Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed details on its new highly-anticipated premier Western Caribbean destination experience — Harvest Caye, Belize.
Norwegian Cruise Line is developing Harvest Caye to feature an authentic Belizean environment that provides easy access to beautiful southern Belize. It will include luxurious amenities, a variety of eco-activities, and the opportunity for guests to easily depart to mainland Belize for the adventure excursion or cultural immersion of their choice.
Set to welcome guests in November 2016, this resort-style port of call will be the only port in Belize that features a cruise ship pier. Instead of having to spend time tendering to shore, guests will be able to walk off the ship and immediately step into paradise.
Harvest Caye offers a large marina where guests can depart for a wide variety of shore excursions to explore this rich destination, including spectacular Mayan ruins, river rafting, nature tours, and more.
Andy Stuart, the president and chief operating officer for Norwegian Cruise Line said, “Belize is one of the most ecologically and culturally rich gems in the Caribbean, and Harvest Caye will be the perfect destination for guests to experience all that the country has to offer in authentic, unique ways.”
Harvest Caye’s seven-acre pristine beach will be the heart of the destination, with white sand and crystal clear waters. Guests who wish to enjoy the day in privacy can opt to rent one of the island’s 11 luxurious beach villas.
These indulgent enclosed villas can accommodate up to 10 guests and are the ultimate beach escape, equipped with every comfort including: air conditioning, dedicated lounge and dining areas, a private restroom, indoor and outdoor showers, hammocks, and exclusive dining and beverage options with dedicated concierge service so guests never have to leave the beach.
For those that prefer a resort-style experience, Harvest Caye will offer a tranquil, lushly landscaped pool area as the perfect retreat. The sprawling 15,000-square foot pool will feature a swim-up bar with stools and lounge tables right in the water, surrounded by elegant lounge chairs and umbrellas, along with 15 canopy pool cabanas. The plush pool cabanas — available for rent — feature upscale lounge furniture, privacy drapes and beverage service. A footbridge spans the center of the pool with a soothing waterfall feature below.
Adventure will be in no short supply for guests who choose to spend their day on Harvest Caye, with the island featuring a 130-foot tall “Flighthouse” as the central area for a variety of aerial activities including zip lining, suspension bridges, free fall jumps, a tandem “superman” style zip line and stunning views of the hills of the mainland.
Harvest Caye’s zip line course will have more than 3,000 feet of zip line, allowing guests to soar through the air with a bird’s eye view of the island and the sea, with stops at three different platforms. To top off the adventure, the Flighthouse will include a challenging but fun ropes course located on a platform in the saltwater lagoon. For a lower adrenaline adventure, guests can also enjoy watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing in Harvest Caye’s shallow lagoon area.
Harvest Caye will feature a myriad of dining and bar options available à la carte. Guests will enjoy five dining and bar outlets that feature a variety of cuisines, including a two-story indoor/outdoor Landshark Bar & Grill. An expansion of Norwegian’s partnership with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, the Landshark Bar & Grill is sure to be an island favorite, with a scenic upper deck and a swim-up pool bar.
Those who want to indulge in authentic Belizean cuisine will be able to enjoy casual street style dining in the shopping village. Additional dining options will include the Laughing Bird Bar & Grill serving the beach, the Manatee Marina Bar & Grill in the marina, the Horse-Eye Jack Bar & Grill servicing the island’s cabanas as well as food and drink delivery throughout the pool area.
No port-of-call would be complete without superior shopping options, and Harvest Caye will offer a shopping village, which will feature popular name-brand retailers as well as items from local Belizean craftsmen.
Guests with an affinity for wildlife will marvel at Harvest Caye’s many opportunities for an up-close encounter with this rich eco-destination’s local plants and animals. Harvest Caye’s conservation programs and education efforts were developed by award winning author and wildlife expert Tony Garel, the destination’s chief naturalist. He will lead many of the island’s educational tours and be available to chat with guests about the incredible array of wildlife in Belize.
Harvest Caye is sure to offer something for everyone. Stuart said, “There is so much to do on the island from the spectacular seven-acre beach and watersports to interactive wildlife programs. Beyond Harvest Caye, we will strongly encourage our guests to explore Belize through the spectacular eco-adventure and cultural tours this incredible destination has to offer visitors.”