Belize: Harvest Caye

January 2026

Most major cruise lines have developed one small island into a private resort. Many of them are in the Bahamas, but Norwegian Cruise Lines established one in Belize. Although excursions are available, the focus of a private island is for passengers to get off the boat and enjoy what is on offer (shopping, restaurants, activities, and beaches) literally right at the end of the pier. Only NCL guests are permitted on the island, too. Such experiences are very unique windows into "cruiser fantasies". After all, the island has one purpose - give people what they want.

After asking ship's crew and islanders, it became clear that no one had lived on the island previously (thankfully) - it used to be a totally mangrove-covered place. About a third of the mangroves were removed and sand was brought in (yes, even the beach is artificial). For as much as I should have disliked the "fake" island, I had to admit, Norwegian had done it up very well with even some effort to minimize ecological damage. Additionally, about 200 locals were employed there.

A faux lighthouse on the island serves as the tower for the zipline. I reached it early in the morning before it was busy and asked if I could go to the top just to take photos. They kindly granted my request, but only if I was escorted. A young local guy, Tommy, came with me on the elevator ride. He was quiet, yet wanted to ask me questions. I, too, had many for him. He asked about my job and the cruise. I asked him about Belize and received a lot of information:

The mountains in the distance were the "Maya Mountains" where people still worked the land and lived. Many ancient Mayan cities are located there.

The country has a sizeable Maya population and they speak three distinct dialects: it was hard for Tommy to understand my questions about Mayan language, but it seems the level of intelligibility between them (the so-called dialects) is perhaps something like Spanish and Italian. He himself spoke two due to intermarriage.

The waters off the island are protected because there is a sizeable manatee population (critically endangered). Some of the excursions took passengers to see them - I later heard it was a good experience.

The island holds a small zoo with a butterfly house and a few iguanas and birds. The animals are well-cared for. There is also a large swimming pool for those who don't like salt water bathing. The pool has water sprays, slides, and a swim-up bar - all in view of the bright blue sea and the massive ship parked just offshore.

I had to admit, for something so "artificial" it was actually pleasant and, as a bonus, Harvest Caye provides employment for locals without destroying the city in which they live (Placencia).

Norwegian Cruise Private Island - check. Not as dire as I expected.