MSC Cruises has announced the temporary closure of Ocean Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, for extensive renovation and expansion from April 7 to May 22 (2024).
During this period, no ship calls will be scheduled. The temporary closure necessitates adjustments to 30+ voyages, with alternative destinations such as Nassau and Freeport. However, anticipation is building for the end of May 2024 when Ocean Cay will resume its role as a key destination for the MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape, and MSC Seashore.
The last ship to call before the renovation was the MSC Divina on April 6th, making the final docking before the island's temporary hiatus. This period will facilitate ambitious upgrades aimed at enhancing guest experience while reinforcing the island's environmental conservation efforts. On May 23, the Meraviglia is due to be the first to set sail to the revamped island.
While many guest enhancements will take place during Ocean Cay’s closure, these specific improvements will continue to take place over the next year to enrich the guest experience.
Beyond guest amenities, MSC Cruises is committed to creating a sustainable future for the island, which was transformed from an industrial sand mining site into a marine protected area since its opening in 2019. Key initiatives include the establishment of an MSC Foundation marine conservation center, serving as a hub for marine biologists, coral reef experts, and students. The center will feature interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, and coral display tanks aimed at educating visitors about the significance of marine ecosystems.
In line with its eco-friendly vision, MSC will introduce a third solar farm and an advanced wastewater treatment plant on Ocean Cay, significantly reducing the island's greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, a comprehensive landscape plan will be implemented to enrich the island's biodiversity with native and adaptable flora, further contributing to its sustainable environment.