Exploring Belize: Boarding A Norwegian Cruise Adventure

Harvest Caye in Belize is a popular destination for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ships. The cruise line has its own terminal on the island, which is a three-hour drive from Belize City. The island features a beach, pool, wildlife area, shops, and restaurants. NCL also offers excursions to nearby attractions such as Mayan ruins and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Norwegian Cruise Line owns Harvest Caye, Belize

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) owns Harvest Caye, a private island in Southern Belize. The island is part of The Norwegian Edge initiative, which aims to bring higher standards to the high seas. NCL developed Harvest Caye in partnership with the Belizean government, and local inhabitants own the businesses and work on the island, contributing to the local economy.

Harvest Caye is a 75-acre oasis surrounded by lush greenery and an abundance of natural wildlife. It offers a wide range of activities for guests, including a 15,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar and a waterfall, a 7-acre beach, a salt-water lagoon for water sports, and exciting shore excursions. The island also features a wildlife area, botanical gardens, and access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world.

The port at Harvest Caye is the only one in Belize with a cruise ship pier, making it convenient for Norwegian cruisers to access the island. It takes about 10 minutes for guests to walk from the ship to the island along a covered path, and transportation is available for those who need it. The island is on Central Time, and the local language is English. Both US and Belizean dollars are accepted, and ship cards are not valid for payments onshore.

Harvest Caye offers a range of dining options, with eight venues for meals, snacks, and drinks. The menus feature typical bar food with some Caribbean touches, such as fried plantains and ceviche. Popular drinks include fruity cocktails, rum, and local Belizean beer. Food and drinks are not included in the price of the cruise, and prices range from $12-$18 per entree and $9-$12 for a cocktail.

There are various shore excursions available at Harvest Caye, such as ziplining, barrier reef snorkelling, rainforest river tubing, and stand-up paddleboarding. These excursions are typically paid activities, with prices varying depending on the activity chosen. However, there are also included activities such as the resort-style pool and beach.

The cruise ship docks at Harvest Caye, and passengers can walk off the ship

Harvest Caye, a 75-acre oasis off the southern coast of Belize, is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The cruise ship docks at a pier on the island, and passengers can simply walk off the ship onto a covered path that leads to the island in about 10 minutes. Trams are also available for those who need them.

The island boasts a range of activities, including a 7-acre beach with loungers and palm trees, a 15,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar and a waterfall, and access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. There are also various shore excursions and activities available, such as ziplining, snorkelling, rainforest river tubing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Harvest Caye has eight venues for dining, drinking, and snacking, with typical bar food and some Caribbean touches like fried plantains and ceviche. It is important to note that food and drinks are not included in the cruise fare, and ship cards are not accepted as payment. Cash and credit cards are required, although American Express is not accepted.

The island is on Central Time, and the local language is English. Both US and Belizean dollars are used, and the weather is ideal for cruising all year round, with temperatures ranging from the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit.

Excursions include snorkelling, zip-lining, and wildlife spotting

Belize is known for its clear waters and rich history, and there are plenty of water and jungle activities to enjoy.

Snorkelling

Belize's barrier reef is the second-largest in the world, and there are many opportunities for snorkelling. You can snorkel at Goff's Caye, a small island surrounded by a beautiful reef, or head to Caye Caulker Island, where you can swim with manatees, stingrays, turtles and more.

Zip-lining

Belize is famous for its lush tropical rainforest, nature diversity, majestic trees, outstanding wildlife, and biodiversity. Zip-lining is a great way to experience the country's natural wonders at canopy level. The Zip Line Canopy Excursion starts in the Port of Belize City, where you will board a van for a drive to the Belize Foothills. The zip-lining itself consists of seven platforms, each located within the rainforest canopy, as high as 85ft and as far apart as 250ft.

Wildlife Spotting

Belize is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Howler Monkeys, Baboons, and Black Howler Monkeys. You can spot these creatures in their natural habitat on a wildlife tour or at the Belize Community Baboon Sanctuary. The Belize Zoo is also a great option for animal lovers, where you can see Chiqui the Jaguar cub, Fuego the Tapir, and more.

The local currency is the Belizean Dollar, but US Dollars are widely accepted

The local currency in Belize is the Belizean Dollar (BZD). It is divided into 100 cents and is often abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or BZ$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. The Belizean Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1, and the two currencies are used interchangeably in Belize. This means that 1 US Dollar is equivalent to 2 Belizean Dollars.

While the Belizean Dollar is the official currency, US Dollars are widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations. Visitors can use US Dollars to purchase items everywhere and will likely receive their change in Belizean Dollars. It is important to note that US coins are not accepted in Belize, and credit cards may not be widely accepted outside of restaurants, bars, tour offices, and hotels.

If you plan to use a credit or debit card, it is recommended to use one with low foreign transaction fees. ATMs can be found in major towns and cities across Belize, but they dispense Belizean Dollars and often have daily limits and associated fees. It is also worth noting that Belizean Dollars are only accepted within Belize and some towns immediately over the border, so it is advisable to avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash, especially towards the end of your stay.

When paying in Belize, smaller bills are more widely accepted than large ones, especially in villages, boutiques, shops, and restaurants. This is because smaller establishments may not have enough change for large bills or may be concerned about counterfeit bills. It is also important to ensure that your bills are in good condition, as some places may not accept bills that are bent, torn, or worn.

In summary, while the Belizean Dollar is the official currency in Belize, US Dollars are widely accepted and offer a convenient way to pay for goods and services. However, it is advisable to have some local currency on hand, especially in smaller denominations, and be mindful of the accepted payment methods at your intended destinations.

The local language is English

If you're considering a Norwegian cruise that stops in Belize, you might be wondering about the local language. Well, you'll be glad to hear that English is the official language of Belize, so communication in ports and during excursions shouldn't be an issue for English speakers.

In fact, during your time in Belize, you'll likely encounter a variety of languages and dialects, reflecting the country's rich cultural history. While English is the official language, you'll find that many Belizeans are multilingual.

One of the most commonly spoken dialects is Kriol, or Creole, which is an English-based language with influences from other languages. It is so widely spoken that it often serves as a common language for Belizeans from different parts of the country. For example, when someone from Ambergris Caye, a native Spanish-speaking area, visits Placencia, a Kriol/Creole-speaking area, they will likely communicate in Kriol.

You may also hear Spanish, especially in the northern and western parts of the country, which are closer to Mexico and Guatemala. Many Belizeans, particularly those near the borders, speak Spanish as a native language, and some also speak "kitchen Spanish," a simplified version of the language used by those whose first language is English.

Additionally, the Maya people in Belize speak three different dialects: Kekchi (or Kekchi), Mopan, and the increasingly rare Yucatec. These dialects are heard primarily in rural areas, but most Maya speakers are bilingual in either English or Spanish.

Belize is also home to the Garifuna people, descendants of African slaves and indigenous Caribbean peoples. Their language, also called Garifuna, is a blend of indigenous Caribbean and West African languages and is recognised by UNESCO as a valued contribution to humanity's intangible heritage.

Lastly, there is a well-established Mennonite community in Belize, and you may hear Low German or Mennonite Low German, also known as Plautdietsch, which is similar to Pennsylvania Dutch.

So, while English is the official language of Belize, the country boasts a fascinating array of languages and dialects that reflect its diverse cultural heritage.

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