Eastern or Western????

[littlebunny]

Newbie here!

We definetly want to take the 7 day cruise next year. Our traveling party is me, my husband, our 3 daughters ages 3,5,7, two of my brothers and their wives and my mom. My question is if we should do the western or eastern cruise.

What are everyones opinions out there. We'll probably want to do something kid friendly, and shopping is not my idea of fun when we stop at port. I've been getting conflicting information from people, and they say western is for shopping, and eastern is for beaches and seeing beautiful places, and then of course some people tell me the opposite. For you who have been there which is it?

We like great beaches, but want to spend some time seeing the landscape of the different islands.

Thanks!

Lee

 

[TheWog]

Go Eastern. Extra day at sea and great beaches at both St. Maarten and St. Thomas. You will have great shopping at both these ports as well, but the beaches are some of the best in the caribbean. Which ever you choose, you will be back to do the other. We will be. Look around at different excursions to see what interests you the most and go from there.

 

[webray]

We chose by what islands we wanted to see...shopping is everywhere, beaches are everywhere. Take one now..and take another later.

 

[tigger53]

do the eastern. it has great beaches and beautiful scenery, especially st johns.

 

[natdencro]

Another vote for the Eastern: Much better scenery. The island of St.John is breathtaking. Western probably not so good for the children: Key West more geared for adults, as is Cozumel - especially Carlos and Charlies - which can be quite raunchy! Both cruises are great, but Eastern is the prettiest. Nat

 

[alexandrew]

Eastern is the way to go if you're not into shopping...better beaches, particularly St John ....

 

[invaderzim]

We've done the Eastern -- loved it. GREAT shops, beautiful beaches and an extra day at sea. This year we're doing the Western because DH and DD really wanted to go to Mexico. Of course, this is before we realized we'd be doing the repo cruise next year and seeing plenty of Mexican ports. The only thing I know I'll miss is the extra day at sea. But we get to see a whole different part of the Caribbean.

Get a map (or look in the DCL brochure and it shows you the two different routes) and decide which ports and shore excursions appeal to you most!

Of course, the Magic won't be around all summer next year, so your itinerary choice may be decided on what week you pick to go.

 

[TJGorman]

Another Vote for Eastern! I like the extra day at sea. Ports are beautiful!

 

[littlebunny]

You all have been so helpful and made our decision so much easier. I think we've decided on April 30, 2005 Eastern Caribbean cruise.

Now that that's settled if anyone can think of not going end of April or to the eastern keep me updated, but it sounds like the best for us!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!!

Lee

 

[dis4me]

Good Choice With the age of your kids I don't think you would enjoy Key West( we didn't). I loved Cozumel but te beach we went to was a long scary taxi ride away with no seat belts or car seats, and Grand Cayman is beautiful but where the ship lets you off is further from the beaches so it is another taxi ride or excursion.
We loved St Marteen We always do Great Bay Beach.$5 per person kids free to get there. We have done a few different beaches in St Thomas/St John and they were all great.
Have a great trip!!!

 

[PhotobearSam]

Which one has the best snokling? Eastern or western???

Thanks

and sorry for junping in on a post...I'm so bad...

 

[TheWog]

Originally posted by PhotobearSam
Which one has the best snokling? Eastern or western???

Thanks

and sorry for junping in on a post...I'm so bad...

I would say WEstern. Cozumel and Grand Cayman, GC is supposed to be some of the best in the world or at least the Caribbean.

Not my post so no problem mon!

 

[CM_Mom]

You should love the April 30 Eastern. We did the May 1 Eastern this year and the weather was great. Hot enough to swim and enjoy having shorts but not sweltering.