NCL Harvest Caye

[CUontheC]

"Harvest Caye, which has been developed by Norwegian Cruise Line, is an island-turned-resort that's scheduled to open in November. Last week, the cruise line offered a glimpse of what travelers can expect to find at this southern Belize port of call."

 

you may not need to go very far to enjoy this stop.

 

Harvest Caye will feature amenities such as:

 

--beach villas that hold up to 10 people and have air-conditioning, lounges and dining rooms, indoor-outdoor showers, hammocks and concierge service;

 

--canopy cabanas at a 15,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar and more;

 

--activities including zip lines, free-fall jumps and a ropes course as well as kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing in the island's lagoon;

 

--restaurants and bars, including Landshark Bar & Grill, and shopping;

 

--manatee viewing on tours at the lagoon, where there's also an aviary with birds such as scarlet macaws and toucans; and

 

--a marina where passengers can set off on other activities and destinations in Belize.

 

This info is from a newspaper article. It does not give the cost of renting or how you rent. I have been unable to find this in any article. And Harvest Caye may not be NCL's private island...but it has been developed by NCL and is scheduled to open in November. There are many offerings. Just wanting to know if my $50 shore excursion credit can be used at any of them. If anyone has this info that would be great. Also, if it does open in November as planned, I will put an update out there on our experience.

[mojomorris]

We were looking forward to this island/port on our last NCL cruise but had to settle for Belize City.

It's not that Belize City is horrible or anything like that BUT we just don't like the tendering process.

Grand Cayman is a "stay on the ship day"also because of tendering...it's not enjoyable for us since I have some mobility issues.

I'm not sure when we'll be cruising NCL again BUT I look forward to a new destination with no tendering.

[KarimaJ]

I didn't think of the $50 excursion credit. If this can be used at harvest Kaye it may be worth taking that perk.

 

 

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[Mandy412]

Thanks for this topic! I'm headed there in December and have been very curious about the same questions you have. So glad it's not a tender port.

[boatseller]

The food is definitely not included, this has been stated by the CEO in press releases. I wouldn't be surprised, given the profit at all costs and customer satisfaction be damned tact that the company has taken of late if chairs are not free to rent.

 

Oops, sorry, if you must know, I meant to quote this post. Must have hit the wrong button.

 

And yes, when people make unfounded statements, I will challenge them. Some people do come here for advice and to learn things so inaccuracies should be corrected.

 

Harvest Caye will likely turn out to be a much better Belize experience than Belize City I would hate for people to miss out because of clearly mis-information.

[boatseller]

Why is it that there is always a few nasty people on these boards. Asking a question is not complaining. I have been on many NCL cruises and have been on this very same one but now I see it is going to a place, Harvest Caye, that is new to me. And trying to get info is a good idea.

 

Whoa! Chill, I know you weren't complaining about anything. I can read.

 

The first reply contained some totes wrong information. See above.

[MizDemeanor]

We are looking forward to seeing the new port stop. Thankfully there is something new to see and do.

 

Thats why we selected this ship/itinerary.

 

I understand that others think this is a private all inclusive island, the cruise line has made it quite confusing, particularly with all the controvery over the actual purchase and build up of this port stop. I too thought it was a sort of a private island stop.

 

Its not. And that is fine with us, we are not fans of long buffet lines for a burger or a piece of chicken with flying insects vying for first dibs on the food.

 

In fact at Great Stirrup Cay, the drink options/locations for variety were sporadic and not uniform for the beverage hut areas that I'd take a pass on that stop if ever again on that private island UNLESS we were first off the ship and had the pick of the 'best beach location ever'.

[CUontheC]

We are looking forward to seeing the new port stop. Thankfully there is something new to see and do.

 

Thats why we selected this ship/itinerary.

 

I understand that others think this is a private all inclusive island, the cruise line has made it quite confusing, particularly with all the controvery over the actual purchase and build up of this port stop. I too thought it was a sort of a private island stop.

 

Its not. And that is fine with us, we are not fans of long buffet lines for a burger or a piece of chicken with flying insects vying for first dibs on the food.

 

In fact at Great Stirrup Cay, the drink options/locations for variety were sporadic and not uniform for the beverage hut areas that I'd take a pass on that stop if ever again on that private island UNLESS we were first off the ship and had the pick of the 'best beach location ever'.

 

I am excited to see it as well...and happy not to have a tender port. I have never been to GSC so not sure what there is there....but I have been to Labadee Haiti and it was amazing. This was a stop with Celebrity. I guess when we get there we will get info and be able to pass it on. I am just basically wanting to know what the charges for different items will be such as renting a villa. I also want to know if you can just go enjoy the beach without any additional charge. I really hope so. I selected the excursion benefit and dining package as my two options for this cruise. If you can relax by the beach with no cost I am going to change the excursion credit for the drink package.

