vs. 
Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean? That is the question.
Home to over 7,000 islands, the Caribbean Sea is the fifth largest body of water in the world. There is obviously no way to see each and every island, but there are many itineraries to choose from that will give you a glimpse into the draw of the Caribbean.
The two most popular cruise itineraries in the Caribbean are 7-night ‘Eastern’ and ‘Western’ sailings.
Many ships alternate between the two each week, providing a great back-to-back cruise for those that would like to experience both regions in the same trip.
However, if you do not have 14 days to spare, choosing between the two can seem a bit daunting.
So, how do you decide? Which itinerary is right for you?
The answer is either! It all comes down to personal preference, what your interests are.
Both itineraries will provide opportunities for water sports, beach bumming, snorkeling, and of course, shopping. But, there are differences.
Most ships sailing this itinerary will depart from Florida and sail to ports of call that often include the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/St. Martin, depending on the cruise line. The islands are reasonably close together, and smaller, providing less time at sea and more time in port.
Ports such as St. Thomas and St. Maarten are well-established tourist destinations that provide you with great duty-free shopping, fantastic beaches, and a wide-range of snorkeling, diving, and water-sport activities. Truly a laid-back, relaxing Caribbean vibe.
Explore rainforests and 16th century forts in Puerto Rico, and experience the culture of Dutch and French influences in St. Maarten/St. Martin (the smallest island divided by two countries).
- Shop ‘til you drop
- Beaches, beaches, and more beaches
- Crystal clear water and blue skies
- Relaxing, laid-back, lazy days
- Nightlife-casinos, discos, and shows
Western Caribbean Cruises
Ships sailing this itinerary will depart from Florida, or the Gulf Coast region including New Orleans, and Galveston, Texas. Stops will include Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Key West, FL; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; the Dominican Republic; Jamaica; Belize; Roatan, Honduras; or Costa Rica, depending on the cruise line.
Voyages to the Western Caribbean require more days at sea, as the islands are further apart. More time onboard is a plus to many cruisers, such as those who like to relax between ports and enjoy the amenities onboard, or for families that might feel stressed without rest between stops on a port-intensive itinerary.
Western Caribbean itineraries are a top-choice for first-time cruisers. The ports are not as developed, but there truly is something for everyone.
Beach lovers will enjoy the quintessential beach paradise of Grand Cayman; snorkeling, diving, and even swimming with stingrays. History fanatics will be awed by an abundance of museums and ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico and Belize (Belize has a higher concentration of Mayan sites than any other country in Central America).
From markets and duty-free shopping in Cozumel to climbing waterfalls in Jamaica, this region of the world offers the adventure traveler and relaxation seeker alike, the chance of a vacation of a life-time.
- Adventure: exploring ruins, climbing waterfalls, mountain biking and zip-lining through rainforests, some of the world’s best dive spots, swimming with stingrays, cave tubing.
- Culture: each stop is a different country-variety of cuisine, culture, scenery and landscape
- History: Mayan ruins and plentiful museums
- Activities: repeat this itinerary several times without ever doing the same thing twice
The Caribbean Sea is an oasis away from the everyday, no matter which direction you choose, you will be in a cruise lover’s heaven!
So, which do you prefer, Eastern or Western Caribbean?
2012 Eastern Caribbean Cruise Vacations
2012 Western Caribbean Cruise Vacations
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