Harvest Caye

[Sand and Seas]

The opening of this port has been delayed quite a bit as it appears there was some local resistance to NCL creating this private island stop. I got the impression that opening this using local vendors was in part to appease the Belize government. Remember that Belize city will now be losing the revenue. I'm just happy to have a walk off the ship and easy to get to beach.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

This is disappointing. If the stop is truly exclusive to our ship, there needs to be included meal and drink options. Just my $.02 .

 

NCL would say that since the ship is "conveniently" docked you are welcome to go back onboard to avail yourself of any of the inclusive dining venues on the ship should you not wish to pay to dine ashore .......

[stickey_mouse]

NCL would say that since the ship is "conveniently" docked you are welcome to go back onboard to avail yourself of any of the inclusive dining venues on the ship should you not wish to pay to dine ashore .......

They would, but they'd be wrong.

[mking8288]

They would, but they'd be wrong.

 

But. But, on "port" days, typically - only the buffet is open for lunch - along with O'Sheehans for comfort food & snacks. Everything else would be closed - that's how it worked at GSC (up till now - crews moving supplies & staffing the island ;) - well, at least until they "upgrade" the passenger experience later on as announced ... )

 

Oops, I almost forgot - Room Service delivery for a convenience fee of $7.95 (subject to change/COLA increase, etc.) and on top of it all - tipping at one's discretion :D - if staying onboard.

 

Lots of unknown with the wind of change, and, with NCL's proven track records lately, might as well spin the crystal ball and call in the fortune teller for their predictions.

Edited July 10, 2016 by mking8288

[Mr and Mrs C]

When is the date that it

Is supposed to be open now?

[NMLady]

When is the date that it

Is supposed to be open now?

 

Mid-November. I think Nov 16.

[gunther619]

Stupid question...but would be allowed to take a sandwich off the boat?

 

If I have to walk to a restaurant to eat, I'd rather just walk a little more and go on board for a free bite to eat and head back to the beach.

[KarlChilders]

Stupid question...but would be allowed to take a sandwich off the boat?

 

If I have to walk to a restaurant to eat, I'd rather just walk a little more and go on board for a free bite to eat and head back to the beach.

 

 

I have seen it speculated here, though not from anything official, that you will only be allowed to disembark once on Harvest Caye....I hope that was just anti-NCL speculation, and not the actual facts. I guess we won't know for sure until ships actually start porting there.

[Nola26]

I have seen it speculated here, though not from anything official, that you will only be allowed to disembark once on Harvest Caye....I hope that was just anti-NCL speculation, and not the actual facts. I guess we won't know for sure until ships actually start porting there.

 

This doesn't even strike me as practical.

 

I'll be there in December and will book something on the island with my excursion credit. Unless there is something complimentary on the island I am likely to return to the ship for lunch. I will come back to the island is there's a reason to be there. Otherwise I'll relax on the Dawn and be content.

[mking8288]

There are a # of ways to get on HC ... with escorted/priority tendering, similar to GSC (which I won't get into here, ya all know the insider's tricks) - eat a big breakfast first before heading down to the gangway.

 

With GSC, bring items off the ship to go ashore has not been a problem - use your imagination on what to pack. Energy bars and trail mixes, etc. come to mind if someone need a certain sugar level.

 

Have an early return if necessary to eat free on the ship if you don't feel like paying for anything extra. Depending on weather, many prefer the air-conditioned comfort onboard and smaller crowds instead of sweating it out.

[Susandt]

when i booked with ncl for 3/17 they said ubp could be used there, hope their correct.

[James_Elmore]

when i booked with ncl for 3/17 they said ubp could be used there, hope their correct.

I hope this is the case!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

[Seanote]

Based upon what I am reading in this thread, it looks like NCL will have "vendors" selling F&B on HC. Since NCL will have the master lease to the island, it seems they will sublease vendor space or have some sort of concessions contract (a percentage of sales) with the vendors. It might be a combination of both--just in case the vendor doesn't show on a particular day, Frank still gets paid.

 

Pretty ingenious. Frank has figured out a way to get you to pay for your drinks, twice. Some will say I got UBP for free--but you really didn't. So if you get a beverage on the island, you'll be paying for what you already paid for--and Frank gets a cut. Now, can Frank figure out a way to have the vendors charge an 18% gratuity?

[SAPMAN]

The Getaway from Miami on 13 Nov is stopping on NOV 16 in Belize City, not Harvest Caye. what is the date the first ship docks at HC?

[FreestyleNovice]

The Getaway from Miami on 13 Nov is stopping on NOV 16 in Belize City, not Harvest Caye. what is the date the first ship docks at HC?

 

Wasn't the Escape one of the first to dock?

 

 

http://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruises-to-harvest-caye-belize.html shows different.. :confused:

[SAPMAN]

Duplicate.

Edited July 26, 2016 by SAPMAN
duplicate

[FreestyleNovice]

[dznymom]

I can understand that folks who have never been to Belize would be disappointed that they can't do the typical excursions there (snorkeling with sharks and rays was one of our more memorable excursions), and that folks will not be happy if there is no free food/drink option.

 

Personally, I really enjoy trying local cuisine so I am hoping the restaurants serve Belikin Beer and have some good Belizian specialties to try. We had a fabulous meal on Caye Caulker when we went, and I would love to repeat that flavor profile!

 

Having to just walk off the ship to a lovely beach is a treat for me so I am looking forward to this experience. Here's hoping it opens up on the current schedule and that all the kinks are worked out before my Dec 4th cruise on the Jade!

[Beachdays002]

I just spoke with a NCL shore excursion representative and was told there is no immediate plans for ferry service from Harvest Caye to Malacate or anywhere on the Mainland. NCL will be only option for shore excursions.