For Our First Cruise Would You Pick Eastern Or Western?

[luvindisneyworld]

I need help choosing which 7 day cruise to do.Please let me know which you would choose?
Thanks,
Misty

 

[gdulaney]

Misty,

We've done the Eastern three times and the Western once (going on our second Western next August)... both are alot of fun!!!

If you think you're going to want to do more excursions...I'd probably recommend the Western. You can snorkle with the stingrays in Grand Caymen, see tons of history in Cozumel, and just have fun in Key West (plus they have the Kino sandals outlet...leather sandals for around $10).

I believe the shopping is better on the Eastern route (your customs allowance is also larger). St. Maartin gives your family the chance to visit two countries in one day, do some shopping, and get in some beach time. St. Thomas is a shopping mecca or you can take a side trip to St. John, which is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I've visited.

You may want to get the opinions of other posters and check out www.castawayclub.com for lots of great info.

I hope you and your family have a magical vacation!!

Ginny

 

[stancan]

We would recommend the western first because you stop in a port the first day ( key west) and do not hit the open sea till later in the cruise. This will give you a chance to get your sea legs. The eastern caribean is two days at sea right off the bat , you could get a bit queesy if the waves are over 20 foot. We had great weather on both our cruises and nobody got sea sick , there where 10 foot waves, but you could barely feel it.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

It would depend on who you're traveling with and ages, etc. We want to do the Eastern first because we want to save the ruins and other "bigger" excursions for when the kids are older. Besides, we love having that extra day at sea! Good luck deciding...I don't think you can go wrong either way!!

 

[WDWLVR]

For a first cruise I would actually pick the Eastern. You get the first two days to get to know the ship and relax. Plus you get St. Martin and St. Thomas which are your classic Caribbean ports.

With St. Thomas you get more duty because it is a US port. Since many first time cruisers like to buy this really helps.

You can't go wrong with either though.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Thanks guys for the quick responses.My Dh wants to go Western and i want to go Eastern.BTW,It is just the 2 of us no kids.

 

[Mjasp]

Originally posted by stancan
We would recommend the western first because you stop in a port the first day ( key west) and do not hit the open sea till later in the cruise. This will give you a chance to get your sea legs. The eastern caribean is two days at sea right off the bat , you could get a bit queesy if the waves are over 20 foot. We had great weather on both our cruises and nobody got sea sick , there where 10 foot waves, but you could barely feel it.

This is the exact reason why I went Western on our first cruise. Felt, before I could be sick we would be at shore in Key West. Am going Western again, but only because the timing of our cruise in August is a Western cruise.

But next time I do really want to go Eastern.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Originally posted by Mjasp
This is the exact reason why I went Western on our first cruise. Felt, before I could be sick we would be at shore in Key West. Am going Western again, but only because the timing of our cruise in August is a Western cruise.

But next time I do really want to go Eastern.

Looks like we might be on the same cruise as you.That is the date for the Western cruise that we will be on if we choose Western over Eastern.

 

[Mjasp]

Misty...We have a very nice group of people going on the 8/28/04 cruise. Should you decide to book that cruise, stop by our thread and join in.

Joanna

 

[Alex]

Quite honestly I would do whichever fit the schedule better..you will have a blast either way!

 

[houseofmouse]

Really its a choice of what Ports you are interested in seeing because the on board activities are exactlty the same.
We have been on both and want to do the Western again. It was alot of fun and a good mix of at sea and port days. We loved Key West and the Caymans.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I had a tough time making that decision too! (between E/W)

At first I thought I really really wanted to do Western- the ports of call just appealed to me more for some reason.

But Eastern fit our "schedule" better (able to go during the kids' breaks from school so they wouldn't miss days of school) and the more I looked at Eastern before deciding- the more I liked it.

At first I liked the ports of call better on Western- and thought of all the excursions/etc. we would do at each. But then when I looked more at the Eastern- I liked the idea of being FORCED to be more 'relaxed' about things- 2 days at sea right off the bat. So forced to enjoy ship amenities and activities... one less port of call so more time on the ship to do things. I didn't like the idea of rushing when on the ship less days to try to do as much as possible (and I know myself.. I'd want to do it all and end up mega-rushed to do so!)

Now we're looking at the whole cruise as more "relaxed"- we'll do Western next more "gungho" especially when the kids are older and can do the excursions with us! On the Eastern we'll do more on the ship (more time on the ship) and less excursions because the ports of call are different. I hope it works out the way I am looking at it! LOL

 

[webray]

We choose our first cruise by what ports we wanted to see...

We chose the western because cozumel and grand cayman sounded more exciting to use. We are now looking forward to trying one of the eastern itineraries.., but.....the western was wonderful!

 

[prymsu]

I like both! However, I like that extra sea day on the eastern, so that is one thing to consider when making your selection. Western has lots of good water sports.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Eastern:

First two days at sea. One extra day at sea. Shopping (liquor, tobacco, jewelry, electronics, cameras, caribbean fashions). Beaches- topless and nude (St. Maarten), St. John- beautiful beaches, worth it to go and see the serene beauty, beautiful water, average eateries, little party life, nice and relaxing. Hills, greenery, lush landscapes.

Western:

First day at port, one less day at sea, Watersports, stingray city, gorgeous beaches, fun lively nightlife, eateries, bars and restaraunts. Shopping is very average unless you are looking for mexican tchazkies, tee-shirts, rum cake or silver. Best snorkeling in the caribbean (Grand Cayman) in my opinion. Flat, desserty islands, palm trees and gorgeous waters.

Hope that helps! (BTW, I prefer western, Hubby and I are in late 30's no kids).

Maureen

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Thanks Guys for all your replies,i have a quote request in at dreams for an Eastern and a Western for August and September.