Norwegian Cruise Line's Belize Port

Norwegian Cruise Line docks in 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. Harvest Caye was developed in partnership with the Belizean government, and local inhabitants own the businesses and work on-site, contributing to the local economy. The island offers a wide range of activities, including a beach, a pool, a wildlife sanctuary, and various shore excursions.

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line

Harvest Caye is the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier, making it a convenient option for Norwegian cruisers. It takes about 10 minutes for guests to walk to the island from the ship, with transportation available for those who need it. The island features a range of facilities, including a large pool with a swim-up bar, a salt-water lagoon for water sports, and a 7-acre beach.

A variety of shore excursions are available, such as zip-lining across the island, snorkelling the barrier reef, river tubing, and exploring Mayan ruins. The island also has a nature centre where guests can visit toucans and other wildlife.

Harvest Caye was designed with sustainability in mind. Local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite, contributing to the local economy. All 400 staff members are locals, and the restaurants, amenities, and shopping stores are locally owned. Even the materials used to construct the port were sourced locally.

The island offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in natural beauty and culture, making it a popular destination for cruisers seeking an authentic Caribbean experience.

The island is 75 acres and has a 7-acre beach

Harvest Caye, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, is a 75-acre oasis off the southern coast of Belize. The island features a 7-acre beach area with plenty of loungers and palm trees for shade. The far end of the beach is rarely crowded, leaving lots of spots available for guests to relax and enjoy the calm, warm turquoise blue ocean waters common to the Caribbean.

The beach is man-made, with sand made from crushed seashells. There are over 2,500 lounge chairs available, as well as clamshells available to rent for $30 a day. Hammocks are also available, but there are only a few, so guests will need to arrive early to secure one. The beach offers plenty of shade from the many palm trees, but for more comfort, guests can also rent a float pad and float in the warm waters.

The beach is located just across the pavement from the 15,000-square-foot swimming pool. The pool is a popular spot for guests, featuring a swim-up bar and a waterfall. The pool area includes chairs and umbrellas, and while it is not heated, the warm Belize weather makes this unnecessary.

Harvest Caye offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy, including access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. There is also a saltwater lagoon that hosts water activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there is a 3,000-foot zip line stretching across the island, as well as a double beach run zip line where guests can race facing downward.

The island also features a nature park with macaws, toucans, butterflies, snakes, and other small animals. Guests can visit the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary and learn about the various butterfly species that call the island home.

Harvest Caye provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it a premier island destination in the Caribbean.

It is located off the southern coast of Belize

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) private island retreat, is located off the southern coast of Belize. It is part of The Norwegian Edge initiative, which aims to bring higher standards to the high seas. Harvest Caye is surrounded by the lush greenery of Central America and offers guests a wide range of activities on its 75-acre oasis. The island was developed in partnership with the Belizean government, and local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite, contributing to the local economy.

Harvest Caye is the only port with a cruise ship pier in Belize, allowing guests to walk from the ship to the island in about 10 minutes. Transportation is also available for those who need it. The island features a range of facilities and activities, including a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, a 7-acre beach, a zip line, a nature park, and a salt lagoon for water sports.

The port is greeted by the lush greens of Belize’s forests, a lighthouse landmark, and the beautiful port itself. The pier is canopied to protect guests from the sun, and golf carts are available for those who don't want to walk. The port’s entrance features mist jets that spray guests with water to keep them cool. The paved paths lead to different facilities, including shops, a wildlife sanctuary, a swimming pool, a beach, and a lagoon.

Harvest Caye provides guests with a range of activities, such as beach volleyball, chess, snorkelling, rainforest river tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are also private cabanas available for rent, offering a more luxurious and private experience.

Harvest Caye is unique in that food and drinks are not included, and ship cards cannot be used for payment. Guests must bring cash or a credit card to purchase meals, drinks, and souvenirs. The island has eight venues for meals, snacks, and drinks, featuring typical bar food with some Caribbean touches, such as fried plantains and ceviche.

Overall, Harvest Caye offers a range of exciting activities and experiences for guests, making it a popular destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure in a beautiful Caribbean setting.

