For the most part, the concept of cruise line private islands has been the same for years – a controlled shoreside experience mostly insulated from the surrounding region – so it’s refreshing to see Norwegian Cruise Line expand on it to craft a whole destination experience that embraces the mainland and its local operation with the brand new Harvest Caye (pronounced “key”) in Belize.

Before Colin P. Murphy, Senior Vice President, Destination & Strategic Development for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., and Dan Drahozal, Guest Services Director, offered a select group of journalists an exclusive tour of the Belizean port-of-call, I had high hopes for the island development based on beautiful renderings, but only after experiencing the stellar island for myself can I confirm that it is set to give the competition a run for their money.

The Western Caribbean destination, which broke ground in April 2014, is now open and visited by the Norwegian Dawn from New Orleans, Norwegian Jade from Tampa and Norwegian Getaway from Miami, but we had the chance to see it on a non-ship day for a special behind-the-scenes look.

When cruise ships do visit, they conveniently dock alongside, eliminating any need to tender ashore. Boat transfers are only required to leave from the island’s marina, also the hub for activities such as parasailing, to access optional shore excursions on the mainland. These unique opportunities include seeing the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit, lagoon wildlife and mangrove estuaries, and river tubing or rafting.

But one of the greatest things about the island is its goal to better the guest experience with plenty of complimentary options as well. Free main attractions on the island include an expected pristine beach that is manmade, requiring sand brought in from dredging operations; an expansive 15,000-square-foot pool, complete with a swim-up bar and shaded waterfall beneath a foot bridge; and a unique nature center featuring regional flora and fauna.

From the very start, chief naturalist Tony Garel has spearheaded an effort for the animal experience to not merely be a guest focal point but a conservation program intent on bettering the natural environment as well. Besides butterflies, that can be strolled among in their cage, boa constrictors, keel-billed toucans and scarlet macaws can be witnessed from outside. The cruise line is still trying to acquire six breeding pairs of the latter from Guatemala to release the species back in Belize, where only 200 currently remain.

Overall, the island is absolutely beautiful, lush with vegetation including 10,000 mangroves and supported by an off-site nursery, and filled with stunning Belizean hardwood structures and even a few large wooden animal sculptures, perfect for photo-ops. Of course, the architectural icon of the island is the so-called Flighthouse, a tall lighthouse-like structure that features a combination of exciting zip-lining and rappelling adventures for a total cost of only $79 per person.

Having experienced two zip-line varieties, the three-run lagoon side is exciting but challenging, and the single-run superman-orientation side stretching over the length of the beach is both exhilarating and far easier to enjoy. In fact, the Lighthouse is uniquely equipped with an elevator that will soon allow those with limited ability the chance to experience the fun line above the beach.

I suspect the harness type that is used for the more traditional lagoon zip-line will need to eventually be changed out for one that does not require awkwardly using one hand to guide and brake riders’ descents, which takes away from the enjoyment. Nonetheless, the infrastructure is in place to improve what is already a great beginning. Besides, the awesome superman variation alone is worth the cost of admission, in my opinion, if only you could opt to do it twice instead of each individual course once.

Elsewhere, there are attractions that require less in the way of adrenaline, too. Kayaks and paddle boards can be rented as well as electric boats at the Manatee Lagoon, and for smaller adventurers, the Kid’s Splash Park is a perfect place to get soaked in all sorts of watery ways.

For those looking for some simple rest and relaxation, there are lots of shaded beach chairs, chaise lounges and benches along the way, and for more privacy, outdoor pool cabanas can be rented for $199 or enclosed air-conditioned beach villas start at $499.

The entire island is serviced by several bars and eateries including the central LandShark Bar & Grill from Jimmy Buffett and operated by friendly Belizean locals. Dustin Bowen, CEO of Provisions Belize Limited, oversees all food and beverage amenities and says he's witnessed how the island is making people interested in returning to Belize to spend more future time in the country.

Delicious food items include local shrimp ceviche, a signature LandShark Burger and classic Key Lime Pie, and drinks range from frozen margaritas to a signature island cocktail that our group was workshopping during the tour. One shortcoming of the island is not featuring any complimentary dining options, but the regional cuisine is certainly worth paying for regardless.

Altogether, Murphy is most proud of the nature center and Flighhouse, and Drahozal remarks that guests feel safe and not hustled on the island. After all, there are indeed several local vendors, but the shops are mostly unique, save for maybe Harley Davidson.

Moho Chocolate, for instance, sells regional confections and offers an educational chocolate-making experience, Rum Coco serves chilled coconut water right from the fruit that it will later prepare the meat from, and Dulce’s Island Ice Cream scoops up other sweet treats. All the while, bands plays live music, and Mayan dancers further entertain.

Harvest Caye is a surefire winner, and I already cannot wait to go back by a ship this time for another full day of fun.

Follow @LeppertPulse

Follow @PopularCruising