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Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island): Complete Guide, Tips, & Things to Know

If you are taking a cruise in the United States aboard MSC, chances are high that you’ll be visiting Ocean Cay. This is the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas that’s exclusive to guests of MSC.

In other words, if you’ve ever wanted to spend a day on your own island, surrounded by the bluest water on the planet, this is your chance. It’s large, with seemingly miles of beaches and enough space to where you can get away from it all.

But if you thought that MSC simply bought an island and opened it up to passengers, that’s not the case at all. In total the company spent a reported $300 million into renovating Ocean Cay. What began years ago as a former industrial sand excavation site is now a completely new and revitalized island.

Those lucky enough to visit Ocean Cay are in for a special day (and possible overnight stay). If you are about to take a trip there, we’ve covered the spot from start to finish below, with everything you need to know.

• Official Name: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
• Pronunciation: Ocean “Key”
• Distance from Miami: 65 miles
• Size: 150-200 acres (approximate)
• Opened: December 2019

Ocean Cay Location

One of the defining features of Ocean Cay is its close location to Miami. As just 65 miles southeast from the Port of Miami, it has the advantage of being reached in just a few hours. In fact, the island is so close that ships sometimes dock overnight — giving passengers all day at the island… and then some — and still be able to reach Miami within a few hours.

Other major cruise ports (relatively) near Ocean Cay include Nassau, Key West, and Freeport. Don’t be surprised if one or more of these stops are also included on your cruise.

Ocean Cay Overview

As we’ve mentioned, the island is a private paradise for MSC passengers. But to simply call it that wouldn’t do the work that MSC has done justice.

Until a few years ago Ocean Cay was an industrial spot where sand was excavated for use in other places. The cruise line has since transformed it into what it is today, as well as an eco-friendly marine reserve.

Of course, guests will be most interested in the beaches and water. Ocean Cay today has enormous stretches of white-sand beaches that wrap around the island. As part of the building process, MSC put in a protective island and reshaped the land to also create a calm lagoon so that swimming and water activities are possible no matter how rough the surrounding sea may be.

Perhaps the biggest draw to the island is the surrounding water. A rare color of electric blue, the waters of Ocean Cay are some of the most striking we’ve ever seen. One thing to note is that the winter months can see cooler water temps. So just because the weather is warm year-round doesn’t always mean the water will be as well.

The first thing you will notice on the island is the large lighthouse that’s the anchor of Lighthouse Bay, right near where the cruise ship docks. The lighthouse features a viewing platform, as well as a bar at its base. At night it transforms into a colorful video screen, accompanied by music and a lightshow.

Around the entire island are a number of other things to do, see, and visit. This includes eight different beaches, shops, a spa, food trucks, a buffet, bars, cabanas, and even a wedding chapel.

One thing that you’ll definitely notice is the size of Ocean Cay. If you’ve been on other private cruise line islands like CocoCay or Great Stirrup Cay , you know they are sizable, but the area reserved for guests is smaller.

Ocean Cay has much more area for their guests. We would estimate that to walk an entire loop around the island, it would take you about 30 minutes at a brisk pace. Have trouble walking? There are beaches right near the cruise ship so you don’t have to venture far. There is also a free tram that drives guests all around the island.

However, one positive about having a larger island is that there is plenty of space for everyone. While some of the most popular beaches can get crowded at peak times, you can simply walk a few hundred feet and have a spot all to yourself.

Things to Do On the Island

As you would expect, most of the time you’ll spend on Ocean Cay revolves around the beach and the ocean. Blessed with both gorgeous sand and stunning clear water, you’ll want to get your fill of both.

Beaches & Swimming If you come to Ocean Cay and don’t spend any time on the beach, then you may as well stay on the ship. Beaches are all around the island, including Lighthouse Bay that is right near the cruise ship.

The most popular area for swimming and lounging is South Beach. This beach wraps around and another small island (North Beach) creates a large lagoon. In between these two spots the water is always calm as it’s protected from the open ocean. That makes it ideal for swimming. South Beach is roughly a 10-minute walk from the ship.

Other beaches include Bimini Beach, Ocean House Beach, Sunset Beach, and more.

Cabanas Want to hang out on the beach in style? Rent a cabana. These cabanas are dotted all around the island. They are open-air, but provide much needed shade during the day. There’s also a couch, chairs, and loungers. Prices start at $280 for up to six people.

Lighthouse Show During the day the lighthouse on the island is the biggest landmark you’ll see. It can be seen from everywhere and you can even pay to climb to the top. But if you think it’s prominent during the day, wait until night.

At night there are lighthouse shows. The entire building is covered in light panels and circled at top and bottom with bright spotlights. Set to music, the show features colorful graphics around the lighthouse, along with an amazing lightshow. It’s a can’t miss.

Snorkeling/Diving Of course with so much gorgeous water surrounding the island, it’s a great place to snorkel. Equipment is available for rent on the island, and you can either explore on your own or book and excursion that will take you to some of the best spots.

Are you a diver? If you have your certification then you can book a one or two-tank dive from the island.

Shops Right as you walk ashore, you will enter Ocean Cay Village. Here you’ll find an information booth, excursion desk, Springer’s bar, and also shops. Whether you want to pick up some sunscreen that you forgot or want to buy some souvenirs, the shops here have you covered.

Kayak/Paddleboarding If you want to get on the water, there’s no better way than renting a kayak or a paddleboard. Both are available for about $40. You’ll have the ability to go explore the waters around the island, including a chance to see wildlife in the area, including sea turtles if you’re lucky.

Jet Ski Tours Adrenaline junkies will love that you can book a jet ski tour to explore the island and the surrounding area. There’s space for one driver and one passenger, and you’ll be in charge of driving. Never ridden a jet ski before? Don’t worry, they will cover everything you need to know to get started before the tour.

Stargazing One of the unique things about Ocean Cay is that MSC features extended days at the island, with the ship often departing at midnight. That means you can spend some time ashore during the evening and night.

And given the remoteness of the island, it’s a pretty good spot for stargazing. MSC offers a stargazing excursion, but you can also wander out to the darker spots and see constellations that you won’t notice in the city.

What to Eat/Drink on Ocean Cay

Hungry? A day in the sun and the water can build up an appetite. There’s plenty to eat on the island, and it’s included in your cruise fare.

The biggest spot to eat is Seakers Food Court. This is a buffet that features buffet staples like burger and dogs. Just don’t expect high-end dining. It’s just about in the center of the island, and right near South Beach. There is also bar service at the buffet if you are feeling thirsty. 

Apart from Seakers, there are multiple food trucks around the island. These spots (called Beach Shacks) are also free, but we’ve noticed some have paid options. With so many of them, you never have to walk far to get a bite to eat. They have a menu of hamburgers, dogs, and pasta salad for those who don’t eat meat.

As well, if you simply want to go back to the ship, the buffet onboard will also be serving food.

Thirsty? Like the food trucks, there are multiple bars around Ocean Cay where you can get anything your heart desires. Especially popular are the beach drinks served in a souvenir pineapple cup. One good thing is that your drink package from the ship also works on Ocean Cay, so you can get drinks here just like on the ship.

Facilities on Ocean Cay

For your comfort, there are a number of facilities on the island for your use.

Several different restroom stations are dotted along the island, and feature handicapped accessible stalls. Each restroom also has water fountains for you to grab a drink (disposable plastic bottles are discouraged on the island).

