Help!! Western, Eastern, Southern Caribbean

[RCCruisin]

Hello fellow cruisers,

I always get such good input from all of you I figured I would ask.

Which Caribbean is the best to try for the first time and why???? Which has better ports????

Oh thanks thanks thanks

Chris

[Lois R]

Hi Chris[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] you have asked a question that will always get subjective answers.
I think it depends on what the cruiser wants to do. I have been once to the East and once to the West. I don't have a preference...enjoyed both very much. The best part was the CENTURY [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[Shaco]

I think the shopping is better in the East. Snorkeling and diving IMHO, is better in the West. Usually have to leave out of Puerto Rico if it's a 7 day Southern, so that makes for a long plane ride.

[doree]

We have done all of the Carrib on - Century, Mercury, Mille, and Galaxy...my personal fav is Southern. You do have to leave out of San Juan, but we LOVE SJ, and go a day or 2 early. If you have NEVER been there...Old San Juan is GREAT. LOVE Aruba and Barbados, St. Kitts was beautiful. St. Thomas is a "good old fav"...been there many times. My thoughts are, "if it is warmer and sunnier than here, it's great"!!!!!! You cant go wrong w/ the Caribb unless you go during hurricane season!!!!!!

[BarbinMich]

We've done all 3. Generally I think the eastern islands south of St. Thomas (St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Martinique, etc.) are more scenic with mountains, rainforests, etc. The islands in the west are good for beach, snorkeling, etc., but aren't particularly scenic. Jamaica, which we're visiting for the first time later this month, is probably the exception as for scenery. In the south, Curacao is charming because of the Dutch influence, Aruba has beautiful beaches, Bonaire has scenic spots and good snorkeling/diving, Isla de Margarita has two very different parts--the west is desert, but hilly; the northeast looks like St. Lucia--very lush and very hilly (it's port facility is decidely unscenic, but don't let that interfere with enjoying other parts of the island).

[teedee]

I love all the islands, I think the Western Caribbean itineary is more fun for activities. The only thing I don't like about Southern Carib. cruises is they usually seem to visit an island a day without many sea days, and we really enjoy days at sea.

Terri

Skyward - 1989
Carnivale - 1991
Holiday - 1994
Fantasy - 1998
Century - 2002
Century - 2003
Inspiration - 7/04
Century - 9/2004

[davidb01]

When is hurricane season oficially in the Caribbean?

Countdown to Century and the Western Caribbean
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[excitedofharpenden]

Chris

As a first time cruiser and visitor to the Caribbean, I thought the Western route was a great intro, with some good snorkelling and nice ports. The islands are flatter than the East (and South from what I know) and not quite a visually stunning. You can't go wrong with any of them and I'm sure you like us will want to try them all over time [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img].

Davidb01, hurricane season officially starts 1st June and runs through to the end of November with peak activity usually in late August, September and early October.

Phil

Mercury Western Caribbean November 2002
Galaxy Eastern Caribbean November 2003

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Until Galaxy Panama Canal Out Of Galveston
13th November 2004

[dedlaw]

I would prefer eastern or southern over western. This is primarily because most western itineraries include Jamaica, a least favorite port for many posters here. I also think the snorkeling is at least as good eastern or southern, but of course that all depends on the ports of call. I agree with the idea of an extra sea day being nice for a first time cruiser.

[davidb01]

Thanks excited, Just wanted to know. I am planning on booking another cruise while on board Century Western Caribbean next week and want to stay clear of the dates. Again thanks.

Countdown to Century and the Western Caribbean
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[Princess-of-Quite-alot]

David,
Yeah, yeah...rub it in some more. I am jealous..hate to admit...BUT.....when you get back and only have your memories...I WILL BE ON MY CRUISE!!!!!!
My first cruise was to the southern carribbean...LOVED IT! Went again.....loved the weather, people, beaches, port intensive....excellent! I only hope I will enjoy the western as much.....but either way, a bad day cruising will always beat a good day at work! Have a wonderful time!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Celebrity Century 5/8/04 -Western Caribbean
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Carnival Ecstasy 2/04 - Baja
Tahitian Princess 2/03- French Polynesia
Sea Princess 7/02 - Alaska
Carnival Ecstasy 5/02 - Baja
Royal Caribbean Monarch 10/00 - Southern Caribbean
Carnival Elation 10/99 - Mexican Riviera
Royal Caribbean Monarch 1/97 - Southern Caribbean

[davidb01]

Thanks Princess, I agree about a bad day cruising. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Countdown to Century and the Western Caribbean
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[excitedofharpenden]

Princess, David

That's the great thing about cruising and these boards:

1. Research and booking
2. Joining your Roll Call and "meeting" your fellow cruisers with all the pre-excitement
3. The actual cruise and meeting new people
4. The memories and keeping in touch with your new friends
5. Getting the next one booked

You can't go wrong! Enjoy your cruises, both of you [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Phil

Mercury Western Caribbean November 2002
Galaxy Eastern Caribbean November 2003

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;11;13;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
Until Galaxy Panama Canal Out Of Galveston
13th November 2004