Mariner Port Canaveral - Eastern or Western?

[hockeywidow88]

We will be doing a stay at DisneyWorld before the cruise, and all you experts out there have convinced me to sail from Port Canaveral on the Mariner. Again, there is a whole group of us going ranging from my youngest who will be 3 up to my very mobile parents in their 60s. I'd initially like to do the Western because there is one extra port & one less day at sea & avoiding 2 days back to back at sea - but the dates might not work for us. Which itinerary does everyone out there prefer & why? (I tried doing a search but it kept giving me an error, so I apologize if this has been asked before.) Thanks!

[Teacherloves2Cruise]

I am doing the Mariner Western in a few weeks. That said, I have done both Western and Eastern itineraries before and prefer Western. I like the Western because often you do get more ports, I love the islands of Cozumel and Grand Cayman. (Love using my spanish in Cozumel.) Just my opinion, but I feel like those islands are more untouched than those typically found on an eastern. I also am not a big shopper and many people choose to shop on St Thomas, etc. Just my opinion. That said, both are beautiful routes and no matter what you do, you will love it. Good luck.

[karena1]

In most case, I would say the Eastern. We just like those island better. However, going out of Canaveral, I would say Western for the reason you stated. Less sea time. You will be at sea alot if you go Eastern and not a whole lot of time in the islands. So it just really depends on if you want a lot of sea time or more island time. Going Eastern, we always fly to PR and go out of San Juan for just that reason. then we have tons of island time and usually only one sea day.

 

Either way, I am sure you will have fun

[piercetc4]

we have done both routes on mariner and both are great- what does your group like to do ? beaches , tours, shopping etc? both routes offer many options as far as excursions go-

as far as ports versus sea days- we like the sea days to relax and enjoy the ocean views- there is also a lot of things to do on the ship day and night-

deciding what your group wants from the cruise will help to decide better which route to take- either one will be great!

[reallyitsmema]

We are doing Mariner eastern because we wanted all the sea days, talk about very different opinions:p Hopefully we will book western while we are on the ship. I wanted the extra sea time on the eastern route to convince my DH that cruising isn't a bad thing, wish me luck!:)

[elleluv]

We really prefer to do the Western from Port Canaveral... We like to do the Eastern from Miami or Port Everglades because you get an extra port day from there and we like port days more than sea days.

 

We do prefer the ports of the Eastern itinerary over the Western, but Port Canaveral is one of our favorite places to sail from...

 

If the dates of the Western don't work well for you, by all means do the Eastern. You'll have a great time either way... :)

[hockeywidow88]

With our group, our interests are wide ranging ... we have the 3 kids (3,6,9) who would love to play on the beach & snorkel & swim. My husband loves to dive. My mom & I love to shop. My dad & hubby like to see the sights. For the Eastern, do you think we'd be too bored (the kids & my hubby in particular) with 3 days at sea?

[focat]

We are doing Mariner eastern because we wanted all the sea days

Us too! Our primary goal was the cruise itself--the ports are just gravy. :)

[debshomespun]

Sea days are wonderful. There is so much to do on the ship, especially the Voyager class. The kids can enjoy the kids programs that are available to them (ours are grown, so not farmiliar w/them, just that everyone says how great they are). you can catch some rays on deck, play bingo, gamble, watch the pool games, have a couple foo foo drinks. Lots of things to do. Then, while in port, you can do some shopping, and go to a beach for some snorkeling!

 

Either one you will have a great cruise!

[katiel53]

We love Eastern cruises. We just got back last Sunday and had a marvelous time. I think your kids won't be bored. It seemed to me that on the last few cruises we have taken, the kids didn't want to leave AO. So, that to me is that the extra sea day is a happy one for them.

 

Somehow, I think your husband will find things to do. If nothing more than to have a relaxing day or two. But, you are the only one who knows your family and their likes and dislikes.

 

There are great beaches on either cruise. Go with your heart and I know either way you will love the cruise.

 

 

Katie

[srqace]

<P>Eastern, because of the 3 sea days. Ports are a pain. We rarely get off the ship.</P>

<P>Bob<IMG alt=0 src="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/smile.gif" border=0 smilieid="1"> </P>

[dagadget]

We are doing Mariner eastern because we wanted all the sea days, talk about very different opinions:p Hopefully we will book western while we are on the ship. I wanted the extra sea time on the eastern route to convince my DH that cruising isn't a bad thing, wish me luck!:)

 

Here is to all of the Luck in the World :D I have the same difficulty with the DW as she is prone to motion sickness even with help for it. If you don't convince him you can be my Sea Wife :D Seriously I wish you all the luck in the world......