Each restroom station also has showers alongside the outside wall where you can rinse off the salt and sand from your day at the beach.

As of our last visit, lockers were nowhere to be found. However, most people seemed to just put their stuff in or under a lounger and no one else messed with it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wi-fi work on Ocean Cay? Have an Internet package on the ship? The good news is that this service extends to Ocean Cay. So whether you want to check email, or post that selfie of you on the island to your Instagram, you can do it from the shore. You do need to connect to a different network, but if you paid for wi-fi for the cruise, you can use it on shore as well.

Do drink packages extend to Ocean Cay? Yes. One of the best perks about booking a drink package is that unlike most ports of call, you can use your package on the island just like you would on the ship. Since Ocean Cay is the cruise line’s private island, you can get your money’s worth from the package even while on land.

Are there towels available on the island? No. You will need to bring the beach towel supplied to you in your cabin or grab one from near the pool. Then you will need to bring this back with you when you go back the ship or drop it off near the exit of the island. There is a charge for any missing towels not turned in at the end of the cruise.

Do I need cash on the island? Mostly no. There are some shops that take U.S. dollars. Everything else, including bars and rental stations, you can use your room keycard just like you do on the ship.

Is there transportation around Ocean Cay? Yes. The island is large and walking all day around it is enough to wear anyone out. MSC offers carts hat goes to several spots around the island. The stops are large pavilions that offer some shade while you wait for your ride. Just hop on and hop off where you want.

Other Things to Know About Ocean Cay

Shade is at a premium While Ocean Cay has transformed into an island paradise, it is still a work in progress. The cruise line planted thousands of trees, but they are still growing. As a result, many spots around the island are barren or only have some vegetation. That means natural shade is rare.

As for the beach, the thousands of loungers are free to use, but if you want an umbrella for shade, you’ll need to rent one for the day ($17 for the day)

Traffic can be bad on the island We’re only slightly joking when we say that traffic is bad. There are concrete walkways that weave around the island, but they are also used for the tram and for golf carts used by the staff.

The result is that pedestrians get pushed to the side or off the path to let these vehicles past. So when walking, watch your step and be mindful of these carts driving around. 

Ocean Cay strives to be eco-friendly MSC is making a big push to have Ocean Cay do right by the environment. That means some huge moves like cleaning up the former industrial site the island is built on, but also smaller things. For instance, plastic bottles aren’t on the island so you’ll need to bring a reusable bottle or get a glass for water at the bar.

As well, sunscreens should be safe for coral reefs (it’s sold on the island if you need some). There are also no paper maps of the island to cut down on the waste.

Price List for Ocean Cay

As mentioned, the island is free to enjoy, but there are plenty of extras that will cost money. The prices below for various items are from a recent trip and are subject to change.

Have more questions about visiting the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve? Let us know in the comments below.

More on MSC & Ocean Cay:

• 12+ Ocean Cay Tips & Things to Know (MSC Private Island)

Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages

• 10 Ways MSC Is Different From Other Cruise Lines

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Really nice Atmosphere, Facilities, Access to Beaches,Available Food-Drinks,Knowledge Staff,:wonderful Clean Environment:: But I m Curious. ,How Many People Actually Live,Work on The Island Permanently;;

These go very quickly and are not assigned until you arrive. The Cabana and Deluxe cabana offer shade and comfortable seating. No bar service, no food service. Bring your own towels and snorkel gear for your own comfort. Try to get off the ship as early as possible as the shaded areas(Very limited) go fast. Umbrellas are available first come first serve. IF you have limited mobility and need wheelchair assistance to the beach there are beach wheel chairs, but they may be all over the island or already on the beach. I needed one and one was not available at the check out but was on the beach. We used one to get me in the water and to get me out. I am on crutches and scooter due to a broken ankle and it worked out for me just fine.

All of the cabanas were sold out on the MSC website. Are there other options for renting one once we get there ? I was very disappointed.

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Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Everything You Need to Know

Doug Parker

• December 6, 2021

In 2019, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve joined the lineup of cruise line private islands in The Bahamas. Ocean Cay was a work in progress for several years because the island was previously an industrial dumping ground.

After numerous construction delays and a few stumbling blocks, the island — which gained a lot of buzz from the start because it took a different approach than other such projects — opened in late 2019.

And, of course, the lineup is, like the island itself, constantly evolving depending on which ships are deployed where.

From Dumping Ground to Tropical Paradise

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has an origin story that’s as unique as any you’re likely to hear. For decades, the area had been used as an industrial dumping ground.

Where others no doubt saw an environmental wasteland to be written off, the forward-thinking executives at MSC saw a challenge that they promptly accepted.

The process of reclaiming the island would not be an easy one. For each piece of discarded equipment or waste extracted from the ground, excavators would find tons of scrap metal needing removal.

Ultimately, delays would see the island’s opening moved from 2017 to late 2019. With the debris removed, the island is again thriving with marine life and coral.

But by late 2021, the island had not only been welcoming guests. It hosted the christening ceremony for MSC’s newest ship, Seashore, overseen by no less a luminary than actress Sophia Loren.

Where is Ocean Cay Located?

One thing that has made many private islands owned by cruise lines so popular is their proximity to Florida, especially given how many ships leave from the Sunshine State.

That’s the case here, with Ocean Cay being approximately 50 miles off Florida’s coast. This means that MSC’s ships can allow passengers to hang out on the island long after dark and still be back at PortMiami for debarkation the following day.

For context, Ocean Cay is located just south of North Cat Cay, 22 miles south of the Bimini Island cruise port , where Virgin Voyages developed a beach club for its guests.

Arrival at the Pier

One appealing aspect of Ocean Cay is that arriving ships pull up to a pier. In other words, there’s no need to take a tender boat back and forth to the island.

Because the cruise line owns the island and developed it from scratch, they could control every aspect of the environment.

While a couple of private destinations in the Caribbean have typically required passengers to rely on tender boats (like Half Moon Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, and Princess Cays), Ocean Cay visitors can disembark the ship directly onto a pier the same way they would in ports such as Nassau.

When ships arrive at Ocean Cay, they typically back into the slip with the starboard side bordering the dock. Since the island is owned and operated by MSC Cruises, everything is managed by the cruise line.

This means that when you step off the ship, you won’t be barraged by taxi drivers and souvenir hawkers.

Because Ocean Cay is, unlike some destinations, truly a stand-alone island, you are not required to bring a driver’s license or passport with you upon disembarkation — only your keycard to sign off and on the ship.

Weather at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Being right off the coast of South Florida, you can expect the same type of weather that you would experience in Miami.

The temperatures can get as cool as 60 degrees in the winter and above 90 in the summer. The sea breeze helps kick down some of the humidity.

The water temperatures average between 77 degrees in the winter and 87 degrees in the summer.

If you think the weather is too hot during your visit, consider renting one of the many cabanas strung throughout the island. The island is large enough for everyone to have their little slice of paradise for the day.

Currency on the island

There is no need to take any currency ashore unless you want to extend a gratuity to workers on the island or a crew member working at one of the bars. Being owned and operated by MSC means that the cruise card is accepted everywhere on the island and for everything from drinks to shopping.

But if you’re curious about the currency used on the surrounding islands, the Bahamian Dollar ($BSD) or U.S. Dollar ($USD) are each widely accepted.

