why is EC more expensive than WC?

[northshoremama]

first time cruiser...or at least i hope to be booking my first disney cruise for my family and me in 2018. was looking at a WC sailing...but trying to keep options open as well to EC, but noticed that EC itineraries are more expensive. is it because of the extra day at sea?

also for a first cruise...would you recommend EC or WC? and why?

 

[Quellman]

I can only guess about the cost difference. You would think that western would be more expensive due to port fees and the like, but it is what it is. It could be that port fees in the East are higher, especially as St. Thomas is somewhat part of the US. Plus the extra day at sea just burning fuel.

I think that the destinations should be a deciding factor as to what is most appealing to you and your family. We have done the Eastern twice now and a third booked for next year. I don't have much interest in the western itineraries, and I like sea days. Yes the boat is more crowded during a sea day, but I like being out on the water as the boat rocks. And the last trip we didn't get off the boat except at Castaway Cay. Also you can get extra duty free from St. Thomas you can't get on the western itinerary.

At this point I think we book Eastern out of habit.

 

[northshoremama]

I can only guess about the cost difference. You would think that western would be more expensive due to port fees and the like, but it is what it is. It could be that port fees in the East are higher, especially as St. Thomas is somewhat part of the US. Plus the extra day at sea just burning fuel.

I think that the destinations should be a deciding factor as to what is most appealing to you and your family. We have done the Eastern twice now and a third booked for next year. I don't have much interest in the western itineraries, and I like sea days. Yes the boat is more crowded during a sea day, but I like being out on the water as the boat rocks. And the last trip we didn't get off the boat except at Castaway Cay. Also you can get extra duty free from St. Thomas you can't get on the western itinerary.

At this point I think we book Eastern out of habit.

thank you for the input. i'm soooo torn. i guess i should read up on EC and the ports on that itinerary. i figured we'd do a couple excursions, but mostly would spend time at the beach.

what months have you done EC? how's the beach water temps?

 

[Quellman]

thank you for the input. i'm soooo torn. i guess i should read up on EC and the ports on that itinerary. i figured we'd do a couple excursions, but mostly would spend time at the beach.

what months have you done EC? how's the beach water temps?

I think the Eastern Itinerary has more 'beach' type locations as it is all islands you visit. Sure Mexico has beaches too, but its not 'tropical island feeling'.
There are a couple of different itineraries. Some go Tortola, St Thomas. Others St. Martin, St Thomas. Still others include Puerto Rico. The western itineraries also have variations too.

We have sailed April and October. Weather was exceptional both voyages. Castaway water temperature could be considered a bit chilly during both. St John (excursion from St Thomas) was somewhat water chilly at the honeymoon beach but it wasn't such that it didn't take but a moment to get adjusted to the temps.

 

[tee11]

first time cruiser...or at least i hope to be booking my first disney cruise for my family and me in 2018. was looking at a WC sailing...but trying to keep options open as well to EC, but noticed that EC itineraries are more expensive. is it because of the extra day at sea?
also for a first cruise...would you recommend EC or WC? and why?

You know, it isn't always like this. I've seen it twice now where the Eastern could have been had for less than the Western. And this opening day, the Eastern was less, but went up in price first (at least the dates I was eyeing).
We have done way more Western than Eastern now.
I think both are wonderful though.