This Week in Cruise: Lines Step Up Shore Options

Cruise lines are rolling out expanded shore options ranging from a new private destination in Belize to private journeys and port partnerships. 

harvest cayeNorwegian Cruise Line has released details on Harvest Caye, the line's upcoming new private destination in Belize, which is set to open this November. 

The new destination will have the country's only cruise ship pier, a white sand beach, a 15,000 square foot pool, multiple dining options and access to the mainland for adventure tours, including explorations of Mayan ruins, river rafting, nature tours and more. In terms of adventure attractions, the 130 foot tall Flighthouse will serve as the central area for a number of aerial activities ranging from zip lining, suspension bridges to free fall jumps, a tandem “superman” style zip line and stunning views of the mainland. For dining, there will be five outlets, including the two-story Landshark Bar & Grill, an expansion of Norwegian’s partnership with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Starting in November, ships on Norwegian's Western Caribbean itineraries will call at the destination. Norwegian's sister brands, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, will also call at the destination on select Caribbean sailings. 

In terms of shore excursions, Azamara Club Cruises has announced a new Private Journeys program that will allow guests to customize land tours on cruises around the world. 

Prior to or once on the ship, Azamara guests will be able to work with the line's Destination Insiders to create customized land tours drawing on the Insiders' local knowledge. Options will range from tours of popular sights to private guides based on a guest's interests, travel style and budget. 

Finally, Princess Cruises is partnering with local ports and destinations as part of the line's new Global Partners + Local Experts initiative. 

Through the partnerships with ports, tourism boards, tour operators and port agents, Princess will offer video of individual partners sharing their thoughts, experiences and recommendations about the places they call home. In addition to the film project the program will include a number of other destination-based elements, including local speakers; exclusive guest experiences in port; new tour programs and tours; partner port guides and walking maps; new port welcome and departure experiences; and an insider’s guide including “cool things” made in each port.

Cruise Baltic is the partner for Regal Princess Scandinavia & Russia cruises, Cruise Europe is the partner for Caribbean Princess British Isles cruises, and MedCruise is the partner for Royal Princess Mediterranean sailings. All three programs will debut during the upcoming 2016 summer season. 

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