Getting Around

While the island is very walkable, making the rounds could take a while. But whether you’re looking to avoid doing too much strolling around in the heat, have mobility issues, or simply don’t feel like exerting too much energy, MSC has a tram system set up to make stops at various points of interest.

Private golf carts will meet those staying in the Yacht Club — aka MSC’s ship-within-a-ship area with dozens of amenities — upon disembarkation and ferry them directly to the private section of the beach set aside for Yacht Club guests.

Shopping on Ocean Cay

Plenty of shopping is on the island, and you don’t have to walk far to enjoy it. Within Ocean Cay Village, several stores sell everything from tee shirts to shot glasses — even plush animals.

They accept your cruise card here, so you don’t have to worry about having cash or a credit card with you.

MORE:  15 Tips for Visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

What to Do at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

During the Day

With over two miles of sandy white beaches, the obvious way to spend the day here is soaking up the sun and taking the occasional refreshing dip in the crystal blue waters.

And while Ocean Cay does not feature the ziplining or waterslides found at the private destinations run by some other cruise lines, there is still plenty to do here, with a real emphasis on the natural surroundings.

You’ll come to the Tours and Activities Pavilion when you walk off the ship. This is the perfect place to stop if you want to book a last-minute activity.

Some excursions do sell out quickly, while others will have plenty of availability. It’s always a good idea to keep checking your MSC app or the shore excursions desk during your voyage if there’s an excursion you’re interested in.

Our advice: Book it rather than risk discovering it’s unavailable once you arrive.

Among the activities offered on the island are kayaking adventures, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, jet ski rentals, spa treatments, climbing the lighthouse, playing games in the sports area, or just relaxing on the shores of one of the many beaches.

There is even a wedding pavilion on the island, should you wish to make arrangements to tie the knot or renew your vows while on vacation.

There are numerous beaches and lagoons around the island, so it’s worth doing some research before you arrive to figure out which one suits your needs.

The eight beaches include Bimini Beach, North Beach, South Beach, Seaker’s Family Beach, Lighthouse Bay, Sunset Beach, Aurea Paradise Sands, and the Ocean Cay Lagoon.

Family Area at Ocean Cay

Seakers Family Cove is the place to head if you’ve got young ones in your travel party. The area offers various family-friendly activities, including sand castle-building contests, treasure hunts, and challenges to get the entire family involved.

This is also where you’ll find both the Family Lagoon and, conveniently enough, Seakers Food Court, which features both American and Bahamian favorites and is entirely complimentary.

Ocean Cay After Dark

Although becoming more common, Ocean Cay was the first private destination to feature after-dark activities. Many sailings feature visits that last until 1 a.m. or even spend the night.

(It’s worth noting that even if the vessel does stay all night, guests are required to spend the night onboard the ship — they are not allowed to roam the island overnight.)

As peaceful as it is during the day, Ocean Cay comes to life at night with the Bahamian Junkanoo Parade, live music, and light show.

The lighthouse anchors the island and is covered with millions of LED lights. It’s non-descript during the day but comes to life with a D.J. and beach party when the sun sets.

Food and Drinks

Aside from the previously-mentioned Seakers (essentially Ocean Cay’s version of an island buffet), you’ll also find several food trucks offering various options.

Meanwhile, the attention-grabbing lighthouse has, at its base, a bar with cozy seating (both in the sun and shade), while the marina is home to the authentic Bahamian hot spot Springer’s Bar.

Looking for some soft-serve ice cream or maybe some coffee? Head over to the brightly-colored Smiling Fish. And thanks to several beach bars, you’re never too far from the kind of treat that’ll help you cool down on a hot day.

Final Thoughts of Ocean Cay

With Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises not only earned a seat at the “private destination” table, but also established its island as genuinely unique.

An added nod is that the cruise line has teamed up with universities and scientists to help reclaim the coral and marine life around the island. In late 2021, sea turtles came ashore to nest and lay eggs.

Although slightly more low-key than places like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Ocean Cay offers everything necessary for the perfect beach day.

The spot also earns big kudos for its after-dark entertainment, not to mention the pier, which makes hopping back and forth between your ship and the island as easy as walking down a gangplank. MSC Cruises’ new private island is a massive win for its guests.

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Explore > Cruise > 4 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Cay, MSC’s Private Island Paradise

4 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Cay, MSC’s Private Island Paradise

Just 65 miles south of Miami in the Bimini chain of islands lies a tropical, Bahamian paradise called Ocean Cay. The 95-acre island is owned by MSC Cruises and was set to start welcoming visitors in December 2019.

Because of its proximity to Miami, guests can enjoy the island’s many offerings even on three and four-night cruises. Though it may be small, Ocean Cay is a well-thought-out island experience that is truly unique in the world of cruising. Here are four things you need to know before you go.

1. Ocean Cay is a Marine Reserve

Differentiating itself from other cruise line private islands like Royal Caribbean’s newly developed, Cococay , Ocean Cay is the opposite of a theme park island. MSC calls the Marine Reserve “A sustainable destination where guests can connect with nature.” I call it an impressive commitment to environmental stewardship in the middle of The Bahamas.

As Ocean Cay was being developed, 7,500 tons of scrap metal and debris were removed from the island and transported to a licensed waste contractor in the US. In its place, 75,000 trees, shrubs and plants were brought in that are native to the region to restore the island’s original beauty. More than 400 coral reefs were relocated and the waters surrounding the island are now a protected coral nursery spanning 64 square miles.

Ocean Cay’s guiding principles include sustainable operations as well with an on-island solar farm managed by a smart grid and an island-wide ban on single-use plastics (bring your refillable water bottle!). Guests are encouraged to join the eco-revolution while in port too by signing up for dedicated programs about ocean sustainability and coral preservation. There are even plans in the works to create a marine laboratory on the island to research coral that are resistant to the effects of climate change.

2. Guests can enjoy Ocean Cay after dark too

Another defining feature of Ocean Cay are its late-night port calls. Not only can guests experience amazing beaches and stunning vistas during the day, they can also see the island come to life after dark with many of the island’s calls staying until nearly midnight!

You can enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach at sunset followed by a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo parade and a spectacular lighthouse light show. Don’t miss the Glow Night-time Stand-Up Paddle Boarding where guests can glide under the starry sky on an LED equipped board lighting up the crystal-clear waters.

The kids will love Captain Doremi’s educational Stargazing Adventure where they’ll learn about the mysteries of the galaxy while immersed in entertaining stories and riddles. There’s plenty for adults to enjoy into the evening as well with beachside firepits and several watering holes around the island featuring live music and DJs.

3. There’s a beach for everybody on Ocean Cay

With 8 different beaches on the island–each offering unique ambience and amenities–guests who visit Ocean Cay are sure to find a sandy shoreline that suits their beach vibe. Sunbeds on all beaches are free of charge, while umbrellas and cabanas are available for a fee. Here’s an overview of some of Ocean Cay’s spectacular beaches:

North & South Beaches – Said to have the most spectacular views on Ocean Cay, this duo of beaches is separated by a tranquil lagoon, the perfect protected swimming area to float the day away.

Paradise Sands Beach – Located next to the Ocean Cay spa, choose to enjoy a massage or facial treatment in an oceanside cabana taking in the sound of lapping waves as you ease into total relaxation.

Family Lagoon Beach – A shallow water beach, this protected cove is perfect for little ones to splash around in. It’s also conveniently located next to the island’s food court in case hunger strikes.

