Trying to decide between Western & Eastern...

[MaiTaiMary]

My DH and I are planning our third Carnival cruise. We've thought we had our mind made up and wanted to do a Western Caribbean, but now we are reconsidering. Maybe an Eastern would be better for us??

 

 

What we like:

~quiet, relaxing BEACHES

~snorkeling

~some local "flavor" that isn't too touristy

 

 

What I DON'T need:

~loud, crazy bars

~crowded beaches filled with jet skis and water toys

~shopping (lucky for DH, I'm just not a shopper)

 

 

I've always wanted to "zip line" and would love an opportunity to do this on our next cruise, but this isn't a necessity.

 

 

Does it sound like a Western itinerary or Eastern intinerary would suit us better?

 

Thanks for the help!! :D

[lazydayz]

If you were a shopper, I would say Eastern. Otherwise, you can find beautiful, quiet beaches anywhere.

 

We have enjoyed snorkeling and beach time in Grand Cayman, Belize, and Roatan. Costa Maya is quiet and a lovely beach. In Cozumel, take a boat to Passion Island and walk for five minutes. You will have the beach mostly to yourselves. Or look at Nachi - limited to 100 people per day. It is easy to do Western without going to loud bars or crowded beaches.

 

So I vote for the Western, and do the ziplining in Roatan. It is incredible.

[Tapi]

What we like:

~quiet, relaxing BEACHES

~snorkeling

~some local "flavor" that isn't too touristy

 

Sounds like the Eastern Caribbean!

 

What I DON'T need:

~loud, crazy bars

~crowded beaches filled with jet skis and water toys

~shopping (lucky for DH, I'm just not a shopper)

 

Sounds like the Western Caribbean!

 

:D

 

We've done the Eastern and Western Caribbean several times. We've found the Eastern Caribbean to be the more relaxing and laid back itinerary.

 

• Beaches in islands like St. Thomas, St. Maarten (EASTERN) are absolutely beautiful (Magen's Bay in St. Thomas was for many years voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in ther world).
   
  
• You'll find less ships in the Eastern Caribbean islands than in the Western Caribbean islands (Eastern itineraries are normally reached only by ships sailing from the east coast of Florida, while the Western itinerary is frequented from ports all over Florida and the Gulf of Mexico (Louisiana, Texas), including ships doing short itineraries. Cozumel for example can have 5-6 ships at one time (and over 12,000 cruise passengers) on any given day.
   
  
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (EASTERN) is an absolutely wonderful destination! The ship docks in Old San Juan and from there, you can visit the Rainforest, visit the Bioluminescent Bay (night visits), take a tour of the Bacard Rum Distillery, or just stroll the streets of the Old city, filled with museums, fortresses, cathedrals, and history dating back to the 1500's.
   
  
• While Cozumel and Grand Cayman (WESTERN) are nice destinations, unfortunately they are overrun with tourist trap style chain restaurants and bars. It's not uncommon to see people walking (stumbling) back to the ship with huge sombreros and yard long frozen drinks from Carlos N' Charlies or Senor Frog's
  

 

Have you considered the SOUTHERN Caribbean?? Based on your "likes" the Southern may be the perfect fit. You'll get a true feel for what the Caribbean is about. Your ship may be the only one visiting the island, the views are postcard perfect, and you wont be bombarded with all the chain shops and bars found on more frequented destinations.

[Texarribean Chick]

Eastern has more quiet relaxing beaches than Western. Having said that, you can find quiet beaches in the Western; but not as many options.

 

Have fun!

[Irishlinny]

I have been to both Eastern & Western a number of times and you can find the things you're searching for on either itinerary...I know because we sound a lot like you;)

I will say that the Eastern islands are a more dramatic view because of all the lush mountains, while the Western tends to be more flat (except for Roatan, which we LOVE!).

Where have you been on your first 2 cruises? Maybe try to pick a cruise that offers you some different islands? Honestly, you can find what you want almost everywhere...when you pick a cruise, come back and we can offer suggestions on where to go!:)

[RNRSC]

Eastern ports seem to be very crowded these days. We did the Dream western last year and loved Costa Maya. We booked a day at Maya Chan beach (private excursion). They limit the number of people each day, all inclusive, lots of private hideaways and you have a reserved space. They have non-powered water toys and kayaks. Thrill for my wife was getting her piña colada in a freshly cut coconut. Search google for maya chan beach, they have lots of pictures.

[miched]

Take the easy way out and go southern. :D

[chill6x6]

Really need to know WHICH eastern? I just got back form an "Eastern Caribbean Cruise....Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.... Or is it St Thomas, Grand Turk, etc.....

 

I surely know for a fact that a Western Caribbean itinerary can be whatever you WANT it to be! I have personally taken part in practically ALL of your likes AND dislikes on ONE Western Caribbean Cruise....

