Island Village/Margaritaville entrance ??

[TwoMateys]

I think that we will be going to Island Village / Margaritaville for some quick looking through the shops and then to the beach. I still have some questions after looking at some posts.

 

How much in actual distance (perhaps how many average blocks), and how much in time is it from the pier to the area? (We are a single Mom and small child and want to be safe walking)

 

When you go, are there lots of people from the ships also along the route both ways through out the day or is it quite isolated?

 

Is the beach actually part of Island Village or Margaritaville Restaurant? I read somewhere you must pay outright admission or buy a drink at Margaritaville for admission. Where / How do we get admission and what is the cost for an adult and for a child?

 

What would be a reasonable amount of time to stay there?

 

Do you haggle for prices in the shops at Island Village, or are they set prices?

 

Thanks so much (hope that wasn't too many questions but 1st time crusier).

[arlodog]

It is a couple of blocks from the pier to Island Village. There are others from the ships walking and we felt perfectly safe. If you could I would always see if you could meet someone else from the ship and walk up with them. There is always more safety in numbers! We did not haggle at the stores over prices, but went just to del sol and Margaritaville. I don't remember them charging admission at Margaritaville, but we did have a drink (they are expensive). I don't know how old your child is, but I don't know that it would be that great if they are real young. It is a bar and party atmosphere.

 

Have a great trip!

[CGBCruiser]

The admission to the beach at Margaritaville is purchasing a drink...if you don't do that you can pay. I can't remember how much, but it was a nominal charge. It's really so they can keep the locals off the beach which they did, however, they can still wade out in the water selling their "goods." A couple of times we could smell "ganja." We felt very safe walking to Island Village and the locals are also kept out of there. Originally we were supposed to go to Mobay, but they changed our port after we boarded the ship. So, we had no plans or had not even researched any excursions for Ocho Rios. But we had a great day shopping and sitting by the beach and eating lunch at Margaritaville. We were the only ship in port there that day so it was pretty quiet.

[Daycare Provider]

:D We have been to both of these locations numerous times. We spent 8 days in Jamaica and Ocho Rios is our favorite part of the island.

1.Island Village shopping-very clean, security is everywhere, local vendors are not permitted in teh area. If they are seen by anybody from the Jamaica Tourist Board, security is notified and they are escorted away.

2.M'ville-is a blast. If You purchase a snack or drink the beach, pool, water toys, hot tub are free to use. Security patrols the beach to keep the local vendors away. There is a designated area off to one side(small market) that locals are allowed to sell items.

3.security-if you feel uncomfortable walking by yourself to Island Village shopping center ask a security officer to escort you. When I was by myself, I did this and it works great. No fee!

Don't be scared.....:D No worse than driving or walking in East LA during the day time...Everwhere in the world there is crime, prostitution and drugs. Don't forget Jamaica is a third world country. Economic times are harder here than otehr places.

[TwoMateys]

thanks for your replies. I am so undecided about our plans for this port. To DayCare Provider...when you say get a security officer to escort you...who are these officers, where are they and how is it that they will do a direct escort. I trust that you then tip them?

 

We do not want to be actually at Margaritaville as I understand it is more of an adult establishment but I see now that you can buy one drink and then proceed to the beach area.

[Daycare Provider]

thanks for your replies. I am so undecided about our plans for this port. To DayCare Provider...when you say get a security officer to escort you...who are these officers, where are they and how is it that they will do a direct escort. I trust that you then tip them?

 

We do not want to be actually at Margaritaville as I understand it is more of an adult establishment but I see now that you can buy one drink and then proceed to the beach area.

The security officers look like your everyday police officers. They will be milling around the pier asking anybody if they need assistance. NO you do not need to tip them. Like I stated before they look like your home town Police officers. The JTB(Jamaican Toursit Board) wants everyone to enjoy thier visit. They want tourist to feel safe and secure.

M'ville-the beach area is away from the Bar and Restaurant. You won't feel as if you are part of the adult atmospher. We took are DD13 and her friend last year and they had a great time. If you have any more concerns please e-mail me at angelaandjohn@charter.net ....I love to talk about Jamaica. We have been here several times. we try to pick a cruise that stops here every Spring. Jamaica is one of our favorite islands.