Discover MSC Cruises Private Island in the Bahamas

Located in the heart of the Bahamas, MSC Cruises' private island is a tranquil oasis that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This 72-acre island is a secluded paradise, nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. The island's pristine beaches and lush tropical forests provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day in the sun.

The island's stunning beaches are a major draw, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.

MSC Cruises has made a significant commitment to restoring Ocean Cay, their private island in the Bahamas. The island was previously the site of industrial mining of aragonite sand, but the company has removed over 7,000 tons of scrap metal and relocated 400 hard coral colonies.

The Bahamian government designated Ocean Cay and the surrounding waters a marine reserve in 2020, recognizing the company's conservation efforts. This move has helped protect the island's marine ecosystem and support the growth of coral reefs.

MSC's Super Coral program is a key part of their restoration efforts, aiming to grow critically endangered coral to be outplanted within a 64-square-mile area surrounding the island. This program has been successful, with the island's nursery corals experiencing 100% survival rate after mass coral bleaching in 2023.

Restoring Ocean Cay is a remarkable story of transformation. The island was once a site of industrial mining, but MSC's efforts have brought it back to life.

Over 7,000 tons of scrap metal were removed, making way for the island's natural beauty to shine through. 400 hard coral colonies were relocated to a safe area, giving them a chance to thrive.

Restoring coral reefs is a key focus for the MSC Foundation, which has developed a program called Super Coral. This program grows critically endangered coral to be outplanted within a 64-square-mile area surrounding the island.

The Super Coral program is based on the idea that certain hardy species and varieties of coral can help reverse the decline of coral reefs. These "Super Corals" are more resilient to extreme environmental stresses like heat waves.

Despite mass coral bleaching events in 2023, the reefs at Ocean Cay have remained "very healthy" overall. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the foundation's conservation efforts.

The island's nursery corals even survived 100% after experiencing bleaching, providing valuable evidence that the selection process for nursery specimens is valid.

MSC Cruises is developing its own private island experience in the Bahamas, aptly called the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This 95-acre island is located approximately 65 miles east of Miami.

The island will feature a 2,000-seat amphitheater and a family beach area, among other amenities. Several restaurants and bars will be available, each with a cool Caribbean vibe.

Guests booked in the MSC Yacht Club will enjoy a private area on the island, specially designed for peace and tranquility. This area will include a spa and wellness sanctuary with private bungalows and massage huts.

The island is expected to open in December 2017. The MSC Seaside will be the first ship to make its way to the new private island that month.

You can reach MSC Cruises' private island, Ocean Cay, by taking a shuttle from the ship.

Ocean Cay is located in the Bahamas, approximately 60 miles southeast of Nassau.

The island is a former sand quarry that was transformed into a private island for MSC Cruises.

Shuttle services are available from the ship to the island, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.

The island is relatively small, covering an area of about 95 acres.

You can choose to spend the day on the island, with lunch and dinner options available.

Located in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a 95-acre private island that's part of MSC Cruises' Caribbean experience. This incredible stretch of paradise is approximately 65 miles east of Miami and 65 miles away from Miami.

MSC Cruises has developed this marine reserve through a multi-year lease agreement with the Bahamian government. The cruise company has transformed a former sand mining site into a vacation spot for its cruise guests.

The island offers a range of amenities, including a 2,000-seat amphitheater, a family beach area, several restaurants and bars, a zip line course, an oasis-style lagoon, a wedding pavilion, and more. Guests can enjoy Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and treats for everyone's tastes.

Guests booked in the MSC Yacht Club will have access to a private area on the island, designed for peace and tranquility. This area includes a spa and wellness sanctuary with private bungalows and massage huts.

The short distance from Miami allows MSC Cruises' ships to stay at Ocean Cay longer, giving guests more time to enjoy the island's activities or simply relax in one of the most breathtaking places on earth.

If you're looking for things to do on MSC Cruises' private island, you've come to the right place. Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is a tropical paradise with plenty of activities to suit all interests.

You can soak up the sun on the beach and relax, or get active with beach soccer, volleyball, bocce ball, or Tr-Ball-Rec. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at Aqua gym, Aqua Zumba, or King of the Island and Queen of the Island.

For a more leisurely experience, join the Ocean Cay Olympic Games or enjoy a Luna Libre Party. You can also participate in a Junkanoo Parade or watch the Evening Lighthouse Show. If you're looking for a romantic evening, take a Sunset cruise or enjoy an evening beach picnic.

If you're interested in water sports, you can rent a paddle board or kayak and explore the island's marine reserve. Alternatively, take part in one of the guided excursions, such as the Kayak Explorer Tour, Marine Reserve Snorkel, or Paddleboard Tour.