[jayscore]

It seems you might have to do some homework at the Caribbean section here on the CC site.

Using this resource, I discovered places that the cruise lines don't offer.

Just a thought!:rolleyes:

[MaiTaiMary]

Really need to know WHICH eastern? I just got back form an "Eastern Caribbean Cruise....Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.... Or is it St Thomas, Grand Turk, etc.....

 

 

I've been looking at Nassau, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk

:)

[Tapi]

I just got back form an "Eastern" Caribbean Cruise....Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.....

 

I think that the cruise lines should stop calling that itinerary "Eastern". The name is deceiving. NONE of those ports are Eastern (they are NOT even in the Caribbean!):eek:

 

Personally, when going Eastern, I would avoid anything that includes Nassau (too crowded). Our all time favorite Eastern itinerary on Carnival was the one that included San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

 

Looking at Eastern itineraries that avoid Nassau:

 

-Celebrity offerst San Juan, St. Maarten, and less frequented St. Kitts aboard their brand new Celebrity Reflection.

-Princess offers San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and either Princess Cay or Grand Turk.

-Royal offers an 8 night itinerary that visits St. Kitts, St. Maarten, San Juan, and their private beach in Labadee.

[Irishlinny]

Really need to know WHICH eastern? I just got back form an "Eastern Caribbean Cruise....Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.... Or is it St Thomas, Grand Turk, etc.....

 

I surely know for a fact that a Western Caribbean itinerary can be whatever you WANT it to be! I have personally taken part in practically ALL of your likes AND dislikes on ONE Western Caribbean Cruise....

Your cruise was Bahamas, not Eastern;)

I've been looking at Nassau, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk

:)

Nassau has a good snorkeling trip with Stuart Cove...not a lot of people, and you can snorkel while they feed sharks below at the 3rd stop:eek:

 

St Thomas has a variety of beaches...we snorkeled there and one of the sites was with sea turtles.

 

San Juan has a bunch of things to do...we were disappointed when we went there this year because we were there from 3-11 pm:rolleyes:

 

Grand Turk has some good snorkeling or you can just walk up the beach a ways and hang out at Jack's Shack. Beach is much nicer than the cruise port's beach...no crowds...Jack's is a Tiki Bar which also serves a limited (but good) menu.:)

 

Given that itinerary, I might choose Western over it, however. The only port I LOVE on that one is Grand Turk. We did the Legend and went to Grand Cayman, Belize, Cozumel and Roatan...did it 3 times and didn't get tired of it (but definitely do an excursion in Belize...didn't like the port area and outside the port fence was just scary:eek:).

[sonicbuffalo]

we stick to Eastern and Southern....from what I've read, you can't go wrong...

[carpeperdiem]

My DH and I are planning our third Carnival cruise. We've thought we had our mind made up and wanted to do a Western Caribbean, but now we are reconsidering. Maybe an Eastern would be better for us??

 

 

What we like:

~quiet, relaxing BEACHES

~snorkeling

~some local "flavor" that isn't too touristy

 

 

What I DON'T need:

~loud, crazy bars

~crowded beaches filled with jet skis and water toys

~shopping (lucky for DH, I'm just not a shopper)

 

 

I've always wanted to "zip line" and would love an opportunity to do this on our next cruise, but this isn't a necessity.

 

 

Does it sound like a Western itinerary or Eastern intinerary would suit us better?

 

Thanks for the help!! :D

 

WITH ALL RESPECT INTENDED...

 

1. Are you sure cruising is right for you?

2. If yes, are you sure Carnival is the line?

 

A Carnival cruise calling on mass-market ports is never going to be intimate.

 

Have you considered a land vacation?

[MaiTaiMary]

WITH ALL RESPECT INTENDED...

 

1. Are you sure cruising is right for you?

2. If yes, are you sure Carnival is the line?

 

A Carnival cruise calling on mass-market ports is never going to be intimate.

 

Have you considered a land vacation?

 

We love cruising! :D Been to Hawaii then past 3 vacations. Ready to cruise again. We've been very happy with Carnival. When we went to the Mexican Riviera, our favorite port was Zihuatanejo. Soooo quiet and peaceful! It was just a 10 minute bus ride from the port. I'm not saying every port needs to be like that, but that's really what we enjoy the most. :cool: (*eta: that and taking snorkeling trips)

 

A pp had a good point about multiple ships being in port at the same time. I don't think we've ever been to a port where more than two ships were docked at one time. (We've only been on two different Mexican Riviera cruises). I can't imagine 5-6 ships docked at the same time! :eek:

[alabamaprincess]

My DH and I are planning our third Carnival cruise. We've thought we had our mind made up and wanted to do a Western Caribbean, but now we are reconsidering. Maybe an Eastern would be better for us??

