Norwegian's Harvest Caye is delayed nine months

Norwegian's western Caribbean cruises now through mid-November will call instead at Belize City.

As recently as November, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and ceo Frank Del Rio told reporters Harvest Caye was scheduled to open in mid-February and Norwegian Getaway would be the first ship to call.

The company gave no specifics for the delay. A note to travel agents on Tuesday said 'Norwegian is 'dedicated to delivering the highest quality amenities and services to our guests in one of the richest ecosystems in the region with a diversity of flora and fauna that is core to the Harvest Caye experience. As a result, the grand opening of Harvest Caye will take place in November 2016.'

Besides the Miami-based Norwegian Getaway, ships with Harvest Caye in their itineraries included Norwegian Star from Tampa, Norwegian Dawn from New Orleans and Norwegian Jade from Houston.

Plans for Harvest Caye were announced in August 2013 as a $50m, eco-friendly development. Spread across two islands, it will have a pier, food and beverage outlets, a shallow lagoon for water sports, an expansive pool and luxury cabanas.

Norwegian said further details on the destination and the experiences will be shared in early 2016.