Eastern or Western

[pwcarlson]

OK, Hubby was all set to go Western but rereading our Passporter Guide he decided that Eastern was the way to go. He thought maybe that the excursions on the Western was way too much shorkeling and shopping. And that the ruins would be too "cheesy".
So I need your help. I would like all the experts thoughts and opinions on the pluses and negatives on each of the itineries and what they thought of the excursions that they went on.

I really need your help. I was all set for the Western and not sure if we should switch to Eastern or not. This is making me crazy



THANKS

 

[CM_Mom]

We did the Eastern and did the Butterfly Farm and Island tour on St. Maarten and the St. John Island tour while on St. Thomas. I actually got my trip reports that far so check out
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=578592 and http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=578595. Hope this helps.

FYI, the Eastern has three sea days where the Western only has two...and I LOVE sea days.

 

[webray]

We chose by what ports we wanted to see first...so we did the Western. We had a blast!

We will do the eastern eventually, one of the new itinerary easterns.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Depends what you like:

EASTERN: Terrain is green and hilly and lush. Nice beaches and tons of shopping. If you want shopping, Eastern is the way to go. As far as watersports, snorkeling, sailing and SIGHTSEEING are the biggest. It tends to draw an older crowd atmosphere. The extra sea day and the ports of call and all they have to offer, tend to make this itinerary the chosen one for those who want to RELAX!

WESTERN: Terrain is flat sandy palm lined islands. No hills here. Excellent beaches for "beaching" and the watersports are second to none. Not a whole lot in the way of shopping unless your looking for T-shirts and island kitchy things or silver. The water in the western tends to be a little warmer in the winter months, so that may make a difference. There is much more in the way of entertainment and nightlife on western so it draws a younger crowd.
If you are into more ACTION and ADVENTURE then western is the route for you.

They are both nice, it just depends what you like. We like Western, but we are active, outdoorsy, and prefer an activity to a nap!

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[traycie2201]

we picked the western because we got to visit more places, eastern has more sea days, we also wanted to visit the places on the western more, we may try eastern at a later date though.
The ruins at Tulum are far from cheesy, you can also choose to do a dune buggy tour at cozumel or go golfing, yes a lot is based around water but you can book things yourself and pick what suits you best, i guess it depends on what your hubby enjoys and you of course .
Our itinerary if it helps is

Key West - parasailing, trolley tour, ripleys museum, sunset.

Grand Cayman - Stingray and snorkel, 7 mile beach, back to boat.

Cozumel - Paradise Beach, Tropical Mini Golf, some shopping

Castaway Cay - snorkelling / swimming / sunbathing.

you can of course do as much or as little as you want in the way of excursions, shopping etc, youll have a great time whichever you choose.

 

[natdencro]

We have done the Western once and the Eastern 3 times. The scenery is far more beautiful on the Eastern, but if you are a shopaholic, then maybe the Western would be better. However, we can shop ANYTIME, but cant always see lovely views - bathed in warm sunshine - so we prefer the Eastern. Plus, we enjoy the extra day at sea. Nat

 

[IrishCowboy]

We prefer the Eastern(4 times) over the Western(1 time). Western ports (Key West and Cozumel) seemed to have more adult themes (Alcohol and Bars).

The extra sea day is nice on the Eastern, and St John is PARADISE!

Have a great cruise!

 

[HooKooDooKu]

Eastern has fewwer ports of call and usually runs just a little cheaper (fewwer docking fees).

As for the argument that the Western seems to be all about snorkeling and shopping, well so is the Eastern. I think the primary difference in regards to snorkeling on the Western is that you get to snorkel with the sting rays on Grand Cayman (I think) and that's advertized/marketed a little heavier than the other snorkel trips.

 

[TaraBelle1069]

We had the same dilemma but decided on Eastern, as it was cheaper. Also my mom's theory is that the point of a Disney cruise over another company is the ship and the Disney things...more time to do and see all that by having an extra sea day. Of course, we haven't been yet so I'm not the expert opinion you are looking for.

 

[pwcarlson]

Thanks for all the input. I am still leaning towards the Western. I always wanted to go to Key West and Mexico. I think the snorkeling with the stingrays would be a blast. I am looking for a "how to snorkel for Old people" class at my neighborhood community pool. We had a stingray hangong out with us last time at Serenity Bay at CC. He like the shade of the floats that some people had. It was just a small one. Had alot of fun watching it and taking pictures of it with my underwater disposable camera.

I will keep working on the DH, hope to convince him that Western is the way to go. Maybe we will try this one and then Eastern one later, Just to compare. Wink, Wink, nug, nug,

 

[staylor]

We've been on both iteneraries. We like the Eastern better. We live in TX and feel like we can get to Floriday (Key West) or Mexico at any time. The Eastern is so beautiful and to us much more tropical. We also like having an extra day at sea.
JMHO!

 

[Barbmouse63]

We have not yet cruised with DCL but are in the researching/planning/crossing our fingers stage of the game. I am so glad you posted this question. I have often wondered the same thing , Eastern or Western. I have always leaned toward the Eastern, not sure why probably more sea days. We will probably do the 4 day first but I know we'll want to book a seven day after that experience. I have enjoyed reading your replies!