How would you like to sail the Caribbean?
Disney Cruise Line® offers several itineraries through the Caribbean islands. So how do you know which one to choose?
Here’s your guide to deciding between an Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise.
Caribbean Sailings
There are three different options when it comes to Caribbean cruises with Disney. You can choose between Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean destinations. While the Southern Caribbean is a lot of fun, the Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises are the most popular. So, I’ll focus on these and save the South for another day.
For the sake of comparison, let’s look at the 7-Night cruises out of Port Canaveral. These are easily accessible and offer a nice, long getaway. They also include stops at Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.
Comparing Itineraries
Both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises typically leave from Port Canaveral and sail on the Disney Fantasy. This is one of Disney’s newest and largest ships, alongside its sister, the Disney Dream. They both offer special holiday sailings and have the same amenities on-board. So the comparison comes down to the itineraries themselves.
Let’s look at the two standard itineraries for the 7-Night cruises:
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise:
Day 1: Depart Port Canaveral, Florida
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: At Sea
Day 4: Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Day 5: St. Thomas/St. John, US Virgin Islands
Day 6: At Sea
Day 7: Disney Castaway Cay
Day 8: Port Canaveral, Florida
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise:
Day 1: Depart Port Canaveral, Florida
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico
Day 4: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Day 5: Falmouth, Jamaica
Day 6: At Sea
Day 7: Disney Castaway Cay
Day 8: Port Canaveral, Florida
As you can see, Eastern Caribbean cruises offer an extra day at sea. Western Caribbean cruises spend more time at port and visit more countries.
Now, these are not the only itineraries that tour these areas. You can also find Caribbean cruises that visit Key West, Costa Maya, or even San Juan. In 2018 there are even a few Caribbean cruises that sail on the Disney Wonder. If you’re looking to change things up a bit, talk to your vacation planner about what options are available for you.
Which is Better: Eastern or Western Caribbean?
Most cruises come down to preference – which itinerary would YOUR family enjoy more?
Here are some of the general pros for each sailing:
Eastern Caribbean
- More time on-board the ship
- More relaxed pace
- Better for nature lovers
- Better beaches
Western Caribbean
- More time in port
- Smoother sailing
- Better for historians and adventurers
- Better for college students
Ultimately, the best way to decide which is best for your family comes down to your interests. Do you want to spend more time on-board the ship enjoying the kids clubs and recreation? Do you plan to spend all of your time in port relaxing on the beach? Are you excited to explore as many different islands as possible? Would you like to learn about the Mayan ruins? These questions will help guide you toward the best route.
Take a look at the Port Adventures available for the cruises before you book. If you notice that you find more interesting activities on one itinerary versus the other, you’ll start heading towards a decision.
Is there a particular port you’ve always wanted to experience? Grand Cayman and St. Thomas are the favorites when it comes to these two itineraries.
No matter which itinerary you choose, you are sure to have a truly magical, relaxing vacation!
Ready to book your Caribbean cruise? Need a little more help deciding on the best itinerary for your family? I’d love to help! My planning and concierge services are available at no additional cost when you book your Disney Cruise with me. Request a free consultation or send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com for more information!
