Eastern or Western Sailing?

[married2grumpy]

For those who have done both, which do you prefer and why? I am trying to plan our first Disney cruise for April 2005 and need opinions.

Thanks!

 

[2tinksmom]

We haven't done either but chose the Eastern for the extra day at sea. Also, we live in Texas and we can easily sail from Galveston, an hour away, to go to Mexico. Maybe that will be a trip in the future if we don't get too spoiled with Disney!
Michele

 

[Otimon]

We'll be going on our first 7-night next month and chose the Western for its stop at Key West. While hubby and I have been to Cayman and Cozumel, our daughter has not so that was another big factor in choosing the Western.

Whatever you decide for yourselves, I know you'll have a wonderful time.

 

[Jillie]

we have done both and love the extra day at sea on the eastern but prefer the ports on the western...not much help to you i'm afraid!!

 

[DisneyKids]

We choose eastern for the extra day at sea, as well. If the ports are what interest you, obviously select the one that has where you would prefer to go. We really like sea days. As a CM once told us, once you hit the port days, the cruise flies by so fast. Port days are busier and less relaxing. Since there are more port days on the western, ... you get the idea. Either will be great.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

This opinion poll appears on here from time to time, and it's a tough one to answer for many.

DH and I are divided. I like the Eastern because of the extra day at sea. (Also, formal night is early in the cruise, so I'm still able to fit in my clothes as I haven't gained the typical 5 lbs. yet! LOL!) I also love the shopping in St. Thomas. DH prefers the Western, because he likes the shore excursions better, and likes the extra time off the ship! (Unlike me.)

 

[prymsu]

I like them both. I love the extra sea day, and I think the shopping is a little better on the eastern. However i also think the water sports are a little better on the western. You can't go wrong though no matter which you choose!

 

[eagmommy]

I've done both and although I like the extra day at sea on the eastern, I really enjoyed the western better. I thought the ports were cleaner and I felt safer, especially in Grand Cayman. The shopping in St. Thomas is great, but there are good stores in Grand Cayman and Cozumel too. I wouldn't hesitate to do the western again. Although, if my only choice was the eastern, you wouldn't have to ask me twice to go!

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Here are the generalities on Eastern & Western, then you decide which fits you better:

Terrain: W - Flat Deserty, palm lined beaches, gorgeous clear water.
E - Hilly, jungly, greener with hidden "cove" beaches, nice water.

Water Sports: W - In abundance. Excellent snorkeling/diving. Parasailing, jet skiing, deep sea fishing.
E - Not as prevailant as west. Nice beaches. Some snorkeling in St. John/Thomas.

Sightseeing: W- average. Mayan ruins in Mexico.
E - gorgeous views at every turn.

Excursions: W - Active
E - Scenic

Party life: W- Fabulous. Key West!, Cozumel, Rowdy fun places to hang out.
E - almost non-existant
Shopping: W - Not great. T-shirts, rum cakes, Mexican Chatzkis & such.
E - A lot!, great deals on jewelery, electronics, perfumes, linens.

Ports: W - Lively, active, hot, fun.
E - Pretty, relaxing, scenic

That's the gist of it. If you are more into the relaxing, shopping & scenery, so east. If you are into activity, watersports, partys, go west. Of course these are in general terms, someone may say they had the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay, etc...blah, blah, blah., sure you may get a great deal on a tanzanite in Grand Cayman, Blah, blah, blah. This just gives you an idea of the feel of the cruise and what to expect for each itinerary.

My choice...Western. We love the sports, activity, staying on an island as long as we can. We like to be on the ship,....we LOVE to experience everything we can in a port.

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[jrabbit]

Something to add to the "generalization list". I think that on the eastern cruise the ship has more movement (rocking) than the western. On your first two days going south you are out in the atlantic and even when the ocean is calm you are going to experience some high swells. On the western you are in the more "protected" parts of the caribbean / gulf of mexico.

Either cruise can run into rough seas.

 

[married2grumpy]

Thanks for all the opinions. We have been to St Thomas and St Martin before so that is why I was leaning towarda the Western sailing. For us, with 3 kids, I don't think we will be much into the water sports. I think the extra day at sea is more appealing. I'm looking forward to the ship so much more than the ports of call. I think too that since we've already seen the Eastern ports, we won't feel the need to sightsee as much and can really enjoy ourselves. Now if I can just talk DH into putting down the deposit. $1250 is alot right now since we leave for Disney next month!

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I like the Eastern better because of the extra day at Sea. If you prefer at-sea days because of the onboard activities, the Eastern route is the way to go. I like the Western cruise as well, because Cozumel is a fun place. We loved Mr. Sanchos beach! And Carlos and Charlies is one wild place. However, Key West and Grand Cayman we did not enjoy. Maybe we missed something. On the Eastern, St. Maarten isn't the greatest, but St. Thomas is beautiful. We loved riding in those open air cabs! So for me, each route has one nice stop (well, of course Castaway Cay is the best port, but since both routes stop there, I won't count that). I would much rather spend the day on the ship at sea than at Key West, Grand Cayman or St. maarten. On the Eastern I do get that extra day at sea, so that's why I like it better.

As for as the deposits go, you don't have to put down the deposit for every member of your party just yet. You can start by just putting yours and your husband's deposit and add your kids on to the reservation later. We do that every time.