We have been on both the Eastern and the Western in August and are going again on the Eastern this August. I really don't think one is safer over the other to avoid hurricanes, it all depends which way it would come, both could be in the path. Just remember, which ever way a hurricane would come, the ship will go the other way. In 2000 on the 4 day we had high seas back to port ahead of a storm, did make CC. 2001 on the 7 day Eastern we had a tropical storm starting at lunch while at St. Thomas, everything was tied down on the decks when we left. The seas were really high, sure were rocking and rolling that night, while eating in PC the glasses wanted to slide away and the kids thought it was funny walking in the halls. We sailed away from the storm and go to CC around lunchtime and stayed later. Last year on the Western the skys were clear with no major storms, only rain was when the tropical deck party was to be, go figure. So whichever you choose the captain will do everything to avoid any danger.