Western or Eastern with 4 and 6 yr old

[rdanderson]

This is our first Disney cruise and the first cruise for the grandkids both boys. They will be 4 and 6 and the time of the cruise next summer. Trying to decide between Eastern and Western. Eastern has more sea days (3), western has more port days (4 including castaway cay). When looking at the excursions for both, there are not a lot of options for under 5. We have never had to look at excursions from a kid perspective. Can anyone give us advise on what there is to do for younger kids and which direction you recommend.

 

Thanks for any suggestions

 

Becky

[helenb]

When you say 'not a lot of options for kids under 5', what makes you say that? In my experience, most kids love the water, and have a fun time in the ocean (with proper flotation devices and supervision, of course).

 

If you're looking at Disney ship excursions, and they have some arbitrary age limit, you may want to go with private excursions, where age limit is not a factor. A private tour guide can tailor excursions to whatever might interest your boys. besides water sports, there are many great animal opportunities on these cruises (stingray areas, turtle farms, etc.) that they might enjoy.

[moki'smommy]

We prefer Eastern although Grand Cayman on the Western is an excellent port.

 

St. Thomas--within walking of the dock is a butterfly farm, cable cars, a shopping area, etc. Coki Beach and Coral World are a taxi ride away. Coral World is an area with an underwater walk in viewing structure, a small aquarium, touch tanks (with educators), hiking trails, snack shop, gift shop, etc. Coki Beach is directly across the parking lot. The beach is free and very family friendly. IF you do Coral World, you get a wrist band that allows you to go in and out all day to use restrooms, etc. EASY taxi service. Check on line and in the tourist magazine at the port--sometimes there are discount coupons.

 

St. Maarten--beach. I think they also have a butterfly farm. Maho beach has planes that fly directly overhead--times posted on a sign board.

 

Any port--stay on the ship and enjoy!

 

Grand Cayman--turtle farm

[rdanderson]

When you say 'not a lot of options for kids under 5', what makes you say that? In my experience, most kids love the water, and have a fun time in the ocean (with proper flotation devices and supervision, of course).

 

If you're looking at Disney ship excursions, and they have some arbitrary age limit, you may want to go with private excursions, where age limit is not a factor. A private tour guide can tailor excursions to whatever might interest your boys. besides water sports, there are many great animal opportunities on these cruises (stingray areas, turtle farms, etc.) that they might enjoy.

 

I was referring to the ages listed on the ship excursions. We have been to these ports many times but not with the little ones so I do feel comfortable booking private tours. We will have a beach day at Castaway Cay and they have been to the beach several time so I was looking for fun things to do out side of the beach and/or sitting on a tour bus for hours.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Becky

[rdanderson]

We prefer Eastern although Grand Cayman on the Western is an excellent port.

 

St. Thomas--within walking of the dock is a butterfly farm' date=' cable cars, a shopping area, etc. Coki Beach and Coral World are a taxi ride away. Coral World is an area with an underwater walk in viewing structure, a small aquarium, touch tanks (with educators), hiking trails, snack shop, gift shop, etc. Coki Beach is directly across the parking lot. The beach is free and very family friendly. IF you do Coral World, you get a wrist band that allows you to go in and out all day to use restrooms, etc. EASY taxi service. Check on line and in the tourist magazine at the port--sometimes there are discount coupons.

 

St. Maarten--beach. I think they also have a butterfly farm. Maho beach has planes that fly directly overhead--times posted on a sign board.

 

Any port--stay on the ship and enjoy!

 

Grand Cayman--turtle farm[/quote']

 

I think we are leaning towards the Eastern. I think they would enjoy the turtle farm but Coral World sounds fun and I know that there are many pirate stories in St Thomas. What boy does not like a good pirate adventure. It looks like both boys can do the dolphin swim in Tortola. I think they would absolutely love that.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Becky

[helenb]

Becky, on Castaway Cay, be sure to let the boys participate in the organized kids' activities. In particular, my kids always enjoyed digging up Monstro's skeleton from the sand and finding whale teeth.

 

If they are okay with putting their face in the water, you may also want to try snorkeling with them at Castaway Cay. The snorkeling area has come cool things under the water (like a Mickey statue) and they attract the fish there by feeding them every day, so you'll see a lot relatively easily.

Edited May 18, 2016 by helenb

[moki'smommy]

Becky, on Castaway Cay, be sure to let the boys participate in the organized kids' activities. In particular, my kids always enjoyed digging up Monstro's skeleton from the sand and finding whale teeth.

 

If they are okay with putting their face in the water, you may also want to try snorkeling with them at Castaway Cay. The snorkeling area has come cool things under the water (like a Mickey statue) and they attract the fish there by feeding them every day, so you'll see a lot relatively easily.

 

I wouldn't snorkel with a 3 year old. The good things to see are quite far out. However, snorkeling is free if you bring your own gear.

[helenb]

I wouldn't snorkel with a 3 year old. The good things to see are quite far out. However' date=' snorkeling is free if you bring your own gear.[/quote']

 

Obviously every child is different, but I was snorkeling with my kids at age 2. They floated completely in a life jacket (and so did I, so I didn't have to devote attention to swimming if there were an issue... which there never was) and I held their hand the entire time. The snorkeling area at Castaway Cay isn't that far out, and there's a life guard right there if there were to be an emergency. But clearly the child has to be able to follow instructions, and be comfortable in the water.

[rdanderson]

Thanks for the great ideas. The youngest one will actually be 3 months shy of 5 when we go. They are both good swimmers and have spent time in the ocean as well. I think with life jackets, and close supervision, snorkeling will be fun for them. We can start practicing with the equipment in the pool this summer. Mentioned it to their mother and she agrees.

 

Sounds like there are lots of cool things for the kids to do.

 

We booked the Eastern. We now have a whole year to look forward to the cruise.

 

Becky