R I OS COOKIE KINKEAD
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ULTIMATE JAMAICA
Ocho Rios lays claim to Jamaica’s first theme park, just steps from the cruise ship pier. Island Village, designed to re-create the atmosphere of a Caribbean seaside community, extols all things Jamaican with an array of entertainment, dining and shopping diversions. The highlight of the complex is ReggaeXplosion, billed as “the ultimate reggae experience.” The two-level interactive museum traces the history of Jamaican popular music from its earliest roots to the present day, celebrating reggae music, artwork, images, film and the musicians who produced and are still augmenting this international phenomenon. Other attractions include an outdoor amphitheater and stage; a 220-seat theater; Village Square, where street performers entertain and artisans sell and indoor arcade for children; and the first Caribbean branch of Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back but lively Margaritaville bar — located right on a public beach with
ABOVE: Shoppers find many treasures at Island Village. BELOW: The complex’s outdoor amphitheater and stage. ISLAND VILLAGE
craft products; an outdoor playground
changing facilities and other amenities. Shopping options include some of Jamaica’s major duty-free retailers, along with boutiques and shops proffering an eclectic selection of Jamaican products and services. Elevated wooden walkways wind through the village, whose sparkling lagoons and flowering trees offer a pleasant natural setting. Island Village’s creators took great care to design the complex to complement the natural environment, while providing the ultimate destination for visitors to Ocho Rios. 272
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES FUN ASHORE
1112 POC OchoRios.indd 422
10/5/11 11:13 AM