MSC Cruises Previews More of Ocean Cay Ahead of November Debut
by Daniel McCarthy /
MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay is four months away from welcoming its first cruise guests and, ahead of its debut, MSC has unveiled more details about what to expect on the Bahamas private island.
Aside from details that have already been revealed, including a fully extended pier connecting a ship to the island and its seven distinct beaches, MSC Cruises this week unveiled that it will operate The Spa at Ocean Cay on the Northern tip of the island, with massage options, beauty treatments, fitness sessions, beach and sunset yoga, and more available.
While MSC’s Gianni Onorato told Travel Market Report earlier that the island “will be no theme park,” it will have a designated area for family-friendly options that it’s calling Seakers Family Cove. Seakers Family Cove will be a “paradise” for kid cruisers, MSC said, with a shallow lagoon and sandy beach, and activities and games organized by MSC Cruises Kids Club staff. Seakers Family Cove will be located near The Seakers Food Court, a family-focused buffet that is complimentary for all guests.
MSC will also offer water sports on the island, but none that are motorized, as MSC wanted guests to have “natural ways to enjoy the island.” Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba will all be available.
MSC this week also showcased evening entertainment that will be available at Ocean Cay (at just 65 miles off of Miami, ships will be able to stay late into the night). Light shows from the island’s white lighthouse, fire pits on the beach, and a traditional Bahamian junkanoo parade will all be offered during the evening hours.
Ocean Cay will also offer a stargazing experience with an astronomer guide and computerized tracking telescopes for guests to experience astrological sites on display each evening.
The island, a former industrial site once used for sand excavation that was first leased by MSC in December 2015 with a 100-year agreement with the Bahamas government, will operate with a heavy focus on environmental and ecological concerns.
MSC is establishing a coral nursery on the east side of the island that it hopes will bring back a healthy coral environment; and is working toward re-establishing marine life in the area, including developing an ecosystem able to host fish, lobster, sea turtles, conch, and more around the island. Right now, the island sits within 64 square miles of protected waters, and MSC said it hopes to extend that even further.