Snorkel Beach – This is where the action is! With kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel & scuba gear available to rent here, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active if sunbathing isn’t your thing.

4. The island is considered an extension of the ship

One of the biggest benefits of visiting a cruise line owned island is that everything is just logistically easier. Getting on and off the ship is a breeze with no line ups for ID checks and no tender required to get into shore. You can head back to the ship anytime to eat, change your clothes or even take a nap!

Although there are many complimentary activities and dining options on Ocean Cay, your onboard cruise card lets you conveniently pay for any non-inclusive items the same way you would on the ship. Swipe it to pay for food, drinks, ice cream and souvenirs in the gift shop. The only exception is the traditional Bahamian market which is cash only. MSC’s onboard packages for alcoholic beverages and wifi extend to Ocean Cay too, allowing you to enjoy a cocktail while you share the day’s amazing experiences with your social networks.

For your next visit to Ocean Cay, consider MSC’s other island experience, Coral Cay, just a short ferry ride away. The small island can be rented out for private events or weddings of up to 30 people. Say hello to your own private island for a day!

If you want a cruise line island experience without the zip lines and waterslides, Ocean Cay could be just the slice of paradise you’re looking for. I hope you found this guide useful in learning what MSC’s spectacular private island is all about!

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7 Reasons to Visit Ocean Cay – MSC Cruises’ Private Island

This is not your run-of-the-mill cruise line private island.   And it might be what MSC Cruises did NOT include on the island that stands out the most.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (the official name for the private island) has been a few years in the making.  The patch of sand in the Bahamas was an industrial island for many years, so MSC had to start from scratch when turning the island into a pristine paradise.

In fact, over 1,500 tons of scrap metal and waste had to be removed.  Crews worked for weeks pulling rusted metal from the ocean and preserving some pieces that had become vital to the marine life around them.

MSC Cruises has made a conscious effort to develop the island in the most eco-friendly way, and they have already transformed this beautiful cay for the better.

So where did all those palm trees and plants come from?  Every single one of them had to be brought in and planted in strategic locations.

77,000 trees, shrubs, and plants were brought to Ocean Cay.  It will take some time for everything to fully mature, and parts of the island might seem a tad sparse, but this will all fill in very nicely over the next few months and years.  Even still, most of the palm trees were larger than I expected them to be.

Check out Cruise Fever’s video below to get a tour of Ocean Cay:

Ocean Cay is part of the Bimini island chain on the western side of the Bahamas.  It’s only 65-miles from Miami and this offers one huge benefit that I have detailed below.

Here are 7 reasons for taking an MSC cruise just so you can check out Ocean Cay:

2 Miles of Beaches

If you love the beach and just want an amazing beach day during your cruise, it’s hard to beat over 2 miles of lovely beaches all over Ocean Cay.

The close-to-the-port Lighthouse Bay offers some unique, comfy seating and great views of the ship.   South Beach offers water sports rentals in the calm waters of Ocean Cay Lagoon.  And Bimini Beach is more isolated and calm, allowing loungers to enjoy beautiful views of the open Bahamian Sea.

There are several other beaches on Ocean Cay, most notably North Beach which is also on Ocean Cay Lagoon.  It’s just a longer walk to get to it, but it’s slightly less crowded because of this.  More on the lagoons and swim areas below.

MSC also offers electrics trams throughout the island so getting around doesn’t have to be an excursion to get your 10,000 steps in.

View Prices on Cruises to Ocean Cay

Plenty of Loungers and Cabanas

With this much beachfront property it would be a shame if you didn’t have a place to lie down or relax.

Thankfully every beach has enough loungers for everyone and then some.  Many beaches also offered shade umbrellas that attached to the lounger.  This was important because with palm trees still needing time to grow, shade was something of a commodity.

Even during the middle of the day when most people from the cruise ship were on the island there were always plenty of loungers available for use.

So you don’t have to worry about getting off the ship right away just so you can reserve your lounger.

Cabanas can also be found throughout the island.  These are available for rent and offer shade, comfortable seating, a ceiling fan, and a place of respite when you’re taking breaks from watersports or swimming in the lagoon.

There are massage cabanas on the spa portion of the island as well, where you can get a 30-minute or longer massage while breathing in ocean air.

One thing I noticed was that the spa at Ocean Cay had different music playing through the speakers.  These Bose speakers are all around the island and are about 20 feet apart.  At the spa the music was more ambient and offered a relaxing mood.

Calm and Spacious Lagoons

Yes, it’s true that there is no pool on Ocean Cay.  But the calm waters of the lagoons were more than inviting and offered a greater swim area than any pool I know of.

Seakers Family Cove is the smaller lagoon that is specifically for children of all ages.  The beach that wraps around this area makes it easier to keep an eye on the kids, and it’s right across the way from the larger Ocean Cay Lagoon.

Ocean Cay Lagoon offers a gigantic swimming area that is never deeper than 8 or 9 feet.  You can rent inflatables to soak in the sun, and there are platforms in the middle as well.

What amazed me was the calmness of the waters in the lagoon.  I visited Ocean Cay on a very windy day.  It was so windy, in fact, that the snorkeling excursion was cancelled because of the waves around the island.  Even with decent size waves crashing against the south end of the island, the lagoons were peaceful and serene.  This is a testament to the design of Ocean Cay.

The Lighthouse

This is probably the first thing you will notice about Ocean Cay, and it’s a great visual landmark for the island.

As part of an excursion I went up the 165 steps to the top of the 100-foot tall lighthouse.  The views were stunning and it was a great place to get some pictures of the cruise ship as well.  By the way, 4 MSC cruise ships will be sailing to this private island, so you have some options there when it comes time to book.

For those worried about not being able to make it up 165 steps, there is a halfway point where you can stop to rest, but you do need to be able to go up and then down the steps on your own to sign up for this excursion.

At the bottom of the lighthouse is Lighthouse Bar.  Plenty of seating on the overlook deck offer a relaxing place to soak in the sights here as well.  Just sit and listen as the water crashes against the rocky point of the island.

Climbed the 165 steps of the lighthouse on Ocean Cay and the views were awesome! #sponsored #oceancay #msccruises pic.twitter.com/eNKzDEsFHf — Cruise Fever ® (@CruiseFever) January 30, 2020

At night the lighthouse is transformed into an LED light show unlike any other.  Synced to the music, the lights paint the lighthouse in vibrant colors and the spotlights pierce the night as they move in rhythm.

You can watch the show from the ship or beach at Lighthouse Bay, but the angle from the ship can be a little awkward unless you have a forward facing balcony or if you’re a member of the Yacht Club.

You probably want to get off the ship to watch the light show anyway because then you can take part in the Junkanoo Parade.

Junkanoo Parade

One big advantage to being only 65 miles from Miami is that ships that stop at Ocean Cay are able to stay much later into the night.  This allows for cruisers to enjoy a light show and a cultural experience like no other, the Junkanoo parade.

The parade starts at Springer’s Bar and ends at Lighthouse Bay.  The street parade is a combination of brass instruments, drummers, dancers, and colorful garb to reflect the cultural heritage of the Bahamas and Caribbean.

It lasts about 30 minutes, at the end of which the Lighthouse light show begins.  After the light show there is a dance party that takes place at the beach as well.

Participation in the parade is encouraged as many cruise passengers took part in the festivities.

Access to Food and Beverage

What good is a private island if you can’t get something good to eat right?  Seakers Food Court is right about in the middle of the island.

