On Thursday, December 5, MSC Cruises welcomed the first guests to the cruise line’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
The company has worked to transform the island from an industrial sand excavation site into a tropical destination while revitalizing the surrounding ocean beds, endangered coral, and marine life.
In November 2019, MSC Cruises revealed it had canceled the first 4 scheduled calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve after deeming the island destination not ready for passengers. The company cited “adverse weather conditions and unexpected last-minute operational challenges” for the delay.
The construction and development of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve took nearly 3 years to complete. The destination will host all 4 MSC USA-homeported ships - MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, and MSC Seaside - on different days.
Ocean Cay will offer snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, Bahamian arts and crafts, spa treatments, multiple bars, a complimentary food court, Junkanoo parades, and lighthouse light shows. A Conservation Center will serve as a base for coral research.