Eastern or Western??

[jordgubben]

We are contemplating taking a Disney Magic cruise to either the Eastern or Western Caribbean in April 2005.

Please let me know which you prefer and why. Heck, even if you haven't been on the cruise but have made stops at the ports-of-call I welcome your advice.

I plan on getting guide book but I've always found the boards to offer better advice...

 

[2tinksmom]

We chose the Eastern for a couple of reasons...first, the extra day sea was a bonus and second, we live in Texas so goin' to Mexico is no big deal! I'm sure whatever you choose you'll have a great time. Look at it this way, just plan on trying both!!!

 

[staylor]

We chose the eastern for the same reasons as 2tinksmom. We also live in TX and getting to Mexico or Key West is no biggy. My family would rather see the other side of the caribbean. Plus we like having another day on the ship as well. We've been to the western ports before, on another cruise, and feel like we don't need to see those places again. But for some reason seeing the eastern ports over and over don't bother us.

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

We chose the Western. One the price was right. But, besides that, we liked the port one day, sea the next.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

We prefer Western. Have cruised both a number of times on a number of lines. Just got back form Magic Western. Western is more lively and our speed of life. We prefer the adventure and watersports(Western) to relaxation and shopping, which prevail on eastern.

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[traycie2201]

we chose the western , really want to visit the ports of call and had heard that nassau was a dud.
enjoy whichever you choose.

 

[HooKooDooKu]

had heard that nassau was a dud

BTW: Nassau is not on the Eastern, its only on the 3 and 4 day cruises.

 

[kcashner]

We like Eastern due to the extra sea day....but we really choose our cruises by dates rather than which direction the ship is planning to go. We normally cruise on birthday weeks, so will do whichever falls on the right week.

Eastern also has an additional adult "edutainment" program series since it has the extra sea day. Most of these are great, but an occasional one is not so hot.

 

[prymsu]

i have been to all the ports, and love them all. You just can't go wrong, but i really do like that extra day at sea...

 

[cathie]

I've read a couple of posts about Key West being a bad place for families with kids(nudity, drinking, etc.) We're going on the July 17th Western Magic & are really looking forward to the ports.The kids are ages 16, 12 & 10. Any one have any comments about Key West , Grand Caymen & Cozumel? Thanks Cathie & The Gang

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I love the shopping in St. Thomas and the extra sea day on the eastern, so it's my favorite. DH doesn't like the extra day at sea because he'd prefer more time for shore excursions, so he prefers the western. We're happy to do either one though, because it's DCL!

 

[inkkognito]

Although I enjoy sea days, I absolutely love the Western and its ports. I was not impressed by the Eastern ports at all, as I am not a big shopper. On the Western, there is so much to do at the ports...swim with the stingrays, Chanakaab, the jeep tour, horseback riding (we also did that in St. Maarten, but riding through an oil refinery is not nearly as much fun as riding near Mayan Ruins), swim with the sea lions, visit the Hemingway House, do the sunset celebration, and so much more!! We've done it three times and still haven't managed to fit in everything I'd like. The only reason we're not doing it again in 2005 is that I am planning to do the Magic's new magical mystery tinerary 4th of July week.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[cathie]

Thank you Barb for the positive info. on the Western. We had also heard that the Western had more to do at the ports. Can't wait for our 1st 7 Day Cruise! Enjoy your upcoming cruise..looking forward to reading your next trip report! Cathie & The Gang

 

[bkline]

I love the eastern. We have done both, only Eastern with Disney, and I like the beaches and snorkeling more on the Eastern. St. Marteen is a lot of fun. We love the Golden Eagle catamaran. Afterwards, we head to Everything Cool. On St. Thomas, we have done a sailboat, The Winifred-a non Disney excursion. It's a 6 hour sail and snorkel trip. Absolutely the most amazing fish and coral. Captain Sharon is wonderful. We ran into a lot more jellyfish on the western. May have just been a fluke though.