At the start of the year, we recapped some of the best privately-owned cruise line islands and what you can expect from them. With Coco Cay becoming somewhat of an instant success, MSC Cruises has been developing their own island that they have named Ocean Cay. Being just 65-miles off the coast of Miami, this 120-square-acre restored island has be split into four separate cays, each offering a different experience for MSC Cruises’ guests.

The island will be ready on 9th November 2019 and will invite its first adventure seekers ashore to experience paradise. Pristine blue waters, glistening sandy beaches and lush Bahamian greenery are just a few of the natural wonders that complete this paradise, not to mention 64-square miles of marine reserve that surrounds this tropical utopia. Plus, guests will have unlimited access to the ship and shore throughout the day, so you can enjoy all the facilities and dining options that both can offer.

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

OCEAN CAY LAGOON

Positioned in the middle of the island, this small inlet is almost surrounded by inland-facing beaches, which are perfect for kids and families. On one side, you can cross to the smaller island via a bridge to the west while, on the other side, guests can enjoy even more beaches before arriving at the Spa Ocean Cay, Aurea Paradise Sands and a wedding pavilion.

THE LIGHTHOUSE

As you can probably guess by the name, the lighthouse is a 98-foot-tall landmark situated on a rocky outlet, just east of the docking station. During the day, guests can taste great food at a chic, modern bar fitted with a terrace that opens out into the sea, with live music to set the tone. In the evenings, this becomes the go-to hub for spectacular views of the awe-inspiring light show.

SEAKERS BUFFET

Right next to the Bahamian-style village, Seakers Buffet is an all-day buffet restaurant where guests can head in and grab a meal made from freshly prepared ingredients. So, if you would prefer not to head back onto the ship, this should be your main dining stop.

Other features include sports areas, an ice cream and coffee parlour, Lighthouse Bay and Sunset Beach to the east of the island.

Finally, there are some brand-new shore excursions to go along with this new port of call for MSC Cruises. These include a marine reserve snorkel safari, shipwreck snorkelling and secluded island getaway, kayak exploring tour, a sunset champagne cruise (with unlimited wine), and beachside stargazing. Plus, there are also ways to forge your own experience, with options to rent out an Ocean Cay beach cabana, inflatable raft, floating beach mats, paddleboards, kayaks and Ocean Cay umbrellas.

Alongside the introduction of the island, MSC Cruises is also happy to announce their deep commitment to the surrounding ecosystems. Their first task has pointed towards the importance of the restoration of the reefs that border the island, as this will hopefully bring back more vibrant wildlife and protect its coastlines.