Margaritaville at Ocho Rios

Frommer's Review

Positioned immediately adjacent to the cruise ship docks, it attracts more business than any other establishment within the shopping mall that contains it, thanks to pulsating music and an almost constant atmosphere of irreverent fun. Sure, it contains a series of bars, and lots of emphasis on food that's designed to taste fabulous with jello shots, Red Stripe beer, and tropical drinks. It also contains a theme-based shopping boutique (T-shirts, among others, celebrate "Jamaica Mistaica's"), and a venue for ongoing fun whose emphasis changes throughout the course of the day and night. Within an environment that's big enough for 450 diners at a time, it manages to appeal to both families with children and to singles on the make. Depending on your tastes, you'll either think this place is the most fun in town, or else flee toward other, calmer, venues. Attractions include a rooftop whirlpool tub, a 30m-long (100-ft.) water slide, and a freshwater pool, along with three bars and a Trading Post gift shop. The decor is rustic and appealingly battered West Indian, with an Afro-Cuban aura. There's dancing here -- reggae disco-style -- at night. Of course, in its role as a dive inspired by a Jimmy Buffett song, expect tropical margaritas, Caribbean daiquiris, and spiked lemonade, those delectable "Cheeseburgers in Paradise," conch chowder, Jamaican-style jerk chili; "I will never love another Caesar" salads, "Ex-patriated" American chicken; coconut shrimp, and 9-ounce filet mignons with Madeira sauce.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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