Eastern Caribbean Ports

[DisneyPrincess21]

What are the ports/islands like on the 7 day eastern caribbean cruise?

*Does the Magic pull you up directly to each island, or do you have to take a tender boat?

*How do the ports differ from the port in Nassau distance wise?

*What are the islands you visit like? Do they have a lot of locals coming up to you like they did in Nassau?

*How are the islands in comparison to Nassau?

*Are there any beaches that you can walk to at the port?

*Any excursions that are a must do? Or ones that should be avoided?

Any tips, info, or advice would be greatly appreciated! :wave:

[Ed]

We've done both the Eastern and Western, and we much preferred the Eastern, even though it only stops at two islands. My opinions are shown in red below.


What are the ports/islands like on the 7 day eastern caribbean cruise? The Eastern itinerary first goes to St. Martin/Maarten. This is a beautiful island that is half French and half Dutch - thus the two names. Tons of shopping and restaurants, and there are public beaches not far from the ship. Second stop is St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Again, a beautiful area with lots to do. One caution - locals drive like maniacs!

*Does the Magic pull you up directly to each island, or do you have to take a tender boat? It varies. In St. Martin, we were docked at the pier; a few other ships were anchored out. In St. Thomas, it was just the opposite; we were anchored in the harbor and several other ships were tied up at the dock.

*How do the ports differ from the port in Nassau distance wise? Not sure what you mean. :shrug:

*What are the islands you visit like? Do they have a lot of locals coming up to you like they did in Nassau? We were never approached or bothered by street vendors on either island.

*How are the islands in comparison to Nassau? In my opinion, totally different. I find the Caribbean islands much more attractive than the Bahamas. The water is cleaner, the people friendlier, the service in stores and restaurants much nicer.

*Are there any beaches that you can walk to at the port? There are in St. Martin, but not in easy walking distance. Much easier to take the water taxi across the harbor. In St. Thomas, we really didn't notice, because we didn't plan to do any beach time while there; too busy shopping. :spend:

*Any excursions that are a must do? Or ones that should be avoided? On both islands, we did bus tours that made stops at various points of interest. Beyond that, we just did our own thing.

Any tips, info, or advice would be greatly appreciated! :wave:

[MarkC]

Thanks for the great information Ed. We'll be on the Eastern Carribean cruise in a year.

[luvdiznee]

Same here. But on RCCl's Oasis of the Seas. That may be a whole different set of ports. :blush: