WWYD - 4 day Bahamas or 7 day Eastern or Western?

[Rachel6236]

We are looking at booking our second Disney Cruise for this May. 5 years ago we sailed 4 nights on the Wonder or Magic, can't remember which.

Should we do the 4 night bahamas again or go for the 7 day Eastern or Western? Which is your favorite of the 7 day itineraries? We are a family of 5 traveling with 3 kiddos (11,8 & almost 5).

 

[Skiton]

This is just my opinion, but I can't imagine choosing a 4 night cruise over a 7 night cruise. For our family, it takes us at least two nights just to get settled in. Also, we have to fly to get to the ports so the whole thing is an ordeal. If we could just drive a short way, I might feel differently.

We've done the Eastern and Western itineraries and both are nice. We tend to choose Eastern in the winter months as we've found the weather to be warmer and more predictable at that time, but we did Western in late April and had a great trip.

 

[dreadpiraterose]

I absolutely love the 7-day Caribbean on the Fantasy. The ship is amazing. My husband and I have done it twice now, and are about to do our third this year, and our fourth in 2017. Seven day cruises are nice because you get to fully unpack and really relax before having to pack back up again. Plus, I like the dining room themes/decor better on the Fantasy (my husband and I did the Magic/Wonder once years ago).

Our favorite ports have been St. John/Thomas. Both islands are gorgeous. St. Maartin was okay. The beach was great. The shopping was overrated. Have heard good things about Grand Cayman and Tortola. I haven't done Jamaica, but I hear it is generally considered the least nice of all the Caribbean ports.

 

[JJsmama]

on vacation in general, it is always hard for our family to really settle in and relax and enjoy for the first couple days. On the 4 night we did, we had Just started really enjoying ourselves when it was time to think about packing up and leaving. That is why we have never considered a 4 night again -- Especially with young kids involved! It takes them a couple days to be willing to really enjoy the kids activities, IMHO. It is not that it wasn't enjoyable. It was. If it is for the experience, the excitement of meeting characters, see a ship, a 4 night might be fine. If it is to relax and really enjoy, have some adult time, I would do 7.

We have done the Western twice (once from CA) but I am more excited about the Eastern we have scheduled. Dh and i spent a week in St Maarten last year and I can't wait to get back to those clear waters!

 

[Quellman]

I've done the 7 day eastern on the Magic and the Fantasy. I have no issue doing the eastern what so ever. There is an extra day at sea, so if you want to explore more ports visit the western itinerary. If cost isn't an issue go longer. You really get to know your dining room and housekeeping staff in those 7 days, vs the quickness of a 4 day.

 

[Praying Colonel]

We just did a 3-day Bahamas on the Dream after having done a 7-day Western on the Fantasy in 2012. We wanted to do a longer cruise but DW didn't have the vacation time so we were leveraging the MLK holiday weekend. It felt like we just got there when it was time to start thinking about leaving. All things being equal, I'd definitely do the 7 day over a shorter cruise.

 

[MickeyD]

Another vote for a 7 day! As for itinerary, we have done multiple Western, and I have to say that I like the port days. I like Cozumel and Grand Caymen is ok. On the Eastern, I liked San Juan and St Thomas. With little ones, I would imagine there is more to do on the Western itin. The eastern is more shopping and the western seems to be more activities, although you can do the beaches and snorkeling on the East.

 

[ahain]

Yup! 7 nights hands down! I'm not a huge fan of Nassau, so if we do a Bahamas again, we will likely stay on the ship.

 

[DISGRL13]

7 nights! There is more time to relax on a 7 night and you are not so rushed trying to get everything in. We have done the Western Caribbean twice and loved it both times. I have heard great things about the Eastern as well. I think you couldn't go wrong with either. Good luck with your decision.

 

[grumpytx]

I'll share a comment from a co-worker regarding a 4 day cruise. He stated, "Our first cruise was a 4 day. By day 2 we realized we should have booked a 7 day instead." Based on his advice we booked a 7 day as our first cruise, Western Caribbean, on the Fantasy. Before the cruise was over we booked another while on board. Regret not taking a cruise earlier in life, definitely would have been fewer trips to WDW and more cruises!!!

 

[MickeyEarrings]

I love the Eastern as well! (Who wouldn't want 7 nights instead of 4?!). Regarding the Bahamian cruises, that's a "sea day" for me, as I don't get off the ship any more. Nassau doesn't hold any attraction to me.

 

[Winston Wolf]

If cost is not a concern, then 7 day for sure. Especially if you have to travel to get there.

 

[jeepnjudy]

My family and I just talked about this after out first 4-day cruise over New Years and we ALL agreed...never again, way too short! Prior to that we had only done 7+ day cruises but we all wanted to go on the Dream since that was the last ship we had not been on! So IMHO...go for the 7 days!

 

[julie junebug]

We loved both our Western and Eastern Caribbean 7 day cruises and would choose those again no question. We have only done shorter cruises due to time and cost concerns. Whatever you choose I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

 

[Simba One]

7 day eastern!!!