Harvest Caye, Belize: Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island

• The Main Pool: It's a massive, resort-style pool with a cascading waterfall and a swim-up bar. The area is surrounded by hundreds of lounge chairs, which are free to use, though getting a prime spot with an umbrella can be a challenge on a busy day.

• The Beach: A beautiful, seven-acre stretch of white-sand beach. There are plenty of free loungers and hammocks available. The farther you walk from the pool and pier area, the more secluded and quiet the beach becomes. The water is calm and perfect for swimming.

• Private cabana rentals: For the ultimate in relaxation and a more exclusive experience, you can rent a private cabana or a beach villa.

• Poolside cabanas: These offer air conditioning, padded loungers, and easy access to the pool and bar. They are a good option for groups of up to four people.

• Beach villas: These are the most luxurious option. They are located on a roped-off section of the beach and offer amenities like a private bathroom, air conditioning, indoor/outdoor showers, a mini-fridge, and even a dedicated butler service. They are perfect for groups or families celebrating a special occasion. Note that these rentals can be quite expensive—often hundreds of dollars—and should be booked well in advance.

• The Flighthouse Zipline: You can soar 136 feet in the air on a thrilling, 3,000-foot zip line over the island, the pool, and the beach. There's also an option for a "Superman" run, where you fly face-down at high speed.

• Water Sports Lagoon: This saltwater lagoon is a great spot for water sports. You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and electric boats to explore the calm, protected waters.

• Excursions to the mainland: Harvest Caye serves as a gateway to the Belize mainland, where you can find more adventurous activities. These require a separate ferry ticket and an excursion booking. Options include:

  • Barrier reef snorkeling: Snorkel the world's second-largest barrier reef, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • River tubing: Take a tour to the mainland for a relaxing float down a river through the rainforest.

  • Mayan ruins: Visit ancient Mayan archaeological sites like Nim Li Punit, which offers a deep dive into Mayan history and culture.

  • The Splash Pad: Located near the main pool, this is a free, kid-friendly area with a water slide and various fountains, perfect for younger children to splash around in.

  • Nature center: Harvest Caye has a nature center that is free to enter. It features a butterfly garden and enclosures with native animals like toucans and scarlet macaws. It's a great, low-key activity to see some of Belize's wildlife.

  • Manatee and mangrove tour: You can book an excursion that takes you on a boat ride to a nearby protected lagoon to look for manatees and other wildlife.

Remember that all food and beverages on Harvest Caye cost extra. The main restaurant is the LandShark Bar & Grill, which serves classic beach fare like burgers, tacos, and seafood. There are also smaller snack and drink stands located around the island. Your onboard beverage package does not work on Harvest Caye, so plan to pay with cash or a credit card.