What is the Eastern Like

[southjerseymom]

I would love some suggestions! We are booked on the 2/26 4 Day Wonder. Looking over the DU rates and factoring the cost of staying a few days precruise in Orlando with SeaWorld etc....I'm thinking for the cost I might as well do the 7 day. The 2/11 Western is more money and Spirit will soak me for the flight becuase of the return on a holiday weekend. The 2/4 is doable. DH, DD3 and DS5 have never cruised. But I have been to the ports on the Eastern. I could do the ports again....because it would be with my family. Can somebody tell me wonderful things about the Eastern that will help me make up my mind to go. Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions and comments!

 

[JSCTRico4]

4 days isn't long enough! 7 wasn't long enough.... that's why we are doing 14 in August! My kids were actually near tears when we had to get off at 7 days. If you can swing the longer vacation..... I would do it!

 

[mommasita]

For our family, it is the ports on the Eastern..We love the beaches in St. Thomas, and we do our own beach excursion (if you call it an excursion)...St. Maartan as well...I find them to be great shopping cities, and so far we lucked out to have never tendered into St. Thomas..THe early immigration is a doozie, but once done, I was always happy to be able to enjoy the day from an early time....

Having done only one western, the ports were not my favorite...WE never got off the ship in Grand Cayman, due to the high winds, and I was NOT going to tender with my dd4 and ds7 at the time....Cozumel, I have been there, done that, one too many times, and Key West is gorgeous, but not for me....

That is our personal choice, I find with young ones it is an easier route to take...

 

[TeaforWendy]

The extra day at sea on the Eastern! Sea days rock! And, Key West is great, but not for a cruise...imo.

 

[SweetSpot]

The extra sea days is the best part of the Eastern. We didn't enjoy St. Maarten the first time around so we use that as a "sea day". It's my favorite day because the ship is so empty with everyone in port. We are going on the Western this year and will miss the extra days of true relaxation.

The only downside to the Eastern is the early immigration call.

 

[southjerseymom]

Stupid question here....what's the immigration call?

 

[SweetSpot]

On Wednesday morning everyone on the ship must wake up very early and report to the Walt Disney Theatre (different place for non US citizens) to show proof of citizenship to immigration. I believe it's because we left US territory going to St. Maarten and then when we reenter in St. Thomas we are reentering US territory. Whatever the reason it's a long process, very early in the morning, that everyone must go to before anyone must go to before anyone can get off the ship. On our 1st 2 cruises it went rather smooth but last Nov. there was a huge line only to get into the theatre and have to wait again while watching disorganized officers let people behind you go ahead of you. Mass frustration at 7:00 isn't a good way to start your day.

 

[Jsme]

What Sweetspot said about showing proof of citizenship is based on your dining times. If you have the early dining time you have to be at the Walt Disney Theatre first. The later time is a little later. BUT never the less it is still very early.

I still have to say the Eastern is the best. I love St. Thomas. The beaches are awesome. My next picture on the thread DCL picture of the day will be a picture of my children at Sapphire Beach. I love it there. SOOOOO beautiful.