Eastern or Western Caribbean on Oasis in June?

[EJKorvette]

My girlfriend and I are looking at sailing the Oasis in June. We can't decide which direction to sail, either east or west. We just got back from a western Caribbean on Costa Atlantica two weeks ago and went to Key West, Cozumel and a trip to Tulum, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. I don't have any preferences on what shore excursions; I am happy just to walk around the port or take just the basic tour, or even just stay on the ship.

 

Questions about Oasis' western ports:

 

Falmouth, Jamaica: Anything very interesting here? Any "must-see" tours? I really am not interested in going to Jamaica again; I can get enough Jamaican "culture" just living down here in South Florida.

 

Costa Maya: basically the same question, but I would go back to Mexico before I would go back to Jamaica. Actually I looked at the RCI site, looks like the Oasis also goes to Cozumel. On our last trip we spent absolutely no time in Cozumel itself, so it would be like a new port. Anything in Cozumel? We aren't into water sports; she likes shopping.

 

Labadee: will I realize I am in Haiti or a generic Caribbean beach resort that could be anywhere?

 

And since this cruise goes to four ports in a week with three sea days, will it be less relaxed that the Eastern cruise?

 

 

Eastern ports:

 

Nassau - My girlfriend thinks I have never been here, but I spent a weekend at Atlantis a few years ago (forty minute flight from FLL). She wants to go gamble at the Casino in Atlantis. I really have no interest to go back, but if we do, has it gotten better since December 2007?

 

St. Thomas - I have been here before, but last time was in 1982 on my Navy ship. Can you still bring back six bottles of liquor a person? I wouldn't mind going back.

 

St. Maarten - I have never been here, so would enjoy it.

 

 

We are going on an Eastern cruise on Emerald Princess in October, so I will get to St. Thomas even if we take the Western cruise on Oasis.

 

I will be reading the boards for all this, but any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

 

EJKorvette on the boards

[will773]

Since you've been to most of the places on the Western itinerary, I would recommend the Eastern. The three cruises that I have been on have all gone to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau, so I've been there enough. They are beautiful.

[cb at sea]

If you're cruising on Oasis....you will be cruising for the ship....don't worry about the ports! All of the Caribbean ports are more alike than different. There will be so much to see and do on the ship, you may as well get your money's worth!

[jennmaybe]

I would definitely do the Eastern. Let her go to Nassau and do her thing. Maybe she won't be as impressed, like many of us and you'll never have to worry about going back there again....or at least stay on the ship next time:).

 

St. Martin & St. Thomas happen to be our 2 favorite ports now....we would go back there again in a hearbeat....no comparsion to the W. Caribbean.

[EuroDate20]

My family and I took a Western Caribbean cruise on the Oasis last month. The ship is truly incredible, but we wished we opted for the Eastern Caribbean. Costa Maya is really a waste of time. There is a small shopping area at the port. We went on a Jeep Excursion for $99 each and we were disappointed. There were many remaining trees still smashed from the hurricane 3 years ago. Cozumel was better for shopping, but you're not going to find the high end stuff like you will find in St. Thomas. Keep in mind that RCCL will confiscate and hold any liquor you bring back until the night before you depart. In fact, they were thinking of confiscating a single little shot bottle of tequila that I had.

[bajathree]

There is little doubt that the Eastern Itinerary has been more in demand with Oasis/Allure than the Western. I also am not looking forward much to Falmouth and a 1 hour drive to either get to Ocho Rios or Mobay. People are also quite split on Labadee....when you tell people you are going to Haiti the general reaction is:eek:even though Labadee is actually quite beautiful.....but perception trumps reality often. Nassau, St Thomas and St Martin are nicer ports stops overall.

[cruzkitty]

I definitely prefer the Eastern route. We are Booked for this on Oasis in September. You might want to do an all-day or half-day snorkel in St. Thomas to Honeymoon Beach-it was great fun! But if you want to spend your day shopping in St. Thomas-then snorkeling is out....Have a great cruise, either route you take!

[Cruzface]

We have been to all the ports you listed (except St. Maarten we will be there in 2 1/2 weeks). I definitely prefer the Eastern route. The islands are more interesting and visually stunning.

[ciera123]

We love the eastern Caribbean. Did the western this past June and really wish we'd gone to the Eastern again! Have a great time wherever you go....:)

[gacathy]

We just booked the Eastern on the Oasis in June. We could have gotten on the Western for cheaper but preferred the Eastern route.

[dizzlepop]

I'm having the debate, too, on which of the two routes to book. I understand that the ship is a huge part of the attraction, but still, it's fun to have nice destinations.

 

I'm wondering if anyone knows the difference between D1 cabins vs the D3, D4, etc. The cabin size is the same and the balcony has more sq footage on the cheaper balconies...!

 

Decisions, decisions... :)

[Cupcrazy]

I like the Eastern Caribbean better but if you can't figure out which itinerary to take do what I am doing. I booked B2B cruises on the Oasis. You get the best of both worlds

[dizzlepop]

I like the Eastern Caribbean better but if you can't figure out which itinerary to take do what I am doing. I booked B2B cruises on the Oasis. You get the best of both worlds

 

Oh yeah, NOW you're talking!!!

[Ocean Boy]

I am very glad that we dailed the Western Caribbean and we enjoyed it very much but I much prefer the Eastern to the Western. That being said, all of the islands have unique aspects all to themselves. We have never been to any island that I thought was not going to.

 

Anyone who tells you that once you have seen one island you have seen them all most likely has done nothing more than just go to the beach.:rolleyes:

[CaroleC]

I'm wondering if anyone knows the difference between D1 cabins vs the D3, D4, etc. The cabin size is the same and the balcony has more sq footage on the cheaper balconies...!

 

 

D1 balconies are 80 sq.ft, D2-D8 balconies are 50 sq.ft. Cabins are all the same size at 182 sq.ft.

[toots13]

We prefer the western because of the stop at Labadee which my family loves. I have to agree thought that Cozymel and Costa Maya are nothing special, but Labadee makes up for it. I like St. Thomas and St. Martin, but Nassau stinks and is a waste of time that early for such a short stop and we really miss the private island on that itinerary.

[EJKorvette]

Thanks for all the great advice. We pretty much had decided on the Eastern trip since I haven't been to two of the islands. Looking forward to it!

 

EJKorvette on the boards

[bajathree]

I am very glad that we dailed the Western Caribbean and we enjoyed it very much but I much prefer the Eastern to the Western. That being said, all of the islands have unique aspects all to themselves. We have never been to any island that I thought was not going to.

 

Anyone who tells you that once you have seen one island you have seen them all most likely has done nothing more than just go to the beach.:rolleyes:

 

Absolutely agree;)

 

We prefer the western because of the stop at Labadee which my family loves. I have to agree thought that Cozymel and Costa Maya are nothing special, but Labadee makes up for it. I like St. Thomas and St. Martin, but Nassau stinks and is a waste of time that early for such a short stop and we really miss the private island on that itinerary.

 

See above.