Here are some of the activities you can enjoy on the island:

Visiting Ocean Cay is a unique experience that's only available to MSC Cruises' guests. The island is privately owned, so you won't find any outsiders here.

A day at Ocean Cay is included in the price of your MSC Cruises itinerary, and the experience is the same as onboard, with most "standards" included and drinks not unless you have a drinks package.

You can spend your day lounging on the beach, playing beach soccer or volleyball, or try your hand at water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The island's walking pathways are designed to steer people away from sensitive areas, allowing vacations and conservation efforts to coexist.

Here are some of the activities you can look forward to:

Visiting Ocean Cay is a unique experience that's only available to guests of MSC Cruises. Only MSC Cruises' guests can visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve as it is a privately owned island.

A day at Ocean Cay is included in the price of your MSC Cruises itinerary. The experience and the inclusions are the same as onboard - most "standards" are included and drinks are not unless you have a drinks package.

You can take a new land-based tour to learn about the island's transformation, see wildlife like iguanas, pelicans, and egrets, and learn about the marine ecosystem. This tour will incorporate a visit to the marine conservation center upon its completion.

MSC has taken steps to minimize Ocean Cay's carbon footprint, including barring single-use plastics from the island and utilizing mostly solar power.

If you're planning a cruise to Ocean Cay, you'll want to know which ships will be calling at this beautiful destination.

Four MSC ships will spend a full day at Ocean Cay during the 2022/2023 cruise season: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Divina, and MSC Armonia.

Cruise itineraries stopping at Ocean Cay are typically between 3 and 11 nights long, with most being part of a 7-night cruise.

You can expect to spend the entire day docked at the pier from arrival to midnight, giving you plenty of time to explore the island and enjoy its activities.

Guests at Ocean Cay can snorkel, paddleboard, or kayak in the water, or play beach soccer and volleyball on the shore.

Relaxing beach days are also a great option, with cabana rentals and loungers available for those who want to soak up the sun.

Climb the lighthouse for sweeping views and a light show at night, a truly unforgettable experience.

You can also snack on Bahamian cuisine, sip drinks, and visit an on-site shopping village to pick up some souvenirs.

Guests of the Yacht Club have access to a private restaurant and exclusive areas, making their day even more special.

The island's walking pathways are designed to steer people away from sensitive areas, allowing vacations and conservation efforts to coexist peacefully.

As the sun dips below the horizon, look for the "green flash" in the sky and enjoy the stunning view of the stars in the unpolluted skies above the desert island resort.

On MSC Cruises' private island, you'll find a variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings.

There are currently four areas serving food and drinks to cruise passengers. You can also book a Sunset Evening Beach Party for a picnic to dine under the stars.

Food is made more accessible with the addition of food trucks, which offer hotdogs, hamburgers, and fries, as well as other specialty items.

Bars are scattered throughout the island, including at the base of the lighthouse, where you can grab a drink and take in the views.

On MSC Cruises' private island, you'll find a serene oasis dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. The Spa offers private cabanas for treatments in the fresh sea air, perfect for enjoying massages and other therapies.

The Spa's fitness regimes and relaxation classes are designed to help you unwind and recharge. You can choose from a variety of classes to suit your needs.

The island's atmosphere is lively, with upbeat music playing through speakers that are spaced about 20 feet apart from each other. This energetic vibe is a great contrast to the relaxing atmosphere of the Spa.

Planning a trip to MSC Cruises' private island requires some thought. The island is only accessible by ship, so you'll need to book a cruise that includes a stop at the island.

The cost of a cruise to the private island varies depending on the length of the trip and the type of accommodations you choose. A 7-night cruise can range from around $1,000 to over $5,000 per person.

You'll also need to consider the cost of any excursions or activities you want to do on the island. These can range from snorkeling or scuba diving to simply relaxing on the beach.

MSC Cruises offers a variety of packages and promotions that can help make your trip more affordable. Keep an eye on their website for special deals and discounts.

It's a good idea to start planning your trip at least 6 months in advance to ensure you can get the accommodations and activities you want.

The Exclusive Island experience offered by MSC Cruises is truly unique. It's located approximately 65 miles east of Miami, in the Bahamas.

MSC Cruises has a multi-year lease agreement with the Bahamian government to create a marine reserve on the island. This reserve will be a groundbreaking and innovative addition to the island.

The island, called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, spans 95 acres and will feature a 2,000-seat amphitheater, a family beach area, and several restaurants and bars with a cool Caribbean vibe.

Guests booked in the MSC Yacht Club will enjoy a private area on the island, designed for peace and tranquility. This private area includes a spa and wellness sanctuary with private bungalows and massage huts.

The island will also have a zip line course and an oasis-style lagoon, perfect for relaxing and having fun.