FORT LAUDERDALE — MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay will welcome its first guests on Nov. 9, 2019, according to the cruise line.
Officially known as Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the island is surrounded by 64 square miles of protected waters, and a coral nursery is being established to encourage and sustain the growth of new coral, says the cruise line.
MSC is currently transforming a former industrial sand extraction site for its marine reserve and private island destination, and plans are underway for a marine laboratory to be situated on Ocean Cay for researching climate change-resistant coral.
“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will bring something new and unique to our Caribbean itineraries from Miami and is set to become a truly memorable highlight for our guests,” says MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato. “We have created a guest experience that complements the breathtaking natural beauty of this remarkable part of the Caribbean. There was no need for us to build extensively on an island that already had the ingredients of a natural paradise. However, we have undertaken extensive work to clean-up the island, removing tons of historic industrial waste and helping to return the beaches, and the entire 64 square miles of protected waters surrounding the island, to their pristine state.”
Onorato adds: “For the guest services on the island we have kept it authentic and designed an experience that will allow guests to simply enjoy nature at its best. The ship is an integral part of the experience as we have built a pier so that guests can go easily back and forth between the ship throughout the day making full use of both the ashore and onboard facilities.”
Here are the highlights:
SUN, SAND, SEA & SKY
With over two miles of white sandy beach shore formed from the world’s best aragonite sand, guests will be spoiled for choice with seven distinct beach areas, each with their own allure and character, says MSC.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve features 7 beaches for guests
Sun beds will be available on all beaches, and some beaches will offer cabanas that can be rented for the day. The Great Lagoon’s shallow crystal-clear water is ideal for protected swimming and water sports, while the smaller family lagoon is designed for younger guests to enjoy, offering very shallow, calm water and plenty of games. At over half a mile long, the Great Bimini Beach is the largest stretch of beach on the island, as well as the place to go to enjoy a variety of water sports.
DISCOVER AND EXPLORE WITH EXCURSIONS
MSC says its Ocean Cay excursions will allow visitors to explore, discover, relax and enjoy nature’s beauty at its best: “Discover the waters around the island through snorkel safaris, kayak tours and paddle boarding. The Family Explorer club will also offer fun activities for the entire family.”
Ocean Cay guests will also be able to privately rent a smaller island close to the main body of land for the day, which will include: a private boat that will take the group to the island and remain at their disposal; and a marquee, sun beds and loungers and food and drinks. Near the island is an old shipwreck, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling.
Swimming and water sports at the Great Lagoon
Guests can also participate in a wide range of entertainment activities including sports games and tournaments, dance lessons as well activities for the entire family.
And here’s a bonus: ships can remain in port into the evening, allowing for a range of evening experiences.
DRINKS & DINING
MSC says that as part of the commitment to ensure that the island is sustainable and to minimize waste, there will be a select number of dining options on Ocean Cay. The ship will also be fully operational while docked at the island, and the furthest point from the ship is only a 20-minute walk, or there will be an electric carts service available to transport guests around the island. There will be buffet dining plus food carts including a taco truck, conch fitter truck and more. The trucks will be stationary during the day around the beaches and will move to the Marina area at night creating an atmospheric food festival-style feel.
Food and beverage services will be offered at an additional cost with upgrades available to the beverage package, says MSC. As the ship is easily accessible guests are able to walk on and off at their leisure, allowing them to also be able to freely dine on board as they choose.
Bar options are set to include an authentic Bahamian bar and a Lighthouse Bar. There will also be an Ice Cream Parlour and Coffee Bar.
SHOPPING & SPA
Across four distinct shopping areas, MSC passengers will have the opportunity to take home unique and special souvenirs or find vacation essentials that they may need. For those guests looking to relax and rejuvenate on the island, there will be services provided by the aw MSC Aurea Spa will have a selection of relaxing body and facial treatments.