But it’s a good size island.  It felt way bigger than I had imagined anyway as I was walking around every inch of it.  So what did MSC do?  They brought in food trucks.

Several food trucks can be found throughout Ocean Cay to make the food way more accessible and to free up space at the main food court.

I thought this was brilliant because some of the beaches on the western side of Ocean Cay can be a good walk to the food court.

Right now the food trucks have the same food that can be found at the food court for the most part: hotdogs, hamburgers, etc.  In the future these food trucks may offer more specialty food items.

Either way, the main beaches had food trucks right next to them so sun-seekers could grab a quick lunch and not lose any beach time.

There are also bars all across the island, including the one in the picture above that is at the base of the lighthouse.  You can use your MSC cruise card to make any purchases or utilize your drink package at these locations.

Marine Preservation is a Priority

The water around Ocean Cay is simply stunning and @MSCCruisesUSA is dedicated to keeping it that way with its marine conservation initiative. #sponsored #oceancay #supercoralplay pic.twitter.com/HGCoMRrGdJ — Cruise Fever ® (@CruiseFever) January 30, 2020

MSC is taking the environment around Ocean Cay seriously.  There is a reason this is a marine reserve and not just another private island.

As part of MSC’s coral restoration program they ask that guests use reef safe suntan lotion and sunscreen.  This can be purchased in the gift shops on the ship and on the island as well.

MSC has partnered with Stream2Sea to make coral restoration in the marine reserve a priority.

The 64 square miles around Ocean Cay make up the marine reserve that will be protected and maintained by the cruise line, offering scientists and marine biologists the opportunity to see the coral and marine life brought back.

Multiple studies have been done to see what kind of fish and other marine life is currently around the island and how programs can help foster their health.

So what did MSC not include on the island?  You won’t find any 100-foot waterslides, roller coasters, or other theme-park related activities on Ocean Cay.

This is a cruise destination that attempts to highlight the natural beauty of the Bahamas instead of detracting from it.

For someone like me who would rather relax and unwind during a visit to a private island than go for the adrenaline rush of an amusement part, I really appreciated this.

The diving and snorkeling around Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will only get better and better as efforts continue to allow the coral to thrive and as “ Super Coral ” initiatives are utilized.

Ocean Cay Village offered several shops for souvenirs, sunscreen, snacks, and other items, and there is an ice cream and coffee shop right next to Springer’s Bar.

The restrooms on Ocean Cay were very nice.  They were clean, had high ceilings, and offered several showers for rinsing off any accumulated sand.

There are 7 rental stations on the island to rent umbrella’s and floating mats, and there is even a wedding pavilion on the island if you’re looking to renew your vows.

There is Wi-Fi on the island, and if you have an internet package on the ship you can use it all over this beautiful cay as well.

More will be added to Ocean Cay over the coming months as the island is just newly opened for cruise visitors, but so far I really like where MSC is going with this.

If I left anything out or you have other questions feel free to ask them in the comments below.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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MSC Cruises has charted a new course for private cruise destinations in the Bahamas.   

Instead of following the long-established template of creating a resort-style playland with waterslides,  swim-up bars, splash zones, and wave pools, the cruise line has designed its new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve with an eye toward restoring and preserving the marine environment.  

MSC Cruises’ New Private Island

MSC Cruises and a team of scientists and environmental engineers undertook the ambitious project over the course of three years . Ocean Cay, which sits just 65 miles from Miami and is located in the Bimini chain of the western Bahamas, opened to cruisers in December 2019.  

Ocean Cay is a former sand excavation industrial site that operated for decades and had a detrimental effect on the marine environment. Coral and seagrass suffered greatly, and wildlife departed from the cay and the surrounding waters.  

MSC  and its partners got to work removing 1,500 tons of scrap metal, installing rock systems at the shoreline and planting 77,000 new plants and trees on the 95-acre island. With the cleanup and other improvements to get it ready for cruise visitors, the result is a rebirth as a new destination that travelers can enjoy while gaining a better understanding of the importance of marine conservation.  

Cruise Addicts visited Ocean Cay during a cruise on MSC Divina and discovered five reasons to love MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.  

Uncrowded and Idyllic Beauty  

Ocean Cay offers unfettered beauty, with pristine sand and views of blue waters offshore at every turn. Miles of white-sand beaches include access to lagoons, bays and the Caribbean Sea . You can find uncrowded spaces to relax all over the island at the eight named beach areas. Bimini Beach is on the Caribbean Ocean; Seakers Family Cove offers a secluded retreat; Sunset Beach and Lighthouse Bay are great for swimming, and Aurea Paradise Sands is a great spot to get a massage treatment while enjoying ocean views.  

Loungers are available, but umbrellas come with a rental fee. Cabanas also are available to reserve for the day.

It’s Also a Marine Research Center  

This is not a showy amusement park-style cruise destination. No zip lines. No waterparks. And no swimming pools.   

Instead, it’s a place of relaxation, recreation – and research.     

MSC is building a Conservation Center on the island, which will serve as an active base for coral education and research. Scientists and students from colleges and universities in Florida and around the world will work at Ocean Cay, and visitors will be able to interact with these passionate conservationists and learn about the wildlife and ongoing restoration and research projects.  

MSC Cruises says that the unspoiled beauty of the ocean and beaches is at the heart of the Ocean Cay experience , and the eco-friendly and sustainable practices on the island as well as designating the surrounding waters as a flourishing marine reserve are built around a commitment to protect the destination.  

You Can Play in Blue Waters  

Stunning blue waters envelop Ocean Cay, making for ideal places to cool off with a swim or laze about on a floating mat. Active pursuits include snorkeling, kayaking or standup paddleboarding . Equipment is available for rent.   

Rays, tropical fish and even sharks can be seen in the waters around the marine reserve, a protected area in the ocean that covers 64 square miles around the island. It is expected that more wildlife (fish and birds) will appear as the seagrasses continue to improve and the palm trees and other foliage grows.  

A boat ride to a shipwreck for snorkeling is a popular excursion . Certified divers can also book a scuba experience at Ocean Cay. Jet skis are also available to rent to tour the waters around the island.  

Shopping, Dining, and Drinking  

Ocean Cay Village greets cruisers as soon as they step off the ship at the pier and stroll onto the island.   

The Bahamian village offers shops and boutiques where you can buy souvenirs and other items. Springers Bar is the main bar, located just past the welcome center. You can also find beach bars set up close to the waterfront areas.  

You’ll enjoy indulging at the nearby café and The Smiling Fish gourmet ice cream shop.  

Seakers Buffet is a large facility with tables in the shade. You can find traditional American barbecue favorites and a range of Bahamian cuisine. Several Beach Shack food trucks are also placed throughout Ocean Cay, serving up burgers, hot dogs, salads and pizza.   

The Lighthouse Show and Junkanoo Parade  

The variety of daily activities includes things like kite flying, yoga, and water aerobics sessions. The iconic feature on the island is the Lighthouse, which offers an excursion to climb up the 165 steps and 115 feet for the best views over Ocean Cay. Drinks and bay views are available at the Lighthouse Bar, which features a large deck space.  

MSC ships stay late into the night at Ocean Cay, and the line offers a lively traditional Junkanoo Parade with music and dancing that ends up at the beach for a Lighthouse light show. The tower lights up the night with a dazzling light-and-song display.  

