What's your preference, Eastern or Western, and why???

[WishingMom]

Trying to decide what cruise to take next September. We were planning on going on the 7 day Eastern, but now are looking at the Western as well. What itinerary do you prefer, and why? We are a family of 4, myself, and 2 DDs, 12 and 16months at cruise time.

Thanks

 

[TheWog]

Is it your first cruise? If so, Eastern. Extra sea day to enjoy the ship. If you have already done one, then do the other. If you have done both, I might say Eastern again.

 

[calmpets]

It depends on what you are looking for. The eastern has an extra day at sea and better beaches. The western has an extra port and a bit more local culture. With a baby in the party I'd probably take the eastern for the extra sea day - less carting around and more relaxing!

 

[kcashner]

Eastern. More sea days, more adult programming (frequently they have a guest speaker doing programming), better ports. Every port on the Eastern is good, whether it is the normal (St. Thomas, St. Maarten) or one of the specials with Tortola or St. Croix!

On the Western, I do like Grand Cayman, but Key West is the sort of place that if you've been there once or twice, that's enough.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Another Eastern vote here! We're beach people and loved the beaches at St. Thomas and St. Martin.
I also like how you board on a Sat., then the next 2 days are at sea. It's just a great way to unwind from the stress of packing and traveling. Sleep in, relax, and enjoy the ship a bit before hitting any ports.

Westerns are ok but I'm so longing for an Eastern. (can you tell?)

The days that our kids have off school in early Nov seem to keep falling on the Western schedule so that's what we've been stuck on.

I agree Key West is ok once. Same with Cozumel. Not something I need to keep returning to though.

jmho.

 

[tvguy]

Eastern.
We wanted a Caribbean cruise, and the extra sea day.

 

[nikkistevej]

Eastern- better ports(at least for us), extra sea day

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Another vote for Eastern. While we haven't cruised Disney before (though that will change soon!), we have done Eastern and Western on other lines. I would echo the sentiment that the beaches were nicer on the Eastern itineraries. We love St. John, so that is a plus too. I am not a big fan of being heckled to buy things and that seemed to be more of an issue in the Western ports.

 

[ericalynn1979]

I'll be a lone dissenter, I love Grand Cayman and the western itinerary. I've done eastern and westerns on RCCL and Grand Cayman wins as my favorite port hands down.

Oh well, that means the ship will be less full for us!

 

[YenSid1222]

Eastern. The islands are much more beautiful, like little green mountains popping up out of the blue sea. Although Key West was fun, Grand Cayman is flat a pancake and expensive. Cozumel was just bleh for me. I have done two Easterns and if I choose to do another carribbean cruise, it would definately be Eastern again.

 

[Macavity]

Another vote for Eastern - especially when they include Tortola.

Have done 2 westerns and 1 eastern, and if given the choice, I'd do another eastern in a hearbeat.

I liked the extra sea day and loved the beaches.