Island VIllage or Taj Mahal

[gypsyrose]

What is the difference in these 2? Which is best? I have seen more about IV. Not really wanting pushy vendors and not looking for anything in particular other than some coffee and various trinkets. Will be in OCHO

[fnewman]

I've not spent much time at IV but the Taj is a pretty nice and varied shopping area. Then, if you keep walking in that same directio(toward 'town') you will pass numerous other shops, eventually arriving at a large craft market. There is another good group of shops right across the street from that. It is a pretty good walk, but along the way you will also find a Baskins Robbins (be sure to get rum raisin) and a local bakery that will have some very good fresh and unusual pastries.

 

P.S. - there is also Burger King down that way, if you are wanting such things!

[iluvcrewzn]

I shopped at both and prefer the Taj. I purchased a Tanzinite 2 carat stone on our honeymoon (Now it's been 13 years ago) and I paid $260. When I brought it back to the states to have it made into a ring, it was appraised at almost $1,000. So I did good.

[vmom]

They're close to each other so you can go to both. I thought the shopping area at Island Village was prettier and nicer, but that the prices were better at Taj.

[alwayshappytocruise]

I think better jewelry prices at Taj (especially The Royal Shop) but more touristy stuff at IV. Many more panhandlers to ignore on the short walk to Taj though, it puts me off going there.

[Nemo2005]

Is Island Village the type of shopping center right at the pier (like Costa Maya was)? Do the cruise lines own those shops or maybe just rent them out?