Eastern Carribean vs. Western Carribean

[mylittleguyisarascal]

DH & I have never been on a cruise and will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this October. We have a 3 year old so thought DCL would be fun. We can't decide between the 7 day Eastern vs. Western.

Has anyone been on both and preferred one over the other? Or what are your opinions in general? I'm leaning towards Eastern because I've never been to St. Maarten or any of the ports mentioned. I'd still like to hear what you seasoned cruisers think:)

Thanks so much!

[dahuffy]

Congratulations on your up coming anniversary! DH and I just celebrated our 27th with DCL in Sept. Our anniversary was actually in June but the rates are much lower in Sept. than June. We chose to do the Eastern side mainly because we could drive to Mexico but sure can't to the Virgin Islands. And we also wanted the extra days at sea so that we could enjoy the ship more. This was our 2nd Disney cruise and we plan on going again,most likely in '08. We've really enjoyed ourselves, both times....and we have no children. There are so many things to do and you'll never be able to do them all. The islands are gorgeous!! And you're sure to enjoy Castaway Cay, no matter which cruise you decide on.

If you have any specific questions, I'll try to answer them as best I can. May I suggest that you purchase the "Passporter Field Guide to Disney Cruise Lines" It's an invaluable guide. It has everything that you could need or want to know about the ports of call, tipping on board, best food to try, etc.

[mylittleguyisarascal]

Thank you dahuffy! I've heard about that book and will definitely take a look at it. I've done lots of web searching but want to hear more details re: the East vs West itinerary. For ex, lots of people said West has better snorkling (which we love to do) but I've been to Mexico before. I've never been to the Eastern ports.
TOO much researching sure can be overwhelming! If I think of any specific questions, I'll definitely ask. Thanks so much again!

[RB Bonzo]

My suggestion is that you look at the ports section of the board and read about the various options you have while in port and make your decision based upon that.

The Western ports do have better conditions for scuba/snorkeling, but you can find that on the Eastern itinerary by heading over to St. Johns, which isn't as nice as Grand Cayman or Cozumel, but still pretty nice. The Eastern ports probably have better shopping. You'll find great beaches either place, but I'd give the nod in that category to the Eastern ports.

[michris17]

I personally like Eastern better. Cozumel was dirty and has been my least favorite port out of all ports including Southern destinations. We loved St Thomas for shopping. Grand Cayman is very nice though for snorkeling. In my opinion you don't get a true Caribbean experience when stopping in Key West. Just a personal preference but when we cruise we don't want to stop somewhere in the U.S. unless we are doing Hawaii or Alaska....just my 2 cents

[crazy4themouse]

I've done Eastern twice and Western twice -- and that was one too many times for Western, but it's just a matter of personal preference. DS and I do love snorkeling, and it was great on the Western itinerary, but outside of the Grand Cayman stop it's just a cruise to Mexico. It doesn't have that wonderful Caribbean feel and atmosphere that the Eastern does. Disney didn't help that by having everyone in sombreros and playing mariachi music, and changing Tropical Night to Fiesta Night. Bleh! I would stay here in south Texas if I wanted that.

Port-wise, I really really love St. Maarten and St. Thomas. They are just beautiful places, with wonderful stories and history. I can't wait to be back. :-) Plus, the extra sea day is a BIG plus for me!

just my two cents,
-gina-

[mylittleguyisarascal]

Thank you all for your input! We decided to try the Eastern. Gina, you're right - the Western doesn't sound really Carribean since the 1st stop is Key West and then there's Cozumel thrown in. More of a Mexican cruise. I like the extra ship day on the Eastern itinerary, too.

Please keep posting with an Eastern opinions or suggestions,etc..! I love to hear what cruisers say as opposed to reading a book where it's the author's opinion (you know what I mean):)

Quick question: Do any of you/have you flown home the same Saturday you docked? Wondering how long to leave between docking and flight time. If I got a mid afternoon flight home, would that be ok?

Thanks!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Hi, we love the Eastern best too.
Since you have a 3 year old I would suggest on St. Maartin that you try the butterfly farm excursion. It is a wonderful excursion for young kids.
Also if you want to shop there, take the water taxi for $5 per person to the shopping area. Once you walk to the end of the pier there are nice beaches to the left sand right. Beaches are free to use, chairs and umbrellas are for rent.
Shops are right there too.
This is a great place to entertain the little one while the other person shops, then change places. Casinos also are close by. Since the stores are small and hard to navigate a stroller we found taking turns at the beach was a great solution to make everyone happy.

mom x4,grandma x4

[ocwave]

i like the eastern side. People are more friendly and not pushy. More Americanized.