First Cruise; 3 Kids; Eastern or 'Special' Itinerary?

[BuzzLightYear3]

Hi....We're planning our first cruise for Summer 2006. Our 3 kids will be 13, 9, and 6 at that time. I'm torn between the 'Special' Itinerary with 2 stops at Castaway Cay and the usual Eastern itinerary. What are the deciding factors to choose one over the other? I have quotes for both and the price differs by only $100. Thanks!

 

[musicgirl]

Well, we have done the Eastern and loved it. We are now scheduled for the Special Western in June 2006.

I would have loved to do the Eastern again, however it did not fit into our groups schedule.

We have done 3 DCL cruises, so although I love CC, going twice was not that important to us. It is beautiful and I think I have my "battle plan" done to a "T".

The special was also $800 cheaper than the regular western which we orginally booked a week earlier.

Obviously, I'm not disappointed .

Lorie

 

[BWVPam]

We did the western in 2002 and we now have the special booked for 2006. Two days at Castaway Cay is definitely a plus. My kids love that beach and the different activities available. We did do a beach day in Cozumel, but they definitely liked CC better. This time when we go to Cozumel, we are going to do the dolphin swim at Chankannub Park (not sure on spelling). I am not sure of activities yet in Costa Maya, but I have son interested in ruins, so hopefully we can go do something like that there. The bannana boat rides on CC are great and your older children will love it.

Pam

 

[westjones]

Castaway Cay is our FAVORITE part of the trip! I would love to go on the one with 2 stops to CC! Our kids just love that place! On the other hand, my kids so NOT like excursions at the other stops (they would rather be on the ship). It may just be my kids though.

DJ

 

[BuzzLightYear3]

Thanks for the replies! We have a couple quotes and are just checking prices at this point. I'm still a little torn because the Eastern works a little better for our schedule but I keep hearing that everyone loves CC. I'm still trying to sort it out!

 

[ncmouselover]

Double Castaway Cay all the way. No one tries to sell you anything. Very relaxing. We're looking at dates for the 2x CC right now.

 

[Crazy Momma]

We've done the 4-night eastern and the 7-night eastern. I just booked the special western 7-night sailing June 24 2006. Our family loved CC. I booked the special sailing so I could visist CC twice. I'm doing the Disney Happy Dance!!! Go for the special western sailing.


I'm doing the Disney Happy Dance

 

[musicgirl]

I'm with you Crazy Momma-6-24-2006!!!!!

 

[BuzzLightYear3]

Seems that we'll be joining you.....just booked 6-24-2006 today! Thanks for all of the advice!