Norwegian Cruise Lines brand new private island called Harvest Caye has welcomed the first guests on Thursday, November 17. The Norwegian Dawn is the first ship to ever call at the destination as the resort is now open for business.
Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, said:
“Harvest Caye is truly the ultimate Belizean experience and we are delighted to welcome our first guests today.”
“We have worked closely with the government of Belize to ensure 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. 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.”
Harvest Caye is located just one mile from the Belize southern coast and offers luxury and adventure to all MSC cruise guests visiting the destination.
The island features sprawling pool and private luxury beach villas; a variety of eco-activities and interactive wildlife programs; and an exhilarating cross-island zip line. There are plenty of shore excursions on offer on the island and on the Belize mainland.
View Photos of Harvest Caye:
A ceremony was held to celebrate the very first guests from Norwegian Dawn which is on a 10-day cruise from New Orleans. The ceremony was attended by cruise line and Belize officials.
Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation for Belize, said:
“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. This investment alone is projected to generate 500 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs by the year 2020.”
“We have embarked on an unprecedented and incomparable journey. 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.’”
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Harvest Caye on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Western Caribbean itineraries, as well as on select Caribbean sailings on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises in Winter 2017 and Fall/Winter 2018.
Norwegian Jade will visit the private island on Friday, November 18 and the Norwegian Getaway on Wednesday, November 23. More NCL ships will begin calling at the island from now on.
