Eastern or Western itinerary and Why?

[kamski5]

Hi there,
For anyone that has been on both Eastern and Western DCL cruises, which did you prefer and why? We just got off the Eastern and LOVED it, wondering how different the Western is? We are wanting to book again for next year and not sure which to do. Stick with Eastern or try Western?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

That is a very regular question here.

I have done both, in fact also did them back to back.

Both a great.

Eastern

Your typical eastern has two sea days at the start in the Atlantic and then hits the islands.

Its more sand, sun and shopping, less history and less sightseeing, you overall have three full sea days.

Western

To me its more true caribbean, it sails in the caribbean sea most of the time.Less time at sea, more ports more history, Mayan, culture, its good for dolphin interactions better than the Eastern imho

Entertainment the same, and food the same and Castaway Cay the same.

Weather;- I think the Atlantic is a little more open.Slightly cooler might be an advantage or disadvantage.

 

[lorimay]

From experience I can tell you whichever you choose, you will be booking the other one as fast as you can.
Trust me, DCL becomes an addiction.

Our first was Eastern in Nov. 2002 on the Magic, our second Western (Magic too) was Dec. 2003.

 

[pgroom48]

Eastern IMO. We done both and other than Tulum, which we've done (so I don't feel a need to do it again) I don't care for the ports. Just my preference. I'm sure tons of people will tell you the opposite.

 

[MUN]

We've done both and I preferred Eastern because I liked the ports better. However, it seems on the WC, Falmouth has replaced Costa Maya. That being said, they are both great cruises.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

We've done both and I prefer Western. Both were on the Fantasy and the waters were much calmer on western. Loved Grand Cayman and Cozumel. While Jamaica wasn't real pretty, the excursions were pretty cool. On the flip side, I missed the extra sea day from Eastern. We actually decided to skip DCL next summer because we didn't want to repeat the same itinerary.

 

[annacali]

We just got off a Western (and loved it). We did have rough waters going into Grand Cayman and arrived late because of it. Jamaica was super windy and it was rough leaving there too. Interestingly a lot of the staff seemed to prefer the Eastern itinerary, enjoying having days off in those ports more than the Western ones. We plan on doing Eastern next...but wouldn't hesitate to do Western again.

 

[phinz]

Eastern for us because we don't like tenders and we don't care about visiting Mexico or Jamaica. Plus we like 2.5 days at sea to start the cruise out relaxed.

 

[lisamarie12]

I have only done Eastern on Disney, but I have done many Western itineraries on another line. (Actually 2 Eastern and 5 Western). I MUCH MUCH prefer a Western itinerary. The ports on Eastern bore me. St. Maartin was okay the first time when we did an Island tour, but how many of those can you do? Our second visit there (in May), we were bored. We did a little ferry type of excursion and pretty much stayed on the boat. We got off in the French side for a minute but found the items to be too pricey, so we got a croissant and some sodas at the French bakery and sat and waited for the bus back. Nassau and St. Thomas were meh to me, no desire to go back. San Juan- we did a cool excursion, but when we got back, we attempted to walk around and found that there was nothing really nearby. Perhaps we needed to walk a little further, but we were exhausted.

On the other hand- I LOVE LOVE LOVE Cozumel. Its my favorite port. There are beaches, decent price drinks, and cheap Souvenirs. Roatan was a great port too- very pretty and just neat place. We did an Island tour with Victor Bodden. Really good tour Jamaica is a gorgeous Island, but you do have to be careful there. I felt a little uneasy in Montego Bay, I would definitely book an excursion, but Carnival at least had a hop on, hop off bus that was cool and went to the beach, Margaritaville, market area and shopping center. We were able to get some cheap souvenirs there as well. Grand Cayman- pretty. The water is so clear and shallow near where you get off the tender. If you are into Ziplining, Cave tubing, stingrays, parasailing, or snorkeling, there is plenty do in these ports. BUT, if you are like me and not really into those things, there is still plenty to do!

 

[katiep8203]

I have not been to eastern yet (I can see how people say DCL is an addiction, I'd love to book another NOW but have to save up!) but we just got done with Western. I loved Cozumel and Grand Cayman, but would probably stay on the boat for Jamaica again. People were rude, we felt unsafe and one of us stayed with our stuff on the beach at all times because we just had the feeling we shouldn't leave it unattended. The only plus to Jamaica was eating at Bigg's BBQ. DEEEELICIOUS jerk pork and chicken.

 

[Prose]

We've done both and enjoyed both, but in different ways. I think it boils down to whether you are a port person or a sea day person. I loved the Eastern, mostly because Magen's Bay was amazing and I love the relaxation of the extra sea day. DH is an active guy, so he wants as many port days as possible, although he didn't care for Jamaica or Grand Cayman - many of those excursions are beach-related, and he's not a beach guy (he loved Alaska!).

 

[ludari]

I too have done both and I enjoy both very much. In my opinion I believe they are more varied tour activities to do at the Western ports of Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Costa Maya. The Eastern ports and activities seem to be more about driving and/or beach tours which are great if you are looking to relax on beautiful beaches.