What didn't you like about Eastern?

[Momeska]

This spring we took the Western 7-day on the Magic and LOVED it. We can't plan another cruise for the immediate future as children in college is taking precedent, however, I'd like to hear some opinions about the Eastern cruise. I've read on other threads that people like the Eastern so much more than the Western. But on another thread, others say they hated Nassau. I'd really like to hear what you DISLIKED about the Eastern. As I said, I loved the Western but would like to try something else. Opinions, please...thanks.
Linda

 

[DrCavin]

The early immigration is no fun, but we did not experience the horror stories I have read on here. It took about 10 minutes max when we went through.

I am by your remark "I've read on other threads that people like the Eastern so much more than the Western. But on another thread, others say they hated Nassau" The Eastern does not go to Nassau, which maybe why they like eastern more than the western..

 

[disneybride96]

The best thing about the Eastern is that Nassau is not on the 7 day. Huummm...I'm trying to think of something I did not like on the Eastern. Hummmm....not having much luck here. Okay- we did the Eastern with Antigua. Antigua did not thrill me that much, but in all reality it was more "real world" Caribbean. I loved the National Park on St. John- very pristine. We are doing Eastern with our 4 year old nephews next time and it does not appear that there are many excursions for the little kids.

I think the island atmosphere is really the biggest difference. I have a hard time with the Mexican Caribbean influence feeling like the Caribbean, but I love the european melting pot feel of the the Eastern Islands.

 

[bkline]

Overall, I loved the eastern. If I have to get picky, I enjoy island time and wish Disney would add a 4 island to the itinerary. It helps everyone. Those that want the ship time can stay on board and those that want island time can get off and hit the beach.

 

[Momeska]

I am by your remark "I've read on other threads that people like the Eastern so much more than the Western. But on another thread, others say they hated Nassau" The Eastern does not go to Nassau, which maybe why they like eastern more than the western..

Duh...I'm getting my cruises confused. Nassau's on the shorter one, right???

 

[DrCavin]

Duh...I'm getting my cruises confused. Nassau's on the shorter one, right???

Yes Nassau is on the 3/4 day cruises...

 

[jrabbit]

I'd really like to hear what you DISLIKED about the Eastern.

7 nights in the caribbean - what's not to like OK the early morining customs "call" at St. Thomas is a pain, but you get your day started early

OK the only other think that I can come up with (and it's a stretch) was that there wasn't enough gorgeous women going topless at the clothing optional beach on St. Maarten and even then the water and the beach we beautiful.

 

[Momeska]

OK the only other think that I can come up with (and it's a stretch) was that there wasn't enough gorgeous women going topless at the clothing optional beach on St. Maarten and even then the water and the beach we beautiful.

So, Jrabbit...how many would be enough???

 

[IrishCowboy]

They made us get off the Magic on Saturday morning!

 

[castlegazer]

maybe it was the two sea days ........ no, no, that would be a BONUS PLAN of the Eastern sailing - yesiree.

I have heard nothing bad about the Eastern and lots bad about the Western.

 

[clten]

What I didn't like were the pushy locals trying to sell you everything under the sun -- even when I was on the beach with my head covered by a towel (they didn't know if I was awake or not and they didn't much care). I know this happens all over the islands but I thought the people on St. Maarten were just the worst (well, they might not be as bad as Jamaicans but since DCL doesn't stop in Jamaica, we don't need to discuss that).

 

[aprilgail2]

I didn't like the extra day at sea, I would rather be at a port....and I HATED that early wake up for immmigration!

 

[DisneyBill]

You mean besides getting off the ship at the end?

We didn't love the two days at sea back-to-back at the very beginning, and didn't care much for St. Maarten. Now, St. Johns was another story.

But hey, it was great nonetheless.

 

[tvguy]

I didn't like the extra day at sea, I would rather be at a port....and I HATED that early wake up for immmigration!

Ports on a cruise are like popcorn at the movies, they are nice, but they aren't the reason I'm there. The ships is the destination.

 

[O&WMOM]

I think the trip from St Thomas to Castaway Cay was very rough (had a lot of distance to travel in a short time)

 

[woody73]

I'd really like to hear what you DISLIKED about the Eastern.

We loved the Eastern, much more than the Western. About the only thing we disliked about the Eastern were the public restrooms on St. John near the ferry terminal.

Woody

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I just wanted to say to those of you who are complaining about having to wake early for immigration, be thankful that you're not sailing another line. We sailed Carnival to St. Thomas, and it took us two and a half hours (yes, two and a half) to debark. We arrived in St. Thomas (late) at 10:00 a.m., then had to wait for our floor to be called. (It's done by random.) Then we went through two lines. We did not set foot in St. Thomas until 12:40. It left us with 3 hours and 20 minutes to do Megan's Bay and shop. We had even asked Carnival staff (the night before) where we're to go for immigration and what time. They said they 'weren't sure, because it changes with every cruise.' It soured us on ever wanting to sail Carnival again, (or any other line who might be as disorganized.) I then told DH, "I have news for anyone whoever whines about DCL's early immigration call.'

 

[Michelle2]

This thread sure makes me happy that I chose the Eastern itinerary for our first cruise ever! And at the time, I was choosing it because it was the lesser cost LOL!