MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (Private Bahama Island Port)
Published Saturday, May 11th 2019 - Updated Saturday, May 11th 2019MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay (pronounced "key") is part of the Bimini chain of islands in the Bahamas, about 65 miles south of Miami. It was built in the late 1960's as an industrial sand extraction site. Today, MSC Cruises is redeveloping it as not only their private island for cruise ships to port in, but as a recognized marine reserve.
Around the island are 64 square miles of protected waters where a coral nursery is being established to encourage the new growth of corals. By the time the island is open to cruise passengers in November of 2019, there will have been 400 coral relocations. In addition, MSC is bringing in 75,000 plants that are native to the region.
MSC hauled over one million pounds of debris and scrap metal off the island, including a 120 foot barge that was buried in the sand! Sustainability is a focus at Ocean Cay. Everything from waste-minimizing food options to eco-friendly beauty products are planned as part of MSC's effort to ensure the island's future.
The island will have full-time staff that live on property in brightly-colored structures. Most of the buildings around the island are still very early on in their construction.
There is a considerable amount of dredging being done to shape the new lagoons and beaches. There will be over 3,500 loungers available across the island's beaches, as well as private beach cabanas that will be available for rent.
The north side of the island has spectacular views of the expansive white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of the Bahamas. It is less than a 20 minute walk from end to end of the island but there will be gold carts and beach wheelchairs for guests with mobility concerns.
Ocean Cay will be the next hot spot for cruisers when it opens in November. Not only is MSC Cruises taking impressive action environmentally, Ocean Cay will offer experiences that aren't available at other cruise lines' private islands.
The MSC ships that port here will remain late into the evening, perhaps even to midnight, allowing for all new onshore programming, like bonfires under the stars, Junkanoo dancing performers or watching the lighthouse light show after sunset! As the island will be considered an extension of the ship, getting on and off the vessel will be easy, with the ship docked at a pier and no lines for ID checks.
MSC Yacht Club guests will have an exclusive private area on the island and the same Butler will take care of them on the island as on the ship.
There is even a smaller island called Coral Cay just a short ferry ride away, that can can be entirely rented out for weddings or private groups - imagine, your own island for the day!
Other Ocean Cay features include a children's lagoon, an adults-only beach, a buffet and food trucks stationed around the island, bars, shopping, watersports... Scuba diving will include an opportunity to plant your own piece of coral! You'll even find and MSC Aurea Spa on land where you can schedule massages on the beach and more.
MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve opens in November 2019 and will be a port of call for 4 ships, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina and MSC Armonia which is their ship sailing to Cuba.
MSC Cruises is also building a landmark Cruise Terminal in Miami that will open in the next couple years. However keep your eyes open because we believe MSC will soon be making some news with homeports in other cities. They are the fastest growing cruise line in the world.
No doubt this Italian cruise line builds some of the most beautiful ships at sea and as they grow into the North American market they are offering our clients here an opportunity to sail in the Caribbean with a taste of the Mediterranean.
Karen Saltarelli, Cruise Planners Franchisee, Travel Advisor
888-332-8202
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