 

 

What we like:

~quiet, relaxing BEACHES

~snorkeling

~some local "flavor" that isn't too touristy.

 

I would recommend Western Caribbean.

Some of the best snorkeling would be off of Cozumel.

Quiet relaxing beaches can be found in Grand Caymen and Cozumel.

 

Local flavor can also be found in Cozumel if you get away from the pier area. Another port which has local color is Progresso. You can see the real Mexico. Take a side trip to one of the ruins or go to Merida, t he capital of the Yucatan and one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere.

Your money also goes further in Mexico.:)

[Tapi]

I can't imagine 5-6 ships docked at the same time! :eek:

 

Avoid Nassau :eek:

 

[AmberTeka]

Avoid Nassau :eek:

 

 

Nassau is also not much fun. We went to Atlantis..the casino..and found it to be a money pit..tight casinos ..ten dollar min. of Roulette....unkept..water bottles and full ashtrays on slots..and a family fight..which no one did anything about..broke out in front of me.

 

On the way back ( it was raining...we had to take a nasty cab..the driver went the back streets and got us in traffic jams...) We were thrilled to get back to the Ship.

 

We are generally happy cruisers..almost always stick to ship tours and such..but that was one time I was really chapped. Talk about a waste of time and money. If we ever go again..I am not getting off of the boat. Surely.....Carnival could come up with some decent, safe excursions on that island. they must have historic homes somewhere..museums....national lovely signs..botanical gardens..something.

[AmberTeka]

Ports I love. I love St. Marteen. I like to ride the bus over to the French Side..or take a boat..I like the flora..the desert cactus growing so tall on a tropical island.....then when we get to the French Side..I love to go to the Mall of the West Indies. They have a nive RR where for a dollar, you can use the facilities in a rr that is sparkling clean..and smells good.

There is a Kiosk at the Mall..in the middle..small..where French products....soap, body wash, body lotion, colognes with names like Pickled Rose...and Blue Violets are sold for reasonable prices. ( Euros..they convert to dollars).....and they make great Christmas presents. I do not like shopping. I have never shopped in St. Thomas. But there is something about that place..the products..how well they smell..how long they last....I love it.

I like Curesoa. Clean. Safe. I sort of like Aruba. Not much to do. But clean, safe. I want to go back to Barbartos. I have never been to St. Kitt or St. Lucia. I loved Martinque.

There is NOTHING in the Western Caribbean that I feel I have to see again. The Price would have to be stunningly low for me to ever cruise there again. I am tired of going to places where I fear some of the people might enjoy killing me. Or robbing me. I am tired of having my heart broken by seeing begging children.

Costa Rica is the exception. I would love to go there. Again. I loved that country.

[bguppies]

We are generally happy cruisers..almost always stick to ship tours and such..but that was one time I was really chapped. Talk about a waste of time and money. If we ever go again..I am not getting off of the boat. Surely.....Carnival could come up with some decent, safe excursions on that island. they must have historic homes somewhere..museums....national lovely signs..botanical gardens..something.

 

Taking the cruiseline tour in Nassau was a bad idea to start with.

 

We have been to Nassau 6 times now and have always found something intresting or fun to do.

 

The only thing we have done in Nassau that we did NOT enjoy was going to Atlantis on our first time there. (everybody in here said it was a must see) If you enjoy fake plastic disney/Vegas type places it is a great, Expensive ($15 for a tiny bowl of Mac and Cheese, like 6-7 years ago) day.

 

Since then, we have done a variation on Frommer's walking tour, we found in the Bahamas board, twice and loved it both times. Almost all the main sites are within 5 blocks of the pier.

 

We had a great time at Ardastra Zoo and Gardens one trip. (plan your day around the Flamingo March and feeding the Lorry Parrots.)

 

We did the Daypass at the British Colonial Hilton (the large hotel to your right, after you dock.)Twice. Nice grounds, great pool and small beach right there, where you can watch the ships come in and out and an easy 15 minute walk back to the ship from your pool lounger.

 

We did a dolphin encounter/ sea lion encounter at Blue Lagoon once and got to enjoy the lagoon's beach for the rest of the day after our animal encounters.

Excellent day all around. (probably our best)

 

We haven't even made it to Cable beach just outside of town to try the beaches and daypasses there.

 

Plenty of great things to see and do in Nassau if you get away from the packed shopping right outside the Welcome center and of course, Atlantis, where "everybody must go". (not)

 

Not going to say Nassau is the greatest port on itineraries, but it is not nearly as bad as many shortsighted, but very loud boardmembers, will make it seem.

 

Bill

'

[crusinfamof4]

We did western last summer and I was not a fan. However, we did love Cozumel. It was a fun place. I am not a shopper either so we don't really shop for souvineers-we don't do any of the shopper shows on the ship-we are going to the Bahamas in Nov and I really like the Bahamas so I am sure our cruise next August to the Eastern will be a blast!