The party lasts for a few hours, as a DJ plays music and passengers line dance and sit around fire pits on comfy bean bag chairs on the beach.   

Yes, this private beach from MSC Cruises definitely has a special kind of feel.  

The line’s  four North America-based ships – MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC  Meraviglia  and MSC Seaside, make stops at Ocean Cay on different days each week.

Recommended:

• MSC Meraviglia Restaurant Guide: 12 Dining Venues Offer International Delights
• MSC Armonia Is Coming to Tampa: What to Know About this Ship
• MSC Seaside Cruise Ship Tour and Review
• Cruise Podcast: MSC Seaside Caribbean Cruise Review 2019

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How MSC’s private island experience is different for cruisers in suites

Do you enjoy large cruise ships but still want to feel like you're in the lap of luxury? Passengers booked in MSC Cruises' Yacht Club cabins and suites have access to high-end amenities – both on the ship and off.

Butlers, exclusive dining and a private pool delight guests on board, but perks also await on MSC 's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , in the Bahamas. You can expect dedicated trams, towel service and a chance to book the nicest cabanas on the island, among other extras.

Read on to find out how the MSC Yacht Club Ocean Cay experience differs from that of the average cruiser.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club beaches vs. regular beaches

MSC's Ocean Cay Marine Reserve private island is home to seven (soon to be eight) beaches, and all are public, except one — Ocean House Beach, which is the Yacht Club's exclusive swath of sand. Beyond its exclusivity, the beach has a few other differences from the island's regular beaches.

There, use of lounge chairs and umbrellas is free. Chairs at the other beaches are also free and available on a first-come, first-served basis; however, umbrellas come with an extra cost.

Passengers must sign out towels on board the ship before heading ashore to Ocean Cay's main beaches. Yacht Club passengers can skip that hassle and ask for towels at the towel tent found on Ocean House Beach.

Interestingly, I found that several of the public beaches were less crowded than Ocean House Beach. At the latter, chairs were positioned much more closely to one another. If you're willing to walk or hitch a ride on one of the island's trams, you'll find fewer crowds on the farther beaches than if you stick close to the ship.

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club food vs. regular dining

Free lunch is included for all cruisers who visit Ocean Cay. For Yacht Club travelers, the Ocean House Restaurant — an exclusive waiter-served dining venue where passengers enjoy their meals on a shaded porch — exudes upscale beach vibes.

During my visit, the menu included starters like crab ceviche, charred octopus and a salad with romaine, tomatoes, jicama, a poached egg and candied bacon in a citrus dressing. Mains featured locally sourced blackened mahi-mahi, lobster roll, carne asada, a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich and one of the best burgers I've ever tasted during a cruise — a blend of Angus chuck, short ribs and grilled brisket with red onion jam and Monterey Jack cheese. Desserts consisted of creme caramel, mango cheesecake and chocolate cake with coffee sauce.

The meals at Ocean House are definitely superior to the fare found at the Seakers buffet, which is where cruisers not staying in the Yacht Club can go for a beach barbecue that serves hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, macaroni and cheese, red beans, roasted potatoes and a slew of salads, drinks and desserts.

The food is tasty, but lines can be long. An alternative is to head to one of several food trucks throughout the island. Some are free and dole out the same items offered on the buffet but with shorter lines. Others sell entirely different menu items — lobster grilled cheese, fried calamari, shrimp with watermelon, Caribbean ceviche and octopus salad — with the cost charged to cruisers' onboard accounts.

Additionally — and also for an extra fee — a stand near the ship offers specialty coffee and ice cream. (If you're a coffee lover, trust me when I say you won't want to miss the Coco-Nilla Latte.)

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club cabanas vs. regular cabanas

There are three types of cabanas on Ocean Cay: Ocean Cay Beach Cabanas, Ocean View Yacht Club Cabanas and Beachfront Yacht Club Cabanas. All three types are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

They can hold up to six people each and include cold water, beach towels and chairs, as well as floating mats for use in the water. As the prices increase, so does the number of inclusions. The last two types are only available for booking by Yacht Club passengers.

Ocean Cay Beach Cabanas, found on South Beach, North Beach and Bimini Beach, are the most affordable on the island at $250 for the day. They've got walls on three sides, and they're outfitted with cushioned couches. They include the basic amenities mentioned above, and anyone can rent them.

Next up are the Ocean View Yacht Club Cabanas, which cost $400 for the day and also entitle you to free lunch and drinks, as well as fresh fruit skewers, four sets of snorkel gear and four floating mats. They're found on the Yacht Club's private Ocean House Beach, so they're off-limits to non-Yacht Club guests.

The most expensive, however, are the Beachfront Yacht Club Cabanas, located in a different section of the Ocean House area. They carry a $450 price tag but offer all the same extras as Ocean View Yacht Club Cabanas.

The draw? They're closer to the water and, therefore, have better views. Although they aren't on the main part of Ocean House Beach, they are still in the exclusive area, near the restaurant, so you don't have to go far to grab food.

Ultimately, the only thing being in the Yacht Club affords you in this case is the option to book more expensive cabanas.

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club trams vs. regular trams

At 95 acres, Ocean Cay is sizable. If you're fit, you can walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes, but if you don't have great mobility or if you're easily overheated, reaching some of the island's more remote beaches can be difficult on foot. That's why MSC offers tram shuttles.

Passengers in standard cabins will find tram stops with shaded waiting areas throughout the island. However, waits can be long, especially if many other people are also in need of a lift.

Yacht Club cruisers can take advantage of trams exclusively for the Yacht Club. They run between a special tent (with free cold water to sip while you wait) set up just inside the entrance to Ocean Cay and the Ocean House beach and restaurant area.

You can make special requests for stops, which the regular trams usually won't accommodate. For example, you might ask to go straight from the tent to South Beach for a volleyball game without stopping anywhere else first.

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club activities vs. regular activities

This is the one category where the island's public spaces beat the Ocean House area by a mile. If you're looking for something to do other than eating, drinking or lazing by the beach, you'll have to head back toward the ship because there's not much going on in the exclusive areas.

Everything from massages, lighthouse tours and water sports equipment rentals to beach parties, volleyball games and shore excursions takes place elsewhere. However, perhaps that's by design. The Yacht Club is generally quiet, even on board, and the line likely prefers to keep the raucousness to other locations.

Bottom line

The MSC Yacht Club experience is more exclusive than the standard one at Ocean Cay, with extras like butler service, dedicated trams, towel service, access to pricier cabanas and a private beach and restaurant with better food and shorter waits.

However, all of the action — shore excursions, pickup volleyball games, beach parties, the lighthouse show — happens in the areas that are accessible to everyone, which significantly levels the playing field.

Additionally, items like specialty coffee, ice cream and for-fee food truck orders cost extra for everyone — even Yacht Club passengers.

Overall, Ocean Cay offers a great day for anyone who enjoys the beach, regardless of cabin type.

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MSC Ocean Cay (Bahamas private island)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-26 11:23

Port MSC Ocean Cay cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from MSC Ocean Cay, Bahamas private island. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Ocean Cay is a private island in Bahamas owned by MSC Cruises . The Italian company announced its plans to buy a small Bahamian island in the end of 2015. MSC negotiated with Bahamas Government to build an exclusive cruise port in the Caribbean.