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise!!

[mking8288]

I didn't think of the $50 excursion credit. If this can be used at harvest Kaye it may be worth taking that perk.

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Not until such time HC is open and the shorex options and pricing are published - NCL's track records on price protection (LOL) and changes ... well, need I spell it out.

 

IMO, the "confusing" info as seen by another poster here, put forth by the cruiseline is sometimes deliberate and calculated, just saying.

 

Just ignored the self-proclaimed cyber keyboard warriers, they seemed to be out in full force this afternoon, patrolling & policing the board - don't feed the trolls & put them on "The List" :D ;)

 

These forums are open to all - for critics, cheerleaders and loyalists alike to post, tell and to disagree just as "fans" are free to pose viewpoints of the opposite polarity.

Edited July 15, 2016 by mking8288

[CUontheC]

We were looking forward to this island/port on our last NCL cruise but had to settle for Belize City.

It's not that Belize City is horrible or anything like that BUT we just don't like the tendering process.

Grand Cayman is a "stay on the ship day"also because of tendering...it's not enjoyable for us since I have some mobility issues.

I'm not sure when we'll be cruising NCL again BUT I look forward to a new destination with no tendering.

 

 

I have mobility issues as well and so happy it is not a tender port. I sure hope it is open by the time of our cruise in November.

 

Happy sailing!!

[CUontheC]

Whoa! Chill, I know you weren't complaining about anything. I can read.

 

The first reply contained some totes wrong information. See above.

 

Being on Cruise Critic I see so many people get really angry at those who say anything critical of NCL. I don't see this people do as much of this on any other cruise line. NCL has changed and is charging for some things that other cruise lines offer for free. I believe it is because NCL teams with the casinos to offer free ( well not totally free) cruises. Maybe they feel a need to have a few add ons so they make x amount of money. I don't know but I do know that when I see so many people critical of ones opinion there must be a reason for it. So I wonder if the ones who get so mad work for NCL. Just my observation...I could be wrong...but maybe I am not. Anyway have a good day! And enjoy your next cruise!

 

Mary

[CUontheC]

Not until such time HC is open and the shorex options and pricing are published - NCL's track records on price protection (LOL) and changes ... well, need I spell it out.

 

IMO, the "confusing" info as seend by another poster here, put forth by the cruiseline is sometimes deliberate and calculated, just saying.

 

Just ignored the self-proclaimed cyber keyboard warriers, they seemed to be out in full force this afternoon, patrolling & policing the board - don't feed the trolls & put them on "The List" :D ;)

 

These forums are open to all - for critics, cheerleaders and loyalists alike to post, tell and to disagree just as "fans" are free to pose viewpoints of the opposite polarity.

 

Thank you :)

[mking8288]

Thank you :)

Just telling it like it is ... our first stop to GSC, the private island for NCL was in 2003 on the Dawn, everyone had to step off the small tenders (not the big double-deckers based on the island these days) into the water, for those final few foot steps onto the island beach. More changes ahead for GSC.

 

Those were the good "old" Freestyle cruising days, gone & according to another veteran CC/NCL poster, quoting their concierge, "freestyle" is out.

 

Timelines as given are not guaranteed, per my understanding - of course, I stand corrected if they do.

Edited July 15, 2016 by mking8288

[MizDemeanor]

I am excited to see it as well...and happy not to have a tender port. I have never been to GSC so not sure what there is there....but I have been to Labadee Haiti and it was amazing. This was a stop with Celebrity. I guess when we get there we will get info and be able to pass it on. I am just basically wanting to know what the charges for different items will be such as renting a villa. I also want to know if you can just go enjoy the beach without any additional charge. I really hope so. I selected the excursion benefit and dining package as my two options for this cruise. If you can relax by the beach with no cost I am going to change the excursion credit for the drink package.

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise!!

 

Thank you...you too!!! Labadee was better IMHO than GSC and I was soooo looking forward to GSC. They both have their plusses and minuses....

 

HC should be fun, to say the least, to explore as a new port stop. I'm just not of the opinion its not a money maker for the cruise line, but I think the environment will be a really worthwhile priveledge to drink in for the senses.

[tartan cruiser]

NCL brings a lot of negative additudes on themselves. As with bringing drinks onboard, they announce with two weeks notice a change in policy. Same with Margaritaville, expectations of a free restaurant then bam going a la carte. Everyone believes NCL reads these boards. Why let confusion fester. I wonder myself if chairs will be free. We won't know the answer until they finally receive passengers in Nov. I've tried getting an answer from different dept at NCL and no one seems to have an answer. Deny or confirm would go a long way to improve customer satisfaction but then again I don't think NCL really cares anyway.

