Freedom of the Seas: Eastern or Weatern Caribbean?

[Mrstiffanyh]

We are planning for next June on the EC and have booked with the BOGOHO promo currently running. We also seriously considered the WC Itinerary and are wondering if we should change. Any thought?

We have a Grand Suite booked which I'm very excited about and would have to make sure we could get the same if we switched to the Western Caribbean.

Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[OKW Lover]

We just got off the Rhapsody 18-night in a Grand Suite and are spoiled.

As far as Eastern vs Western goes, it really depends on why you prefer the different ports. We're bigger fans of the Eastern ports. But if you prefer the Western then by all means go ahead and switch.

 

[DanInMN]

What are the ports for each?

We have done one eastern with RCCL, and one western with NCL. The western ports of Progresso Mexico and Belize City Belize were truly awful.

Progresso is typical third-world Mexico. A few little shops, but nothing worth your time. The beach was disgusting - full of trash, used baby diapers, bottles, etc. We ended up paying for a bus trip to a resort a few miles east that had a nice beach and pool.

Belize City was filthy and run down. Looks just like what it is, a British colony where all maintenance stopped when the British left. We were harassed by crazy people, people selling stuff and beggars. My wife and kids were afraid, and we quickly headed back to the ship.

Unless you wan't full immersion in the third world, try eastern!

 

[Mrstiffanyh]

The ports for the Eastern are Coco Cay, St. Martin and St. Thomas, and for the Western are Labadee, Falmouth, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Cozumel.

My husband and I got engaged on an NCL cruise that included St. Martin and St. Thomas, so there's some sentimentality there, and we've also been to Cozumel which we like. We've also been to Coco Cay (without kids).

We have two sons who will be 10 and 8 for this trip, so I think the biggest thing I'm struggling with is whether they would enjoy all the water activities at Labadee (but have read mixed reviews).

So I guess as I'm thinking about it maybe I'm asking for feedback about Labadee, Falmouth and George Town specifically, and which of the two itineraries might be more appealing to my kids.

Thanks!

 

[ksc37]

We did both and preferred the Western due to the activities they offered and getting an extra port day. Our boys were 10 and 8 at the time.

We like Labadee - there is decent snorkeling off the beach and my husband and ten year old went sea kayaking as well.

In Jamaica we went with a private tour company to "the Cool Blue Hole" and tubing on the White River. It was an awesome tour.

In Cayman we did a snorkeling tour out to Cheeseburger Reef (lots of fish), and then took a bus to the beach for lunch and the afternoon. Good off beach snorkeling there.

In Cozumel we did a dolphin swim and then spent the afternoon swimming/snorkeling at Chakanaab Park. Another good day.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[Kona65]

We are planning for next June on the EC and have booked with the BOGOHO promo currently running. We also seriously considered the WC Itinerary and are wondering if we should change. Any thought?

We have a Grand Suite booked which I'm very excited about and would have to make sure we could get the same if we switched to the Western Caribbean.

Any thoughts appreciated!

I would take the cruise that visits Labadee. With you staying in the Grand Suite, you can reserve a cabanna on the private beach. The ship also docks at Labadee, and is not tendered. Just a thought.

 

[Mrstiffanyh]

Thanks for the feedback! I think I'm going to change to the WC itinerary. It's slightly cheaper, too.

 

[Kathy C]

Thought I would put in my two cents for what it's worth! We live 30 miles north of Galveston so cruising out of Galveston is very convenient for us, but we are not fans of the ports. We have also cruised on RCC and DCL out of Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Miami, and we love the eastern Caribbean ports so much more with St. Maarten being our favorite. With that being said, we are booked on RCC out of Galveston in Sept 2015 because the deal was so good - a balcony room for $1290 for two of us.