Eastern vs. western vs. southern

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Hollyc23

Guest
Hey! Just planning a cruise this year which will only be the second one I have ever taken. Last year I sailed on the Inspiration from New Orleans on a Western Itinerary. Had a blast at the ports but loved my time on the ship even more.

However, I would like to know what all of you cruise addicts think about the other itineraries and why you like one versus the other, with good and bad points to each (if applicable). I think this discussion will help many of us decide which itinerary to sail in the future. I would choose by the ship, but these days there are comparable ships on each itinerary. Thanks in advance to all who respond!!!
 
M

milla

Guest
My husband and I cruised for the first time last June and took a Southern Caribbean itinerary. We enjoyed it VERY much. We cruised from San Juan to St. Thomas-Martinique-Barbados-Aruba and back to San Juan. Good points: the variety of islands, each with different culture/scenery/etc. You avoid over commercialized places like Cancun. You visit quieter, more unknown parts of the Caribbean (this doesn't apply to St. Thomas however,...but you can take a ferry to St. John...which is a fabulous island!) Bad points: a lot of islands in 7 days, including 3 stops your first 3 days on the ship (this was the case with Carnival, but may vary from line to line). I can't think of many other negatives! This area of the Caribbean is wonderful in so many ways - can't wait to go back :)
 
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paulfredo

Guest
The problem with Southern is getting to and from San Juan... not an inexpensive proposition. We only do southern when we can to an extended cruise of more than 7 days and leave out of Ft. Lauderdale/Miami.

We love Curacao and Aruba, they have that interesting and colorful Dutch architecture, pretty beaches, beautiful water, friendly people, and are relatively safe.

We like the beauty of the Eastern Caribe, especially St. John.

Western is easy, but we've done it many times.

Each port has it's own interest if you're willing to find it.

But then I cruise for the ship, not the ports.

paul
 
B

BSeabob

Guest
I'm thinking that Paul wrote my post. I agree with him.
I would add that Cozumel is one of our favorite spots. We cruise for the days at sea and the beaches.
 
K

kat

Guest
Trip with the girls. We thought about the Western. But decided on the Eastern. Not sure why. I think it's because San Juan, won out over Ocho Rio. hope we didn't make a mistake.
 
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tispwisp

Guest
I would have to say Southern. Our favorite island is St. Lucia! We also like Barbados! Both are fantastic!
 
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Nanatravel

Guest
Wow. each itinerary has its own merits. Eastern = more days at sea and beach time. If a port stop is at San Juan and doesn't arrive until late in the day, example 5 p.m. I would skip the whole itinerary. A waste of a whole day in a great port. Southern = leaving out of San Juan which puts you half way there! Plan a post or pre-cruise stay if possible. This is a wonderful restored colonial city. All of these ports are tourist friendly (accept Martinique) but I enjoyed it there too. Lots of variety and things to do, but again very port intensive. Western a good blend or beach, sun & sand plus things to do such as Swim with Sting Rays at Grand Cayman, visit Mayan ruins at Tulum, Climb Dunn's River Falls at Jamaica. We have done it all and more than once. If an itinerary offers something new and a full day in port at all ports, that would get a plus in my book.
Bon Voyage
 
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