First cruise ship calls at new Belize destination, Harvest Caye

Harvest Caye offers a seven-acre, white sand beach, a water sports lagoon and an immense tropical pool with a swim-up bar. The lighthouse is actually a Flighthouse, the launch point for free-fall jumps and zip line adventures. Among the restaurants is a LandShark Bar & Grill, part of the Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville group. An aviary, butterfly garden, serpentarium and shops offering local art, handicrafts and duty-free goods complete the one-island offerings.

With its close proximity to the mainland, Harvest Caye also offers easy access to a wide variety of adventure excursions.

'We have worked closely with the government of Belize to ensure that that this spectacular destination was authentic for our guests, provided economic opportunities for the local community and preserved and protected Belize’s incredible natural beauty,' said Frank Del Rio, president and ceo, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

'We’re overjoyed with the results of this four-year development project, and we look forward to seeing Harvest Caye and southern Belize grow as we delight the many guests that will call on the destination,' he added.

Colin Murphy, svp destination development for NCLH, led a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official grand opening, where he was joined by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia; Edmond Castro, minister of state for National Emergency Management; and Kim Simplis Barrow, wife of Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

'Today is the product of the government’s continued pledge to entrench tourism as a top national priority and to promote tourism as a main engine for overall economic growth of the country,' Heredia said. Harvest Caye, he noted, is projected to generate 500 direct jobs and more than 1,500 indirect jobs by 2020.

'The growth in cruise tourism over the past 20 years proves that Belize is a destination of choice for those seeking adventure, a host of natural wonders and, most importantly, friendly and hospitable people. Today, we say to cruise guests, “Welcome to southern Belize,"' Heredia said.

All of Norwegian Cruise Line's western Caribbean sailings are scheduled to visit Harvest Caye, and occasional calls by sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are planned, too. The destination will also be selectively open to the vessels of other lines.

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