[bguppies]

My DH and I are planning our third Carnival cruise. We've thought we had our mind made up and wanted to do a Western Caribbean, but now we are reconsidering. Maybe an Eastern would be better for us??

 

 

What we like:

~quiet, relaxing BEACHES

~snorkeling

~some local "flavor" that isn't too touristy

 

 

What I DON'T need:

~loud, crazy bars

~crowded beaches filled with jet skis and water toys

~shopping (lucky for DH, I'm just not a shopper)

 

 

I've always wanted to "zip line" and would love an opportunity to do this on our next cruise, but this isn't a necessity.

 

 

Does it sound like a Western itinerary or Eastern intinerary would suit us better?

 

Thanks for the help!! :D

 

For ziplining, most western itineraries will give you multiple chances to zipline.

Grand Cayman offers excellent snorkeling, as does Belize and Roatan.

(although I know the Virgin island ports offer multiple great snorkeling spots. Trying it ourselves in december)

 

We booked a private guide in Roatan and had him show us the sights, while stopping at local shops along the way. (Not the fake tourism village at the pier area.)

 

Like someone else already advised.

In Cozumel, Nachi Cocum is a great, quiet, adult beach day, with no inflatable water toys and jet skis racing around. (like Paradise beach)

No music blaring.

Just a long soft sandy beach, with plenty of palapas for your wait staff to serve you on the beach if your desire.

A large pool, with swim up bar and hot tub attached.

Massages to be had near the pool and snorkeling excursions, etc. to be taken from the boat dock nearby.

 

A 3 course meal is included and all drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic are included.

We have been to Nachi3 times and will be back there in less than a month. (it is DW's happy place and I would be killed, if I did not have it booked within a few minutes of booking a cruise to Cozumel)

 

That is actually the BEST part about Nachi. Them limiting reservations for the day to 100 people or less.

So when Cozumel has 6 or more ships docked in high season, Nachi nevergets overcrowded.

 

Hope that helps with the Western side of your want list.

 

Not sure your means of getting to the port.

 

But I can highly recommend the Legend itinerary out of Tampa.

We were the only ship in Grand Cayman. (and after looking at Grand Cayman's port sight, the Legend is always the only ship in port that day every week)

We were the only ship in port in Roatan.

There were only 3 ships in Cozumel, but that mostly depends on the season, as St. Thomas in the eastern and Cozumel in the western have huge influxes during winter, when all the lines bring their ships into the caribbean from Europe and Alaska.

 

Whatever cruise you choose, I hope it is all you want and I'm sure with research on the local port of call boards in here, you can tweak your experience to what you desire.

 

Bill

[Irishlinny]

we stick to Eastern and Southern....from what I've read, you can't go wrong...

Western has some good ports...don't discount them;)

We love cruising! :D Been to Hawaii then past 3 vacations. Ready to cruise again. We've been very happy with Carnival. When we went to the Mexican Riviera, our favorite port was Zihuatanejo. Soooo quiet and peaceful! It was just a 10 minute bus ride from the port. I'm not saying every port needs to be like that, but that's really what we enjoy the most. :cool: (*eta: that and taking snorkeling trips)

 

A pp had a good point about multiple ships being in port at the same time. I don't think we've ever been to a port where more than two ships were docked at one time. (We've only been on two different Mexican Riviera cruises). I can't imagine 5-6 ships docked at the same time! :eek:

We had 5 or 6 ships in port when we were in St Thomas (there are 2 different port areas) and we really didn't notice a big difference. People tend to spread out doing different things so it doesn't feel as crowded as you expect. In Nassau, we've never had less than 3, but I'm not a fan of Nassau anyway...I tend to stay on the ship and enjoy the ship being less crowded;)

[coevan]

every Tuesday and Wednesday St.Thomas had 5-6 ships in, my son does some of your shore excursions. While Magen's Bay is beautiful, this is all sand and no coral, so not good for snorkeling. Coki Beach not only has great snorkeling, but the best shore dive on the island.

[MissKIA]

We love cruising! :D Been to Hawaii then past 3 vacations. Ready to cruise again. We've been very happy with Carnival. When we went to the Mexican Riviera, our favorite port was Zihuatanejo. Soooo quiet and peaceful! It was just a 10 minute bus ride from the port. I'm not saying every port needs to be like that, but that's really what we enjoy the most. :cool: (*eta: that and taking snorkeling trips)

 

A pp had a good point about multiple ships being in port at the same time. I don't think we've ever been to a port where more than two ships were docked at one time. (We've only been on two different Mexican Riviera cruises). I can't imagine 5-6 ships docked at the same time! :eek:

.

 

 

I would suggest finding a cruise that goes to Half Moon Cay. Awesome.