The USD 200 million project was launched in Nassau , where country's Prime Minister and MSC's Executive Chairman signed a 100-year lease agreement. The deal gave MSC rights to occupy and develop the island as an exclusive cruise destination - officially named "Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve".

MSC Cruises private island Ocean Cay (Bahamas)

MSC's Bahamian private island is located off Bimini islands (westernmost district of Bahamas). The island is at short distance (approx 105 km / 65 mi) from Miami Florida , where for winter 2017-2018 MSC had 2 homeported ships ( Divina and Seaside ).

The island purchase gave MSC cruise passengers an exclusive Caribbean destination, making MSC more attractive for its newly introduced North American itinerary program. As of November 2019, all MSC liners homeported in PortMiami call at Ocean Cay as part of their Caribbean itineraries.

The island is sized 95 acres / 38 hectares (0,38 km2 / 0,15 mi2) and is currently world's only private marine reserve. It has a 3470 m (11400 ft) long beachfront (across 6 beaches) and is surrounded by ~166 km2 (64 mi2) protected marine zone (sea waters). "Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve" is the biggest Caribbean private island development done by a cruise ship company. The waters surrounding Ocean Cay Island feature coral reefs and ~90 different fish species. No motorized water sports are allowed. Water-based activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling (on a 1,5-hour tour to the nearby cay) and scuba diving (with PADI-certified instructors). Lifeguards constantly monitor island's beaches. A shallow lagoon (Seakers Family Cove) was specially designed for young kids.

Island's clean-up works included removing of 500+ tons of underwater debris (historic waste and scrap metal), before creating a solid seabed foundation. The project created 140 Bahamian jobs as permanently occupied employees (management, technical staff, attendants, lifeguards, rescue divers). An adjacent to Ocean Cay smaller isle can be privately rented.

The USD 200 million development project was initially scheduled for completion in December 2017. However, in September 2016, MSC announced that "in order to ensure quality", Ocean Cay will be operational and open to cruise ship passengers in October 2018. Because of the delay, Divina's and Seaside's scheduled visits (December 2017) were substituted with Nassau . Works were then rescheduled for completion in mid-November 2019, with all 4 MSC liners visiting weekly (on different days). These are Meraviglia , Seaside , Armonia and Divina . MSC island's official opening for cruise shipping was once again delayed (mainly due to adverse weather / Hurricane Dorian) and planned for December 5, 2019. Hurricane Dorian's impact on the project resulted in the demobilization of all the 600 workers. Additionally, the heavy swells in early-November required the reinforcing of one of the beaches, building a second breakwater, sand leveling and additional landscaping in certain areas.

In November 2018 started the planting of over 75,000 native plants, including 60 types of Caribbean grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees. Soon are expected to start construction works on around 100 structures, including restaurants and bars, accommodations for local staff and employees ((living on the island/~300 people), marine laboratory (to research climate change-resistant corals), Lighthouse (island's landmark and evening entertainment venue), deep-water pier (docking facility). The seabed surrounding the island will be repopulated with various marine life.

MSC Yacht Club passengers enjoy exclusive access to the island's northwest corner, where is located a spa and wellness complex (including private bungalows and massage huts). Part of the project are also walking and jogging paths around the island. Bicycle rentals are also offered.

Among the amenities available on the new MSC "Caribbean island" destination are also:

• 6 beaches, including an exclusive Yacht Club Beach (VIP), crew beach, and family beach (with a restaurant)
• water sports, beach games, kids' playground areas
• an inland lagoon (adults-only)
• zip-line (across the island)
• weddings / private parties/celebrations pavilion
• amphitheater (capacity 2000 seats) hosts live music and entertainment
• several restaurants and bars, retail shop (souvenirs, vacation essentials)
• The electricity needed for all land operations is generated by solar panels.

Self-service restaurant offers food at nominal cost. At all beaches, food carts sell hamburgers and hot dogs. Ashore beverage services have an add-on cost to the shipboard-offered drink packages. Also at extra cost are provided Wi-Fi, watersport equipment and cabana rentals.

An interesting fact is that when the MSC liner is berthed in Ocean Cay, all shipboard facilities and services (including the Casino) stay open and operational. The following image show's island's kids beach area.

In mid-January 2019 was announced that Ocean Cay Island will be opened on November 9, 2019, during the scheduled port call of MSC Meraviglia . Next table shows this "inaugural" 13-day itinerary (repositioning cruise from NYC to Miami) as call ports and times.

13 days, one-way from New York to Miami New York

However, the island's official inauguration was on November 18, 2021, which was a double ceremony held together with MSC Seashore ship's christening ceremony at Ocean Cay. The special event was attended by Seashore's godmother (Sophia Loren), top-rank employees (Pierfrancesco Vago /MSC's Executive Chairman, Gianni Onorato /MSC's CEO, Ruben Rodriguez /MSC North America's President, Allen Clifford /MSC USA's Executive VP), as well as major stakeholders, travel agents, media. This was the world's first-ever ship naming ceremony held at a private island.

Ocean Cay Island's proximity to Miami allows late-evening departures, with port stays between 7-9 am and 11 pm.

In July 2023 MSC announced that in 2024 (April 7th thru May 22nd) Ocean Cay will be temporarily closed for renovations. The infrastructure development project includes island enhancements and new amenities for the visiting tourists, staff accommodations (new buildings for 130 people), as well as technical and environmental improvements. Among the new amenities and facilities are Excursion Centers (for watersports activities and land tours support), a Dive & Snorkel Center, new food and beverage outlets. The project also includes the installation of a third solar farm (to generate electricity for local consumption), a wastewater treatment plant, improved vegetation and anti-erosion landscaping (native and adaptive plants/trees, shrubs, grasses).

Also new on the island is the Marine Conservation Center. Sponsored by the MSC Foundation, the facility serves tourists, as well as students and scientists (biologists, coral reef experts). The building has several interactive pavilions, a lecture hall (for conferences and also providing educational opportunities), and coral exhibition tanks.

MSC Ocean Cay cruise terminal

In January 2017, MSC Cruises started construction works on "Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve". Project's completion was first scheduled for November 2018, then for November 2019. Island's development was part of MSC's EUR 9 billion investment plan, which also included building of 11 new cruise ships (entering service between 2017-2026).

MSC private island's infrastructure includes a purpose-built docking pier and 1 berth. MSC ships are able to dock directly at the island, as opposed to passengers being transported/ferried from the liner to the shore via tender boats. Walking from the berthed ship to island's farthest point takes around 20 min. An alternative is using one of the electric carts.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve features 2,16 mi (3,47 km) long coastline, surrounding crystal blue waters, beautiful coral reef, rich and unique marine life, several beaches with world's finest aragonite sands. The landscaping plan included planting over 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, also grasses, flowers, shrubs.

MSC Grandiosa to expand Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral in December 2025

Beginning December 2025, MSC Grandiosa ship will join MSC Seashore ship in offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries leaving...

MSC World America ship has fleet's largest MSC Yacht Club complex

MSC Cruises' new flagship, the MSC World America, will debut in April 2025 with a groundbreaking "ship within a ship" concept, featuring the largest...

MSC Cruises achieves milestones in World-class ship construction

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique achieved significant milestones on Wednesday, April 10, during the construction of the groundbreaking...

MSC Cruises temporarily closes Ocean Cay (Bahamas) for renovation and expansion

MSC Cruises has announced the temporary closure of Ocean Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, for extensive renovation and expansion from April 7...

