Eastern vs. Western itinerary?

[AP77]

We are first time cruiser and are taking our 3 kids on a Disney Cruise (age 7, 6, and 4). We are trying to decide between Western Caribbean (Key West,, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Castaway) or Eastern (Tortola, Virgin Island, St. Thomas, Castaway). Is one strongly better than the other? We hope to not have to do expensive excursions at the Ports since the cruise itself is pretty expensive already. Thanks for all of the advice!

 

[OKW Lover]

While it may seem like a difficult choice I'd encourage you not to stress out too much about the decision. Either one is going to be wonderful for your first cruise.

For us, 2 retired adults who have done multiple cruises, we generally prefer the Eastern Caribbean itineraries. They are a bit less "foreign" than the Western ones. But I don't want to overemphasize that point. We do indeed enjoy the western cruises as well.

In your case I might just decide based on price and what sailing date best fits your criteria.

 

[MotherKnowsBest]

Are you looking at the two different itineraries for the same ship? Or different ships?

We have done both the Eastern and Western Caribbean on the Fantasy and I would give a slight edge to the Western. Loved Cozumel and Grand Cayman and liked the more empty ship when we didn't get off in Jamaica.

 

[phinz]

Eastern for us. Extra sea day for the win.

 

[AP77]

Are you looking at the two different itineraries for the same ship? Or different ships?

We have done both the Eastern and Western Caribbean on the Fantasy and I would give a slight edge to the Western. Loved Cozumel and Grand Cayman and liked the more empty ship when we didn't get off in Jamaica.

Western cruise is on the Magic. Eastern is on the Fantasy. I posted another question earlier asking about ship comparisons and there seem to be a lot of mixed feelings and varying opinions.

 

[Ofinn]

I like the Western better especially with the stop in key west not Jamaica. Cozumel and Cayman are my favorite ports in the caribbean. I think it depends on what your planning on doing. Cozumel has some fun beach clubs for kids. Your kids would probably enjoy Chankanaab. Key west has a trolley you can take around town which is great for kids. Cayman has a turtle farm. I havent been to Tortola. St Thomas is nice for beaches and shopping.

 

[MotherKnowsBest]

Western cruise is on the Magic. Eastern is on the Fantasy. I posted another question earlier asking about ship comparisons and there seem to be a lot of mixed feelings and varying opinions.

We have not been on the Magic but we will be this coming Summer. We leave on our 4th cruise on the Fantasy in 3 weeks. So needless to say, we love the Fantasy! Are there flights for one or the other that work better for you? You will get a million different opinions so I would just pick one and be done, lol.