Eastern or Western?

[disneydragon]

Which do you like better and why? I'm trying to decide...

 

[makaylee]

We picked the Eastern because of the extra day at sea. We were really happy with our choice. I pretty much depends on if you would want 2 or 3 days at sea. I also wanted to see St. John really badly....I wasnt disapointed.

 

[prymsu]

my family also likes the eastern because of the extra sea day! But either way, you just can't go wrong!

 

[xABearx]

In my opinion, the shopping (if that's what you're in to) is better on the Eastern and the excursions are better on the Western .... Andy

 

[bossladypu]

My husband and I picked the western for probably a stupid reason. We have always wanted to go to Key West and years ago when we were suppose to go with our children our transmission went out on our van and we didn't make it. So that's why we picked it plus the other ports sounded interesting to us. Getting my husband to travel and spend money is really, really hard - but he'll do Disney and not blink an eye.

 

[mickeyboat]

We also chose the Eastern for the extra day at sea and to be able to go to St. John - it is where we honeymooned - and it is beautiful!

Denae

 

[jrabbit]

gennerally speaking east for shopping and "hilly" islands. West for partying in port, "flat" gilligan's island type islands.

Snorkeling is best at: St. Thomas/St. John's east and on the west at Grand Cayman and Cozumel (we also had a good snorkel trip at Key West - DW's favorite, the rest of us liked Grand Cayman best of all).

East, extra sea day - more actities on the ship and not as rushed. West has extra day in port and since less sea time the shipboard activities are more "bunched up" and there is a more hectic feel.

I think that there is more motion on the ship on the eastern trip than the western since you are out in the "open ocean" traveling south to St. Maarten and St. Thomas and that the western caribbean is generally calmer. But that could have been just the way it was when we were on those cruises. Hurricannes and tropical depressions can appear in either area and make the ship rock.

We've been on east and west and going on east (to antigua) this fall.

 

[jrabbit]

bossladypu - your DH doesn't sound totally bad - anyone who will do Disney anytime can't be all bad. It's a good thing that there is DCL for you (so he will come with you on vacation!)

 

[aprilgail2]

I picked Western because I really wanted to see Key West and swim with the sting rays in Grand Cayman....I also did not want to drag my family down to immigration at dawn on the eastern cruise for St. Thomas......I would rather not have that hassel!

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

jrabbit has it right.

East - Shopping, Hills & Greenery, leisure & relaxation, extra day at sea.

West - Water sports galore, Flat & Sandy with Palms, great night life, extra day in port.

That being said, WESTERN for us. We are into activity (water & land), good eats & drinks, and the ports!

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[disneydragon]

You guys are great! Thanks!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

xABEARx said it best: shopping is best on the Eastern, shore excursions better on the Western.

It's why DH and I are divided on this, I love the extra day and sea and could shop till I drop, he feels too confined if he's on the ship too long and prefers the shore excursions and the diving.

I prefer the Eastern, he prefers the Western. (And we both LOVE DCL, wherever we're going!)

 

[westjones]

What is the deal with Immigration on the Eastern? If you stay on the ship do you still have to go through immigration? What exactly happens on these days? Is it at both ports?

Thanks,
DJ

 

[xABearx]

Everyone on the ship, whether you get off or not in St Thomas, has to go through Immigration .... Andy

 

[westjones]

Thanks. Gee, I didn't know about that. Oh well, I guess it must not be too bad, I don't remember reading posts about it before, and so many people enjoy the Eastern cruise.

At least I know ahead of time.

Thanks again!
DJ

 

[tvguy]

Immigration in St. Thomas could be improved by having only those who get off the ship go through it, but that's not how Immigration is doing it since September 11th. They clear the entire ship and then take off, so you have to get up by 7 am at the latest to clear immigration before anyone can get off.
Canadian customs still does it the old fashion way, at least they did in June 2002 when were were on the Amsterdam, you only dealt with immigration when you got off the ship, so you could do it at your leasure, or just ahead of any tours you had.