MSC Cruises unveils grand plans for World America ship's naming ceremony in Miami

MSC Cruises, renowned as the world's third-largest cruise line, has revealed its plans for the prestigious naming ceremony of its latest flagship...

Officer saves woman from drowning during MSC Meraviglia disembarkation

A tragic incident was avoided at MSC Cruises' private Bahamian island Ocean Cay thanks to the courageous actions of Officer Giuseppe Ruocco. He saved...

MSC Cruises schedules island infrastructure development at Ocean Cay Bahamas

MSC Cruises is set to enhance its private Bahamian island resort destination Ocean Cay by introducing new infrastructure and amenities. The additions...

MSC Cruises opens summer 2024 itineraries for booking

MSC Cruises has unveiled its summer 2024 itineraries, now open for booking. The upcoming season will feature voyages by MSC Divina, MSC Lirica, MSC...

MSC building North America's largest cruise ship terminal in PortMiami

MSC Cruises is currently in the process of constructing the largest cruise terminal in North America, designed to accommodate a staggering 36,000...

Major cruise lines changing itineraries due to Tropical Storm Idalia

Tropical Storm Idalia is prompting major cruise lines to make adjustments to their plans, including itinerary changes. Idalia is gaining strength in...

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MSC Ocean Cay - user reviews and comments

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Greece and Greek Islands Cruises

Cruising to a land rich with history and stunning islands.

Greece, the birthplace of philosophy, the Olympic Games and Western literature, offers an incomparable insight into ancient history and cultural heritage. No exploration of the Mediterranean is truly complete without MSC Greek Island Cruises, which journey through some of the most breath-taking landscapes this part of the world has on display.   Athens , the capital of Greece, has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. Discover more about these ancient roots at archaeological sites such as the Parthenon temple, a symbol of the city and of Greece. Located at the top of the Acropolis, it’s one of the most important cultural monuments in the world.   But beyond the borders of the ancient city are the Greek islands that can only be properly seen on one of our Greek Islands cruises. One-fifth of Greece’s territory is made up of more than 3000 islands, famed the world over for their fantastic variety of beaches. Ranging from extensive white sand beaches to tiny bays surrounded by steep, ocean carved cliffs, there’s a hidden cove for every visitor.   Sail with us on the MSC Greece and Greek Islands Cruise 2024 - 2025 season and you will discover magnificent places such as Mykonos , an eye-catching, white-and-blue stone city offering a fantastic nightlife, or Rhodes , with its old town centre where you can sample delicious Greek yoghurt, served with fresh honey and walnuts.   Throughout the year, there is also a host of cultural and folkloric events that are not to be missed. For visitors, these are an opportunity to enjoy the typical music and dancing, all making for an unforgettable holiday with MSC Greece cruises.   Book an MSC Mediterranean voyage  that includes Greek Islands cruises today, and you’ll experience Greece, its islands, and a truly memorable holiday.

departure Ports

Greece and greek islands cruise ports.

• Ancona (Urbino), Italy
• Bari, Italy
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Brindisi (Lecce) , Italy
• Cefalonia, Greece
• Civitavecchia (Rome) , Italy
• Corfu, Greece
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Genoa (Portofino) , Italy
• Haifa (Jerusalem) , Israel
• Heraklion (Crete) , Greece
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Izmir, Turkey
• Katakolon (Olympia) , Greece
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Kusadasi, Turkey
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Mykonos, Greece
• Naples (Pompeii) , Italy
• Piraeus (Athens) , Greece
• Rhodes (Lindos) , Greece
• Santorini, Greece
• Split, Croatia
• Trieste (Venice), Italy
• Venice - Marghera, Italy
• Zadar, Croatia
• Zakynthos, Greece

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MSC Cruises

MSC makes another move to take on Royal Caribbean, Carnival

M SC Cruises has been making a major push into the U.S. market as it tries to win market share in Florida, New York, and Texas. The cruise line has been steadily adding ships sailing out of American ports and it's largely going after people who sail Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

The cruise line, of course, does not publicly identify which rivals it's targeting, but its next flagship MSC World America shares a lot of features with Royal Caribbean and Carnival's largest megaship.

Related: Carnival, Royal Caribbean make major change customers will love

"MSC World America is set to become MSC Cruises’ newest U.S. flagship when she is named at PortMiami on April 9, 2025. Guests will experience a new world of cruising as they explore seven distinct districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities, and experiences waiting to be explored. MSC World America’s districts allow guests of all ages to choose their own vacation adventure and get the most out of their time on board," the cruise line shares on its website.

That's a bold move by the cruise line to offer something that rivals Royal Caribbean's ( RCL ) Oasis and Icon classes as well as Carnival's Excel class. 

MSC World America, which will sail out of Miami, isn't the cruise line's only move to expand its U.S. fleet. It's also bringing a second ship to Port Canaveral.

MSC Cruises grows its Florida fleet 

Currently, MSC Seashore sails out of Port Canaveral and offers a variety of sailings. In December 2025, MSC Grandiosa will begin sailing from there as well.

Bringing a second ship to Port Canaveral will give MSC Cruises’ guests a much wider selection of cruises. MSC Grandiosa will offer alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Meanwhile, MSC Seashore will sail 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private island in The Bahamas.

A member of the cruise line's Merivigilia-plus line, Grandiosa will be the largest MSC ship to ever sail out of Port Canaveral. It's one of the cruise line's largest ships, with only its World Class ships, which include Europa and World America being bigger.

Grandiosa does have many of its own special features including an open area, the Galleria, which sort of mixes Royal Caribbean's Royal Promenade and downtown Las Vegas' Fremont St. Experience.

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"At any time of the day, the Galleria is the perfect place for dining, shopping, socializing or simply taking in the unique atmosphere. And when the sun sets, it takes on another life, with LED dome shows, concerts, discos, and parties late into the night," the cruise line shared.

MSC has big Caribbean plans

Royal Caribbean and Carnival have made the Caribbean the heart of the cruising world. They both sail multiple ships out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral. The two rival cruise lines also sail to the Caribbean from New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Galveston, and select other ports. 

MSC Cruises will step up its competition in the Caribbean in the Summer of 2024 with four ships sailing there from Miami, New York, and Orlando.

• Two ships will offer sailings out of PortMiami: MSC Magnifica with three to seven-night sailings including to the Key West (Florida), Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Isla de Roatan (Honduras), Belize City (Belize), Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Bahamas).
• MSC Seascape will also sail from Miami offering seven-night sailings, calling at destinations including San Juan (Puerto Rico), George Town (Cayman Islands), Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Cozumel (Mexico), and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
• MSC Meraviglia will set sail from New York, with seven-night itineraries including port of calls in Port Canaveral, Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
• MSC Seashore will also offer the chance to visit the Caribbean’s prized gems with three to seven-night sailings from Port Canaveral to destinations including Nassau, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

MSC Cruises has been working to improve its private island, the MSC Marine Reserve. 

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"The new enhancements will include expanded excursion centers to support water activities and island tours, and additional food and beverage facilities including a second food hall and larger bars. Additionally, guests can expect enhanced swimming areas, including a new kids lagoon alongside improvements to the popular main lagoon," the cruise line shares on its website.

MSC Cruise has made inroads in growing its U.S. customer base at least partly by offering lower prices than Royal Caribbean and Carnival. It also sells packages that include internet and a drink package with fares that are often cheaper than its rivals before those items are purchased separately.