Which is better southern or Western Caribbean on HAL

[MamaMicki]

Hello all,
We are thinking about going on the Noordam for a 10 day cruise that goes to St. Thomas, Curaco, Aruba, and the Dominican. We have only been to St. Thomas. We Have been to the Western Caribbean many times, and I wondered if it was a safe bet to go more Southern. I love Costa Maya as a port. I like places more rustic and untouched. I am hoping the Southern ports are more like this. Please let me know what you think. We have 2 kids (5 and 7). Are these family friendly islands..beaches and stuff. They aren't going to be much into ruins and stuff like that. Thanks in advance for the help. Take Care!

[cf_chuck]

Hello all,
We are thinking about going on the Noordam for a 10 day cruise that goes to St. Thomas, Curaco, Aruba, and the Dominican. We have only been to St. Thomas. We Have been to the Western Caribbean many times, and I wondered if it was a safe bet to go more Southern. I love Costa Maya as a port. I like places more rustic and untouched. I am hoping the Southern ports are more like this. Please let me know what you think. We have 2 kids (5 and 7). Are these family friendly islands..beaches and stuff. They aren't going to be much into ruins and stuff like that. Thanks in advance for the help. Take Care!

Curaco, Aruba and Dominica are lovely places to visit. Check the destinations on the main pages of CC. I would encourage you to no miss the local color, in addition to the beach scene. There's another active thread going on about Roseau.

[hylasgirl]

I would always choose the Eastern or Southern Caribbean over the Western.

[seafun]

I've done Eastern, Western and Southern... (**grateful for living such a blessed life** ) and your question is like asking which of your children you love most, lol!

All three are great and I love them for different reasons. Do some research on these boards, read a lot of threads, make a list of what you personally like and dislike about each itinerary and then make your choice.

Or, paste the words Eastern, Southern and Western on the wall about a foot away from each other and throw a dart! :eek:

Oh, by the way, having been to each before, for my cruise in November I chose to go "Southern," but part of that was that it was 10 days rather than 7, and left on a day that coincided with my two weeks off work perfectly.

[cruiseapril]

The Dutch Islands, including Aruba & Curacao, are family-friendly with many good attractions and beaches. Dominica is a Rain Forest island with lots of adventure excursions- it is undeveloped with narrow, winding roads-and very interesting. You might like the Southern itinerary.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have cruised all of these islands many, many times.

Dominica is so beautiful -- why go to the beach?? If you have never been here before -- take an island tour -- go to Trafalgar falls -- Emerald Lake -- Learn something about the island.

Curacao -- keep in mind that the beaches are very rocky here -- you need to wear water shoes here.

I love these ports!

Costa Maya -- you can have that port -- been there once -- never again!! Nothing but tons of people tryning to all crowd into one small area -- prices in the shops -- go elsewhere!!

[MamaMicki]

We have cruised all of these islands many, many times.

Dominica is so beautiful -- why go to the beach?? If you have never been here before -- take an island tour -- go to Trafalgar falls -- Emerald Lake -- Learn something about the island.

Curacao -- keep in mind that the beaches are very rocky here -- you need to wear water shoes here.

I love these ports!

Costa Maya -- you can have that port -- been there once -- never again!! Nothing but tons of people tryning to all crowd into one small area -- prices in the shops -- go elsewhere!!



You need to venture out to the village next to the port of Costa Maya it's called Mahjual. I am sure I am spelling it wrong. It is a very quaint town that is less than 4 miles away. It has been my favorite port for several years. They usually have you board a bus and the cost roundtrip is about $6 per person. It's a very rustic place. I just love it.

[norcal2]

I have been to many from both sides and my own preference is Southern. It really depends on what you are looking for and what is the right environment for you. Oh and where you go once you get there.

[mnport]

Thanks MammaMicki for the info, I am going there in Dec and thought about a ruins excursion, have you been on this and is it worth the money? Thanks for your experience and reply.