[CUontheC]

NCL brings a lot of negative additudes on themselves. As with bringing drinks onboard, they announce with two weeks notice a change in policy. Same with Margaritaville, expectations of a free restaurant then bam going a la carte. Everyone believes NCL reads these boards. Why let confusion fester. I wonder myself if chairs will be free. We won't know the answer until they finally receive passengers in Nov. I've tried getting an answer from different dept at NCL and no one seems to have an answer. Deny or confirm would go a long way to improve customer satisfaction but then again I don't think NCL really cares anyway.

 

I agree with you. Last year we were fortunate enough to be on the 2nd sailing of the Escape where Margaritaville was still complimentary. I would have been very upset if I had booked this and they changed it on me. We also had the drink package and because we booked it before I think April we did not have to pay the 18% gratuity. When I have seen people complain I see NCL people swoop down and bad mouth them...just for them having an opinion and being upset. I really truly think these are people who work for NCL...I mean why would anyone else care if someone is upset about the changes.

 

I have told my friends who are cruising for the first time that if they choose NCL they will have extra's they will have to pay for. I was on Celebrity and Princess and they have a wonderful bakery where you can walk up and get some delicious offerings for free. On NCL Escape if you went to the bakery you were charged if you wanted a cupcake. I think like $2.50 for a little tiny one. Cmon there is no reason for this.

 

I have tried to get answers as well...and that is why I started the post I was hoping someone might know. I am hoping NCL will not charge for chairs but I cannot be certain they won't. Let's hope we can get some info before we get there.

 

Have a great day!!!

 

Mary

[tartan cruiser]

We booked our 1/2017 Getaway cruise with the grandkids more than a year ago and assumed at that time it would be like GSC that includes free food and drinks. We now know that is not the case. I assume the chairs will be free too but who knows. I know I will not pay for a chair. I'll just put my towel on the sand. Some one also suggested that NCL will only allow you to leave the ship once so if you go back to the ship to eat you won't be allowed to go back on shore. Can't believe they would do this but with the anything for a buck mentality who knows. That's the part of cruising with NCL that's so negative, what you originally book is never the same as when you actually cruise.

[Sotermarler]

Well maybe since it's not a private NCL island they will have Coke products! ...JK

I will be there (cross fingers). On November 18th on the Jade. I will report back as soon as I can.

 

Personally, I've been screwed around by NCL so much since I booked this, I plan on not spending extra $ on the ship. And heck no I'm not canceling I've got pre-FDR pricing with original UBP and original KSF. They tried to Dump us in the redeployment but my TA fought hard to keep it for us.

 

It will probably be our last NCL trip, and our cheapest. They have basically made it a game for us to try to not spend extra money with them. Challenge accepted. Being on the free booze!

 

 

 

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[mking8288]

Well maybe since it's not a private NCL island they will have Coke products! ...JK

... They have basically made it a game for us to try to not spend extra money with them. Challenge accepted. Being on the free booze!

 

Woohoo, isn't that mutany ! :D Can't wait to read all about it. :p

 

Watch for cyber keyboard warriors - they are going to pop-up at any moment ;)

 

Staying on the ship instead of HC - now, that's an air-conditioned options, especially if the sun & heat is on.

Edited July 15, 2016 by mking8288

[lastchamp64]

Well maybe since it's not a private NCL island they will have Coke products! ...JK

I will be there (cross fingers). On November 18th on the Jade. I will report back as soon as I can.

 

 

I like Diet Pepsi much better than Coke... No complaints from me if there is no Coke to be found. :D (J/K)

 

Now I'd really be in my glory if they had Diet Dr. Pepper. (Now that I'm not JK) :p

[Sotermarler]

I like Diet Pepsi much better than Coke... No complaints from me if there is no Coke to be found. :D (J/K)

 

 

 

Now I'd really be in my glory if they had Diet Dr. Pepper. (Now that I'm not JK) :p

 

 

I used to prefer DP, until they recently changed the sweetener and now I can't stand it. It has a completely different taste.

 

 

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[Mandy412]

I'd lose my mind if they had diet mt dew in a can. Lose.my.simple.azZ.mind

[sassyshar]

Does anyone have an opinion if ALL excursions will be NCL sponsored, or can passengers book through private tour companies? Thanks

Edited July 17, 2016 by sassyshar
posted on wrong thread

[aubreyc1988]

I like Diet Pepsi much better than Coke... No complaints from me if there is no Coke to be found. :D (J/K)

 

Now I'd really be in my glory if they had Diet Dr. Pepper. (Now that I'm not JK) :p

 

you'll have to come to Texas for that! Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper everywhere, it's glorious

[jingle5616]

Does anyone have an opinion if ALL excursions will be NCL sponsored, or can passengers book through private tour companies? Thanks

 

Their Island, their excursions. I'll bet they are more expensive as well.......for your convenience.:D