Madrid, November 7, 2018 – With just one year to go before Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve welcomes its first guests, MSC Cruises has planted the first trees in an event marking a significant milestone in the island's transformation. Through the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises is transforming a former industrial sand quarry into a rich marine reserve and a private island that will become an exclusive destination for MSC Cruises guests. All of this is being done in harmony with the local ecosystem. Boasting panoramic views of crystal-clear waters and some of the world's most spectacular white-sand beaches, this idyllic island will be a highlight of MSC Cruises' Caribbean itineraries.
After visiting the island to personally plant one of the inaugural trees, marking the island's entry into the final phase of its transformation, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, declared: “It has been truly special to be on the island with the team that has been working tirelessly on this incredible project and to see our vision taking shape. Words cannot describe the natural beauty of this island. Only when you are here in person, surrounded by the beautiful ocean and the vastness of the horizon, do you truly realize what we are achieving here. I am very much looking forward to the end of this year and welcoming the first guests to this magical place; a unique island and experience that will become a new benchmark for Caribbean travel.”
The landscaping project is already underway: more than 75,000 native shrubs and plants will be planted, along with 60 species of trees, flowers, and shrubs native to the Caribbean, to create a lush tropical environment. Construction of more than 100 eco-friendly buildings will begin shortly, including bars, restaurants, and accommodations for the employees who will live on the island. In addition, work will soon begin on the lighthouse, destined to become an iconic landmark on the island and a point of reference for passengers seeking evening entertainment.
One of the island's most distinctive features will be the inner harbor, where passengers can stroll at their leisure. MSC Cruises has designed every element of the island to create an authentic and immersive Bahamian experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in this beautiful setting.
Among all that this experience offers, the undisputed highlight will be the encounter with a spectacular ocean. MSC Cruises is currently recreating the seabed surrounding the island. Soon, a wide variety of marine species will repopulate it. Within a year, passengers will be able to discover the ocean in all its natural splendor for themselves, swim in its warm, shallow waters, snorkel, dive, or take a boat trip to one of the neighboring cays.
Pierfrancesco Vago added: “We are already seeing the return of marine life that is normally so common in the region. We are seeing many lobsters, clams, rays, and other species. By the time we complete the project, the waters surrounding the island will once again be teeming with life and new coral. We are a company with a great maritime heritage, so ocean conservation is a priority for us. Here we have a great opportunity to protect a piece of paradise and invite visitors to enjoy it.”
Over 500 tons of scrap metal and industrial waste have been collected during the island's cleanup. This doesn't include the final underwater cleanup of debris, which is about to begin. To create a stable base, more than 500,000 tons of sand and earth have been moved to shape the island itself. A shallow lagoon will be created in the center, becoming a recreational area where families can relax and spend the day. The island will also feature eight excellent beaches, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. The beaches are made of aragonite sand, characterized not only by its striking white color but also by its important role in coral reef formation by maintaining the water's pH levels.
With the aim of creating a protected paradise and restoring the natural coral around the island, MSC Cruises is working closely with environmental auditors, Bahamian environmental experts, and other agencies to ensure that best practices are implemented. A marine laboratory is planned for Ocean Cay to study climate-resilient coral, with the hope of providing insights and knowledge for other similar island habitats.
The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve project has been undertaken to create a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the communities of The Bahamas. MSC Cruises has used local materials wherever possible, and by the time the project is complete, more than 400 Bahamians will have been directly involved in the island's construction. Bahamians will also be employed in a wide range of permanent positions, including management, technical staff, island assistants, lifeguards, and rescue divers. Local businesses will also be a source of resources for the various shore excursions offered to passengers. Reinforcing MSC Cruises' commitment to The Bahamas, the island cements its permanent presence in the region. By restoring Ocean Cay to its original beauty and matching it with the unparalleled beauty of the surrounding area, MSC Cruises hopes to further enhance The Bahamas' already positive image as a world-class destination that no one should miss.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will open in November 2019. Four MSC Cruises ships will call at the island on different days. More information about the passenger experience will be available in the coming months.
