Today, we will island hop over to MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Technically, Ocean Cay is the combination of two man made islands connected by a footbridge. In 2019, MSC Cruises opened the private island after transforming the sand extraction site into the tropical island destination that it is today. The cruise line planted thousands of trees and plants, created a coral nursery, and worked with the Bahamian government to declare the waters around Ocean Cay an official marine reserve.
Passengers are able to walk right off the ship onto the island. Walking around the island is a breeze as there is a network of trails and from the pier to the furthest spot on the island is just a 20-minute walk. There is also an electric tram for those who prefer or need it.
MSC Ocean Cay is different from other private islands in that the main thing to do while there is to relax at the beach. In fact, Ocean Cay has seven beaches to choose from–North Beach, South Beach, Paradise Sands Beach, Sunset Beach, Lighthouse Bay Beach, and Ocean House Beach which is exclusive to guests staying in the Yacht Club.
Sunset Beach offers the longest stretch of beach on Ocean Cay. North and South Beach is the place for swimming, snorkeling and exploring the protected lagoon. Lighthouse Beach is a favorite with its views of the lighthouse, bean bag chairs and fire pits. Paradise Sands Beach is the home of the Spa at Ocean Cay and the wedding pavilion. Bimini Beach offers endless ocean views and Ocean House Beach offers its Yacht Club guests an unrivaled beach experience. Guests can rent floating mats, umbrellas or cabanas on North, South and Bimini Beaches.
The entertainment staff does organize activities like volleyball and bocce ball while the youth staff organizes activities for children and teens. Guests can also make their way up the 165 steps on a tour of the lighthouse for breathtaking views, or they can choose to kayak, snorkel or jet ski. If guests prefer to shop, they can visit Ocean Cay Village for authentic Bahamian souvenirs and more.
While guests can not spend the night on the island, some of the ships that call on Ocean Cay do stay overnight meaning the island also offers evening events. Guests can enjoy a Junkanoo parade that ends in a laser show, a Sunset Champagne Cruise, a midnight stroll on the beach, glow paddle boarding in the Lagoon, or a Luna Libre party on Lighthouse Beach.
There is no shortage of food or drinks while visiting Ocean Cay. Springer’s bar is an authentic Bahamian bar and Lighthouse Bar offers live music and drinks beneath the iconic lighthouse. Seakers Food Court offers the traditional buffet with Caribbean and American classics, and the Beach Shack food trucks offer everything from hot dogs to lobster rolls. Guests will find soft-serve ice cream with toppings at the Smiling Fish Ice Cream Parlor as well as a full-service coffee bar. The ice cream can even be served in a fish-shaped cone! While the Seakers Food Court buffet and food trucks are complimentary, the Smiling Fish Ice Cream Parlor and bars are not. However, guests can use their drink package at any of the 10 bars (including the coffee bar) found on the island.
All MSC Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that embark from PortMiami, Port Canaveral and New York City will include a visit to Ocean Cay which is exclusive to MSC Cruises guests.