If you had to choose Southern or Eastern Carribbean Routes

I know its a personal view point, but I am finding it difficult to sort out which ports I can do without or are a must see. Apparently Puerto Rico is topmost when you try and sort out the two routes. (?) Then the eleven day goes to so many ports it seems too hectic or not varied enough? so if YOU had to choose and could only do one or the other which would you do? and for what reasons? thanks! I know I can do tons of research and spend hours deciding, but that's why I love this forum because just one little reply can make such a difference in your selection sometimes. thanks in advance!

p.s. I am totally familiar with the Western route Aruba and Jamacia etc and have been there but clueless on others.

We usually choose a cruise that goes to Grenada, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire as some of our favorites. We tend to like the islands that have a stronger Dutch influence or ones that are not super popular, i.e. St. Kitts wins every time over St. Thomas. We are doing 21 days in the Caribbean starting next month and as each island is somewhat unique from unusual cultures, awesome beaches, wonderful rain forests, desert-like conditions and everything in between, you will definitely not be bored. Ok - due to the fact that we have been to Barbados so many times, it has been lowered in our favorites list but we did find new adventures there 2 years ago. We do try to stay out of the very touristy areas on an island. An example is on Cozumel, one side of the island has beautiful sand beaches, lots of tourist shops, et. and the other side has a much more rocky beach - but wonderful tide pools with some amazing creatures . Found this as 1 of our motor scooters had a flat tire so 2 of us stayed with the wounded scooter and 2 went back to the shop. We wandered on the rocks while we waited- it was better than any aquarium we have been in for enjoyment of the little creatures.

You need to decide what you want out of the cruise and then pick the area - or do both and make your own list of favorite places.

We have done both and like both. However, given the choice I'd take Southern.

My favorite islands so far - Tortola, St. John (via St. Thomas), Curacao, St. Lucia, and Dominica. I'm partial to the Southern Caribbean, then Eastern, and finally Western.

Roz

We love the Southern route.

Puerto Rico -- I hate the idea that we don't get there until 1 PM or later. That heat is too much for me.

I too prefer Southern Caribbean, especially the ABC islands, followed by Western Carib, with Eastern being the last choice.

Definitely Southern Caribbean - better ports and nicer weather.

I don't much care for Jamaica, Grand Cayman though I do like Cozumel so Western itinerary is not my favorite.

I really enjoy San Juan, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados, St. Barts, St. Maarten, HMC, Tortola.........

We prefer the Southern in order to go to the ABC Islands. Excellent diving in Boniare

Southern, hands down. St. Barts, St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Tortola, all good. Can't wait to go again next winter.

Southern--especially Curacao. On second thought--anywhere the behemoths do not go!

We've done all three, Southern, Eastern & Western..:)

Have always enjoyed the ABC Islands, so we also vote for the Southern Route..

Definitely Southern! Special favorites are San Juan, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, St. Barts and St. Kitts. We avoid St. Thomas completely or just stay on the ship.

Southern.

It was a lot of fun going 10 or so years ago when there was not a lot of southern itineraries.

Still enjoy it's rustic beauty:)

Agree with southern - love the snorkeling in Bonaire with the "Woodwind".

I don't much care for Jamaica, Grand Cayman though I do like Cozumel so Western itinerary is not my favorite.

 

I really enjoy San Juan, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados, St. Barts, St. Maarten, HMC, Tortola.........

Same here!

Southern--especially Curacao. On second thought--anywhere the behemoths do not go!

Such an excellent point!

We love them all but would pick a Southern route hands down.

Southern here too, hands down also! :)

definitely Southern !

Curacao is the prettiest port !

Southern, especially the ABC islands.

I wouldn't book a Southern if Curacao is not on the itinerary. Most Southerns do stop there, but Curacao is a must for us, so check to be sure. Our favorite southern Caribbean port! :D

We've been going to Curacao for over 20 years and have done resort stays there. Each time we went, it got better and better. Every time I visit Curacao I like it even more.