We may be booking our 3rd....a few ??'s

[Lisa L from MI]

Our family has been on the 4-day in 2000 and the 7 day Eastern in 2002. We are now thinking of planning another for 2004. I have a few questions, if anyone could help or comment. We are a family of 4 (2 DD's will be 8 and 10 at the time).

1) I know this has been discussed...but, which is better, eastern, or western??? We really didn't care for the islands on the Eastern, other than the obvious (Castaway Cay), Megan's Bay and we did the Golden Eagle (LOVED IT!!!).....I really hated the "downtown" areas. We really aren't much into "shopping" but more or less, relaxing on a nice beaches.

2) We have always had a cat 5 and were thinking about going with a cat 4........Anybody see the difference in person??? Does that extra 36 sq feet make a difference??...We are very much night owls and tended to spend quite alot of time in the room.

3) Is either the Western or Eastern more money?? I put in for a quote for the Eastern, but not the western yet.

4) I am thinking early/mid March 2004. We cruised before the beginning of Feb and then mid-March and had great weather....is the "norm" for that time of year?? We like it "hot"......and I would like to get a jump on a tan for the summer.

5) Are the pricing usually higher for Easter Week or Winter break (presidents week)...I assume they are...but by alot??....DH really doesn't want to take the kids out that long...I don't see a problem though...guess who will win

Anyway, thanks a bunch...I am so excited already...except the dreading plane ride.......if anyone remembers me from the past trips...I am terrible...but we will deal with that when it gets closer......

I appreciated all opinions!!!!!

Lisa

 

[Michelle]

Hi Lisa! I'll try to help a bit.

1) I like them both but I'm giving a slight edge to the Western, we had a blast in December.

2) The extra 36 sq. ft. of space in a Cat. 4 is nice but not worth the extra money, IMHO, you will all fit in a 5 or 6 just fine.

3) The Western is more because there are more ports and the port charges are higher. The pricing varies by sailing and the early booking savings tier that each particular cruise is in, so you could find that an Eastern sailing was more expensive than a particular Western one.

4) March will be plenty warm.

5) It is MUCH MUCH higher to cruise during Easter week but generally not too much more during President's week.

Enjoy the planning!

 

[kajohn]

Hi Lisa L

I'm from Macomb Township (were almost neighbors), and we priced out going Presidents week (Winter Break) this year and it was at least $1000, but if I remember correctly closer to $2000 more for my family of 5, than going the week before. (I booked it a year ago, so I don't remember exactly)

Soooo, we opted to take the kids out of school the week before winter break. My rational for that week versus any other was the teacher will give them their work, and instead of having to complete all of it while on the cruise, they have the entire next week to finish it, and not stress while on the cruise. I have a son in 1st grade and my stepson is in 4th grade. Neither school gave them any trouble for missing school. Of course that is a decision each family has to make on their own, based on their circumstances.

Good luck in whatever you decide!