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Norwegian Cruise Line has contracted Orlando-based IDEA to design
and develop a $50 Million Eco-Friendly cruise destination in Southern Belize.
Norwegian Cruise Line has purchased some 75 acres in Belize for a
planned cruise ship port destination.
The land, which is called Harvest Caye, has two islands in the Stann Creek and
Toledo Districts in Belize. The two islands had previously been approved
for a resort project, Caribbean Journal reported.
“With an emphasis on indigenous local culture, this new cruise destination will
tell the unique story of Belize, and set a new standard in the development of an
eco-friendly destination,” said Hugh Darley, president and executive producer.
“Rather than an imposed plan, we are focused on a design approach that is
determined by the local environment to ensure that the unique surroundings and
features of the area will be protected and showcased for all to enjoy.”
Darley, an ex-Disney Imagineer, and developer of guest experiences for
destinations, hotels and cruise lines emphasized the need for a world class
guest experience and sense of arrival at Belize;
“This new port comes at the perfect time," he said. "More than 600,000
passengers arrived through the port last year, and Norwegian alone is predicting
passenger growth in the Western Caribbean to more than double over the next four
years. For Belize to grow its tourism, an upgraded experience is necessary. This
new destination will be designed to not only take pressure off the City port,
but give visitors the best first impression a destination can give.”
While the master plan for the 75 acres is still under development, the vision is
to create a world-class cruise destination, consisting of two locations: an
island destination with docking/tendering facilities and a mainland connection
point for inland tours. Major components of the project are anticipated to
include a floating pier, island village with open-air structures on raised
platforms, marina, transportation hub for tours to the mainland, a lagoon for a
variety of water sports and a relaxing beach area. The goal is to design an
authentic experience grounded in the storyline of nature, ancient culture, art,
adventure and music that celebrates Belizean, Mayan and Garifuna history and
culture.
Among IDEA’s previous work is the design of Falmouth in Jamaica.
However the project has caused raised criticism by locals who
fear the project will adversely effect the environment and not produce the
benefits NCL tout. read
local article. |
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