MSC Cruises announces expansion to private destination Ocean Cay

MSC Cruises announces expansion to private destination Ocean Cay

MSC Cruises is unveiling upgrades to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas.

One of the biggest enhancements comes with an extended pier, allowing two ships to call on the island simultaneously, that’s due for completion in late 2027. Other improvements include new dining venues, an adults-only beach, kid’s activities and conservation learning experiences.

Four new dining options will be added to the island, bringing Ocean Cay’s total up to seven venues. One new offering will be a specialty restaurant alongside new buffets and a food market.

The Sneakers Cove family beach will receive new experiences such as a children’s playground, a splash pad and a ropes course with water elements. This area will also feature ping-pong and foosball for families to enjoy.

Paradise Sands, an “exclusive retreat for adults,” will be added to Ocean Cay’s current lineup of eight beaches.

A rendering shows the planned Paradise Sands adults-only retreat at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. (Courtesy of MSC Cruises)
A rendering shows the planned Paradise Sands adults-only retreat at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. (Courtesy of MSC Cruises)

Guests can also find more hands-on experiences with conservation through the new MSC Foundation “Shifting Perspective” experience. Visitors can find ways to engage with conservation efforts including coral restoration and ocean ecosystems through hands-on activities.

All of these enhancements are due for completion in late 2027. Meanwhile, work continues on a second private island adjacent to Ocean Cay. The currently unnamed island is currently known as Little Cay.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a 95-acre private island that was previously exploited for sand excavation. The island opened to cruise passengers in 2019 after workers installed 75,000 individual plants and 500 trees to restore the island.

Many itineraries sailing from PortMiami, Port Canaveral and New York feature a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

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