Royal Caribbean cruisers???

[kdibattista]

Has anyone ever done both the Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises? We can only get away 2 specific weeks next year and want to book the Explorer of the Seas. It's between the Western Caribbean in May or the Eastern Caribbean in August. Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated as would any advice for a first time cruiser????

Thanks!!

 

[tkyes]

bumping for you...

We've only done the Western so I can't compare. I can tell you some of the things we did on the Western side if you want though.


Tamie

 

[Jeafl]

Which eastern and western islands would you be going to? I might be able to help you out

 

[Margie J]

I've been to both sides also. Let us know the islands in question and I'll repost.

 

[DawnCt]

We just got off of the Explorer a week ago and chose the Western Caribbean because we prefer those islands. Both the Eastern and Western include Labadee, which is their "private island" on a pennisula in Haiti. This is a beautiful spot and a great beach day. Jamaica is also on the W.C. and if you haven't been here, be sure to visit Dunn's River Falls. I would book this independently to be sure to get there before the ship tours arrive. It can get very crowded. Cozumel is also a stop. I love this little island. On our first visit we took a cab to Chankanaub Beach. Nice shore snorkeling and very pretty. This last cruise we did the Fury Catamaran Sail and Snorkel, also fun. Grand Cayman is a highlight of the Western Caribbean. We booked Captain Bryan's Sting Ray City tour and we love our pictures with the rays. The Explorer is a huge ship, lots to do. You won't be bored.

 

[nativetxn]

You have some really cute clipart, kdibattista, that purple one is really impressive

I've only experienced on cruise and it was DCL western 7 day. I loved it but I don't have any experience with the eastern or another cruise line.

It seems to me that Nikole cruised with RCCL but I can't swear to that.

 

[kdibattista]

You have some really cute clipart, kdibattista, that purple one is really impressive

Okay... just got back from the TA and here are our choices:

Eastern Caribbean (in May 2004) on the Navigator visiting: Nassau, St. Thomas, San Juan, Labadee

Western Caribbean (in May 2004) on the Explorer visiting: Labadee, Ochos Rios, Grand Caymen, Cozumel

Eastern Caribbean (in August 2004) on the Explorer visiting: Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan

I have never been to the Caribbean, let alone on a cruise so we are very excited and would appreciate any help!!!

Thanks!!!

P.S. Which places have the best jewelry

 

[tkyes]

Cozumel has good jewelry - my mom bought a ring there - also lots of beatiful silver.

Here's our little western review for you. Sailed Explorer in December.


Ocho Rios - definately do Dunn's River falls with Peat Taylor tours - seperate from the cruise line. He was the best tour guide!!

Cozumel - we went snorkeling and shopping. Absolutely beautiful place to snorkel! Great shopping too - wish I would have allowed more time for it.

Grand Caymen - Did the stringray city excursion through the ship, thought it was wonderful. The exchange rate is high so shopping isn't a great bargain - still a beautiful place to visit.

Labadee is a great little place - much more to do than I thought. We just rented a floating mat and relaxed. Be sure to get a Labadoozee (a drink they serve on the island)

Oh - and get a Mango Tango (mango daquari with pina colada) Can you tell I enjoyed the frozen drinks on our cruise?

tamie

 

[Jeafl]

I have to say, Nassau is probably my least favorite island. There isn't a lot to do there, a little shopping but not much else.

We were just in St. Thomas. It's nice, there is some good shoppping and some nice beaches there. If you are able to take an excursion to St. John, GO! It was the most beautiful island I have ever seen. There's a beach there called trunk Bay that was just spectacular!

St. Maarten was just ok. The French side was a little nicer than the Dutch side. The island was hit with a hurricane a few years ago, and never quite recovered. There is a lot of poverty, and a lot of depressing looking areas. There is though, a nice little restaurant on the beach called Every'tings Cool which has an incredible tropical drink selection.

We really enjoyed San Juan. It has beautiful beaches, plus historical-type touring (like the Fort) that is very interesting.

I think of all your itineraries, I personally would go with the western caribbean.