably the Western. That's the one where you can swim with sting rays and dolphins. I don't know if your sons would like Key West - it's very crowded - maybe a nice day to stay on the ship.

Either way - your family will have a great time!

 

[JJsmama]

Thanks for the input.
The stingray thing sounds fantastic--but so does the snorkeling on our own at the beach in St Thomas.

The problem is: You two made both cruises sound so great that it is still a tie. ANyone else have an opinion?

 

[mmouse37]

The Eastern has less port days and more sea days....I personally love being at sea on the sea days....much more relaxing!!!!

So, if your main goal is to relax with a bit of sight seeing in some ports, go with the Eastern.

MJ

 

[two4ruff]

We've done both and my 2 boys have had a great time on both!

)They will say, though, that their all-time-favorite excursions were Stingray City and the Dolphin swim in Cozumel )

Make it a family adventure and they'll have fun no matter where you go!

 

[makaylee]

I have heard a few people say they thought that the Eastern would be better for kids. Key West is a little wild ( I have read )sometimes and they said the other ports were geared a little more toward partying than the Eastern ports. Again I have never been on the Western, this is just what I have read before on these boards.

 

[Hopelessly Hooked]

Have done the Eastern 3 times and Western twice – all but one on Disney. Our family strongly prefers the Eastern itinerary. (However, we will be doing the Western on another line for our next cruise in a few weeks because none of the ships we wanted were going East on the week we have off.)

I think it come down to personal preference. We love the beach. We love St. Maarten (the friendly island) and St. John’s is to die for. We even went to Anguilla last time, which is eminently memorable. We have done informal opinion surveys and most people we have talked to prefer the Eastern. However, you will find other forums such as this board where people strongly prefer the Western.

I think it comes down to personal preference and all the considerations are so subjective. I don’t think you can go wrong with either itinerary and should just enjoy whichever one you choose. If I can make one strong suggestion – Go Now! Enjoy it while your kids are young and you have a little more flexibility.

Hoping you have a great cruise.

 

[CheapMom]

I would choose the itenerary that appeals most to you because the boys will have an excellent time either way. I have heard that Key West can be raunchy.
If it were me I would choose the Eastern. (Oh BTW- the Eastern usually costs less too)

 

[JJsmama]

Sounds like Eastern it is then!! I have always wanted to go to St Thomas and St Marten anyway. (I don't know why it seemed to me that the Passporter made Key West sound so nice, since none of you who have done it seem to agree.)

We're doing the 4 night this October so I have to wait til NEXT October for the Eastern, but I do want to book it while we're aboard if not before. THANKS!

 

[TheWog]

Go with the Eastern. Beach is right there for St. Maarten. Easy access to the ship. They will love it.