The island was developed in partnership with the Belizean government

Harvest Caye, a 75-acre island off the southern coast of Belize, is a private island retreat developed by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in partnership with the Belizean government. As part of The Norwegian Edge initiative, the island was designed to bring higher standards to cruising. Surrounded by lush greenery, Harvest Caye offers a wide range of activities for guests. The island is notable for being the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier, allowing guests to walk from the ship to the island in about 10 minutes.

The development of Harvest Caye involved close collaboration between NCL and the Belizean government, with a focus on benefiting the local economy. Local inhabitants own the businesses and work on the island, and all the restaurants, amenities, and shopping stores are locally owned. Even the materials used to construct the man-made port were sourced locally from Belize. This partnership ensures that the local community benefits from the tourism generated by cruise ships visiting Harvest Caye.

The island boasts a range of attractions, including a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool with a swim-up bar and a waterfall, a 7-acre white sandy beach, and a salt-water lagoon for water sports. The island also provides access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, offering opportunities for snorkelling and other water activities.

Harvest Caye also features a nature park with macaws, toucans, butterflies, snakes, and other wildlife indigenous to the island. The Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary is a highlight, with hundreds of beautiful butterfly species. The island has several restaurants and bars, including the Landshark Bar & Grill and the Manatee Bar & Grill, offering a variety of dining and drinking options.

For those seeking adventure, Harvest Caye has a 1,300-foot-long zip line that starts from the top of a lighthouse, providing a bird's-eye view of the island and the surrounding waters. There are also beachfront cabanas available for rent, offering a private and luxurious beach experience.

In addition to its natural and recreational offerings, Harvest Caye provides opportunities for cultural exploration. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region by visiting Mayan ruins and the archaeological site of Nim Li Punit. They can also experience local cuisine, such as chocolate made from locally sourced cocoa beans, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, and other local products.

Harvest Caye, developed through a partnership between NCL and the Belizean government, showcases a commitment to creating a high-quality cruise destination while supporting the local economy and showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Belize.

English is widely spoken and US dollars are accepted

If you're considering a Norwegian Cruise Line trip to Belize, you'll be glad to know that English is widely spoken and US dollars are accepted across the country. In fact, the official language of Belize is English, and the US dollar is widely accepted by shops, taxis, and other businesses. So, you won't need to worry about a language barrier or constantly exchanging currency during your time in Belize.

Belize's official currency is the Belizean dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the US dollar at a constant ratio of 2 BZD to 1 USD. This fixed exchange rate is set by the Belize Central Bank, ensuring that you won't be hit with unfavourable exchange rates when using US dollars. While you can use US dollars almost everywhere, keep in mind that you will likely receive Belizean dollars in your change. It's also important to note that only US dollar bills are accepted in Belize, not coins.

If you plan to pay by card, debit and credit cards issued by US banks are widely accepted in Belize without any additional exchange rate margin. However, international card transaction fees may apply, so it's worth checking with your bank before your trip. When using ATMs in Belize, it's recommended to use those attached to a bank rather than standalone machines to ensure safety and avoid higher fees.

Harvest Caye, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, is located in Southern Belize. Here, you can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, ziplining, snorkelling, and exploring the island's wildlife and nature centre. The cruise ship docks directly at the port, so you can easily walk off and start enjoying the facilities. Harvest Caye is a great option if you're looking for a relaxing beach day without the need to spend additional money.

When it comes to exploring the rest of Belize, you'll find that English is widely spoken, making communication a breeze. Belize City, the country's largest city, is a popular destination for tourists. It boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and tour operators in the Tourism Village, conveniently located within walking distance of the cruise terminal docks. However, it's important to note that Belize City has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, so it's recommended to stick to the busiest areas and obvious tourist districts.

In summary, if you're cruising to Belize with Norwegian Cruise Line, you can rest assured that English will be widely spoken and US dollars will be accepted. The official language of Belize is English, and the US dollar is widely used alongside the Belizean dollar due to the fixed exchange rate. So, whether you're exploring Harvest Caye or venturing into Belize City, communication and transactions should be convenient and straightforward.

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