Jan/Feb 2014 - Eastern or Western Caribbean?

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sydneymorganmom

Active Member
Original Poster
We're planning a 7-night with our children who will be 3 & 5. My husband and I have been to all of the islands on both itineraries, but never with the kids. Just wondering which would be a better choice for the kids in your opinion? We really like Grand Cayman and it would be a no brainer but we weren't really thrilled with Cozumel and Costa Maya. On the other hand, we also really like St. Maarten & St. Thomas so I'm confused about which we should go for. We have been on Wonder but haven't experienced Fantasy yet. I don't think that's really a swinging point.

Thoughts?
 
Disneyfalcon

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
If you haven't tried the Fantasy then you won't be sad you did! :) The kids will love the clubs n the Fantasy, and I think you'll love it too!
As for Eartern or Western that's a tough call. There are great activities for kids on both itineraries. One thing you may consider though is whether you want an extra day at sea on the Eastern, or would you rather have an extra day in a port on the Western. :)
 
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sydneymorganmom

Active Member
Original Poster
That's what I thought about Costa Maya...I know there isn't much to do there but 4 1/2 hours seems like enough time to pull the ship in and back it out! I guess I'll research some excursions and see what I come up with
 
ChuckElias

ChuckElias

Well-Known Member
On our 1st 7-night cruise, we took our daughter (7 years old at the time) on an excursion that included a stop at a butterfly "farm". It's an enclosed facility and the butterflies fly freely. They can land on you, etc. That was on St. Maarten. I don't know if it's still available as an excursion, but she loved that experience.
 
sweetpee_1993

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
sydneymorganmom said:
That's what I thought about Costa Maya...I know there isn't much to do there but 4 1/2 hours seems like enough time to pull the ship in and back it out! I guess I'll research some excursions and see what I come up with
Click to expand...
Funny you mentioned Costa Mays as the expendable day. That's the one we're prepared to not plan for and stick close to the ship if not stay onboard. ;)
 
5thGenTexan

5thGenTexan

Well-Known Member
Last Fall, we took our almost 2 year old and 4 year old on the Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel cruise.

Grand Caymany - We went to the turtle farm and the 4 year old absolutely loved it!!!!

Costa Maya - It rained, and we just walked to the fake town to look around. I wasn't overly excited anyway, but after being there I think it should be allowed to go back to the jungle.

Cozumel - Rained there too, but we had booked a semi-submersible reef tour. Again, the kids really loved watching all the fish out the little windows.
 
angieandtrevor

angieandtrevor

Active Member
We did Western with our 2 year old last fall and we weren't overly impressed with the ports. Like you, we have been to many ports both Eastern and Western however we really just prefer the Eastern itinerary. With that being said you will absolutely LOVE the Fantasy, everything about it is wonderful. Before this cruise we had done 9 cruises with Carnival (which we thought were all great) but Disney completely ruint me and I'm not sure I can go back :) We have always chosen our cruises for the itinerary however with Disney we really went for the ship.

This fall we are doing Eastern on the Fantasy and in St. Thomas we just plan to walk in town. It is an easy 20 minute walk and it avoids having to worry about dragging carseats. Another option is to go up to Paradise Point which is directly across the street from the port and there is nice trails and gorgeous views (a few little stores and even a bird show I believe).

In St. Maartens you can just take the water taxi over to town and spend the day at the beach. The beach area is beautiful and there is tons of stores and restaurants if you wanted to walk around a little.

I doubt you will be disappointed with either decision you make because both itineraries really are great, it's just a matter of what you wanted to do while in port. It may not matter because once you walk on the Fantasy you may never want to leave :)

Good Luck !!
 
TDF

TDF

Well-Known Member
I personally enjoy the ports of call in the Eastern Caribbean more than those of the Western Caribbean. I thought Disney was visiting San Juan with St. Maarten but it seems that they are only visiting St. Thomas and St. Maarten. I loved visiting Maho Beach is St. Maarten I am sure your kids will love watching the planes come in right above your head, as for St. Thomas I like the town area and I believe there is almost like a duck tour type thing. Whichever you choose I am sure you will love.
 

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