Eastern or Western?

[wdwoldtimer]

I know this must have been asked a million times already, but those who have travelled both the Eastern and Western 7-day...which one is better and why?

We are about to book one or the other for April 2005. I've heard from some that the Western is better, but in terms of school vacation, it'll be a little easier to book the Eastern.

 

[staylor]

I like the eastern better. The caribbean islands are great. The extra day at sea is awesome. I live in TX and can get to key west, cozumel, etc. so easily. Therefore, we prefer the eastern.

 

[inkkognito]

My favorite is the Western because the Eastern ports are so geared to shopping and beaches. There is so much more to do on the Western...I never get tired of Key West or Cozumel, and swimming with the stingrays in Grand Cayman is a must-do. I do miss that extra day at sea tho'.
Barb

 

[brack]

Eastern ... the extra day at sea is great!

 

[natdencro]

Have done Eastern 3 times and Western once: definately the Eastern for us: by far the prettiest route. Grand Cayman has little to offer really, and in Cozumel we didnt care much for being hassled in the shops. We loved the island of St. John on the Eastern: worth every penny of the cruise! Nat

 

[disneymusical135]

I have been on both the eastern and western cruises and last year we actually did them back to back. I actually love different things about both of them. On the Eastern cruise you get an extra day at sea, which I absolutely love. So there are 3 ports and 3 days at sea on your itinerary. The Western has a stop at Grand Cayman which is an absolutely stunning island. You should also look into the western cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay. I think if I went on that cruise I would prefer the western, but look quickly because there are only two sailing dates in the next two years. I hope that helps you!!!

 

[TheWog]

Eastern, extra day at sea is great. Beautiful ports too.

 

[wdwoldtimer]

Thanks for the responses!

Oh if there were two stops at CC that would decide it, hands down. But both choices at that time are the standard itinerary. The Eastern is really the most convenient since DD will only miss a half a week of school while we do the land portion of the trip. If we do the Western she will miss one solid week.

I wanted to go to Cozumel since I spent a lot of time in Mexico for work and am comfortable with the customs, food and language. I've never been to any of the "Saint" islands. We just did the 4-day cruise in June and didn't care for Nassau at all. From the sound of it, they are nothing like Nassau, which was my worry.

 

[baileybaby]

How do you find out which cruises have 2 stops at cc?

 

[CM_Mom]

The two CC days are the cruises the week around or after Thanksgiing when they have a speed boat regata in Key West so the Magic goes to CC instead of Key West.

DD's comment is that the Western is more of a party atmosphere where the Eastern is more of a Family atmosphere. Might be because they stay in Cozumel till 11:00 so folks can stay out late. Haven't been on the Western but St. John on the Eastern is heavenly and I'd find it hard to beat. Only wished they stayed later at St. Thomas.

 

[wdwoldtimer]

Thanks for the input everyone.

We've decided to do the Eastern this time and the Western next. I'll be back in another thread with more questions on the excursions etc as we get closer to the sail date.

 

[baileybaby]

Originally posted by CM_Mom

DD's comment is that the Western is more of a party atmosphere where the Eastern is more of a Family atmosphere. Might be because they stay in Cozumel till 11:00 so folks can stay out late. Haven't been on the Western but St. John on the Eastern is heavenly and I'd find it hard to beat. Only wished they stayed later at St. Thomas.

That is very interesting!Seems like they would both have a family atmosphere since they are disney. Maybe it has more adults and older kids?

 

[TheWog]

Originally posted by baileybaby
That is very interesting!Seems like they would both have a family atmosphere since they are disney. Maybe it has more adults and older kids?

I think they are reffering more to the ports. Key West is very party as the day wears on and I believe the same with Cozumel. GC is pretty low key as I understand it. The ship will be the same on both itineraries.

 

[prymsu]

I personally like that extra sea day. Both are good though, so no matter what you choose, you will be happy.

 

[goofygal1975]

I have the same question, we are doing the 4 day wonder next year, and then plan a 7 day. Not sure which one to do yet! We plan on sailing in May on the 7 day, and this past year I noticed a lot of TR's saying the Eastern was very rocky/had high seas during May, compared to the Western. So that has me leaning towards the Western, even though I"d LOVE to see St. Martin and St. Thomas! Guess I'll just wait and watch for next years reports as well!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Hey OT, whichever one you pick, can ya pack me in your suitcase??????

 

[wdwoldtimer]

The carry-on or the one that sits in front of the stateroom door for hours while we run around the ship?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Carry on please. I promise I'm not that heavy.