Eastern or Western?

[russtwinsmom]

Ok, we're ready to take the leap. For those of you who have done both, which cruise do you recommend? Why?

If it makes any difference, we are traveling with our seven-year-olds .

Thanks a bunch!
RTM

 

[NCRedding]

I prefer the Eastern--more at sea days. I am not sure that I can give a fair comparison though. Our western was shortened-left out of Port Everglades, missed all the stops but Cozumel.

 

[PoohJen]

Hi RTM,
I just got off the Magic with our twin 7 year old sons (and DS12 and DH).

We did Eastern, because I wanted the extra day at sea. The kids enjoyed the clubs (but preferred the pools!). Our St. Maarten excursion was cancelled (Golden Catamaran snorkeling) at the last minute (due to high seas conditions), so we hopped on the water taxi and spent the afternoon at Great Bay beach. The kids had a blast on the water trampoline there. (thank gawd I had read these boards so much and so was quickly able to come up with a "Plan B"...it turns out we absolutely loved our day on St. Maarten, so we weren't heartbroken over our cancelled excursion). On St. Thomas, DH took the twins on the submarine excursion (which they really enjoyed) and DS12 and I shopped a little (no big deal, but it was nice that we had some time together). On both these days we enjoyed the pools on the ship with the kids- alot less crowded on port days!

If you aren't especially interested in a particular port of call, consider DCL's "special" itineraries with 2 days at Castaway Cay.

Remember, if you do like a particular port/excursion, you can leave the children on the ship if the excursion isn't appropriate for their age. But if you think you will be doing 7 year old stuff mostly, you might find that what they really love to do is hang out by the Mickey pool, eating ice cream from Scoops!

Hope this helps a little! Happy Planning!

 

[confal1]

I just did the Western and loved it and we are doing the Eastern next year. In 2005 there was a huge price difference and the Eastern was much less expensive for us, if that is something you will be thinking of. Either cruise is great and whichever you do 1st don't worry because you can rebook your next one on the ship and get a 10% discount and $200 shipboard credit. Have Fun.

 

[russtwinsmom]

Thanks for taking a minute to share your experiences and advice. Thanks, PoohJen for your specifics on some of the activities in which your twins participated. How fun that we both have 7YO twins!

And the decision is, (drum roll please)
the Eastern. We honeymooned in the Caymans and decided to try something new . Now we just have to pick a date!

Appreciative of the advice and typing,
RTM

 

[cristit14]

If you pick the Eastern dec 10-17, 2005, we will be on board. Myself, DH, DD 10 and DS 7