Madrid, January 16, 2019.Endless ocean views, crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, a sunny blue sky… this paradise dream will become a reality for MSC Cruises passengers visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Today, MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately owned cruise company, revealed more details about this unique experience, which already has an opening date: November 9.
Among the activities passengers can enjoy in this marine reserve are relaxing on the beaches, snorkeling, and discovering the rich marine life in its waters. In the afternoon, there are plenty of options like playing beach volleyball and shopping for souvenirs. And as the sun sets, passengers can choose from a wide variety of cocktails at the beachfront bars while enjoying spectacular views and a completely relaxed atmosphere. To top off the evening, why not watch a movie under the stars before returning to your cabin on the ship? Simply magical!
With Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises is transforming a former industrial sand quarry into a rich marine reserve and private island that will coexist in harmony with the local ecosystem. Ocean Cay is designed to immerse travelers in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The goal is to create a sustainable destination with activities that connect travelers with nature and, through educational entertainment programs, give them the opportunity to learn about ocean protection and the importance of conserving coral reefs.
The island is surrounded by approximately 100 square kilometers of protected waters. A coral nursery is also being established to encourage and sustain the growth of new coral. Additionally, plans are underway to create a marine laboratory on Ocean Cay that will research a coral species resistant to climate change, with the hope of providing insights and knowledge for other similar island habitats.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will bring something new and unique to our Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Havana, and is destined to become a highlight for our passengers. We have created an experience that complements the spectacular natural beauty of this part of the Caribbean. We didn't want to build massively on an island that already has all the ingredients of a natural paradise. On the contrary, our work has focused on carrying out a significant cleanup and collecting tons of industrial waste to help restore the beaches and the 165 square kilometers of protected waters to their original state.”
He added: “As for passenger services on the island, we’ve opted for simplicity and designed an experience that allows them to easily enjoy nature in all its splendor. The ship is an integral part of this experience, as we’ve built a dock so passengers can easily get on and off throughout the day and make the most of the services and facilities both on board and on land.”
AN INFINITE WORLD OF SUN, SAND, SEA AND SKY
With over three kilometers of stunning white sand beaches, boasting some of the world's finest aragonite sand, deciding what to do will be a challenge. There are seven distinct beach areas, each with its own unique charm and character. It's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the feeling of warm sand beneath your toes and the sound of the ocean, or to experience some action and participate in the available beach games and water sports.
Sun loungers are available on all beaches, and some also offer the option to rent a beach hut for the day. The crystal-clear, shallow waters of the Great Lagoon are perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports safely, while the Family Lagoon, with its calm surface waters and variety of games, will delight younger members of the family. Stretching for almost a kilometer, Bimini's Great Beach is the largest on the island and the perfect spot for various water sports.
A PLACE TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE
Excursions at Ocean Cay are an invitation to explore, discover, relax, and enjoy nature's beauty at its finest. It's a chance to discover the waters surrounding the island through snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Family Explorer Club also organizes many fun activities for the whole family.
And for a truly special experience, Ocean Cay offers the option of booking an exclusive day on a smaller island located near the main island. This service includes a private boat that takes the group to the island and remains there at their disposal, as well as a tent, sun loungers, food, and drinks. Near the island is an old shipwreck that creates a wonderful spot for snorkeling.
In addition to excursions, the leisure offer includes a wide range of options, such as games and sports competitions, dance classes and activities for the whole family.
Ocean Cay is just 100 kilometers south of Miami, so the ship stays there until nightfall. This allows passengers to enjoy incredible nighttime experiences. As the sun sets, they can take nighttime tours, stargaze on the beach, or enjoy romantic sunset catamaran cruises—the perfect end to a perfect day. Leisure activities on the island revolve around the iconic lighthouse, which offers breathtaking sunsets, live music, DJ sets, and a stunning visual experience that creates an even more special atmosphere.
FOOD AND DRINK
In keeping with our commitment to ensuring the island's sustainability and minimizing waste, Ocean Cay offers a limited number of dining options. The ship will operate normally while docked at the island. The furthest point from the ship is just a 20-minute walk away, though passengers can also get around the island using electric carts.
On land, food and drink options include:
- Buffet: Conveniently located near the family lagoon, it's the perfect place for families to enjoy a wide variety of freshly prepared international dishes, including North American classics and authentic Bahamian flavors, plus dishes that are always a hit with kids.
- Food stalls: Alternatively, there are also several mobile food stalls, such as the taco van or the one selling fried conch fritters. During the day, the vans
They will park near the beaches and, at night, they go to the port area, where they create a real gastronomic festival with a great atmosphere.
These services are available at an additional cost and can be combined with the beverage package. Since passengers can easily access the ship and disembark at their leisure, they have the option of dining on board if they wish.
The island is dotted with a wide variety of bars with very different atmospheres. For example:
- Authentic Bahamian bar: Located in the port, this lively bar offers cocktails and drinks in true Bahamian style.
- Lighthouse Bar: Hemingway would have felt right at home in this bar. It serves a wide selection of rum and other spirits, as well as cocktails, and boasts fantastic sea views. The perfect place to unwind at the end of a busy day.
- Beach bars: There are seven bars scattered along the island's beaches, each with its own personality and atmosphere.
- Ice Cream Parlor & Café: Located in the harbor, this establishment offers a variety of ice cream flavors, from classic to more innovative. The café serves freshly brewed ground and whole bean coffee, espressos, and cappuccinos, perfect for starting your day in Ocean Cay with all your senses awakened or for a boost of energy later.
SHOPPING ON THE ISLAND
A key element of the island experience is the retail concept, designed specifically to reflect the island's overall vision. There are four distinct shopping areas where you can find souvenirs to take home, as well as essential items you might need during your vacation.
The Bahamian market and shop offer authentic handcrafted products created by local artisans and Bahamian businesses that embody the spirit of the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the Ocean Cay Factory offers a wide selection of unique, nature-inspired souvenirs and gifts, including T-shirts, visors, beach items, towels, and accessories.
At the MSC shop, you'll find everything your family might need for the day. Here you'll find a variety of MSC Cruises products, such as hats, flip-flops, towels, beach bags, sunscreen, and lip balm. You'll also find a wide selection of exclusive products from our partners that highlight the island's sustainable values. Finally, at the Welcome Center, you can pick up pre-ordered, such as Ocean Cay survival kits. Take the opportunity to ask about activities to make the most of your day on Ocean Cay.
RELAX AND REJUVENATE
To relax and rejuvenate on the island, guests will find everything they need at the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa, which offers a variety of soothing facial and body treatments. All beauty products used on the island are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. One of the exclusive treatments is the Ocean Cay Breeze Activating Massage, which incorporates aromatic water jets with calming and restorative properties, applied primarily to the legs, feet, and back—the parts of the body most exposed to the sun. The Ocean Cay Breeze Facial offers the relaxing properties of a soothing mask and restorative water jets, relieving the delicate skin of the face exposed to the sun.
In addition to all this, MSC Cruises is planning new improvements that will perfect an already unique and varied offering, designed to give passengers the best possible welcome in Ocean Cay.
The island will welcome its first guests on November 9, 2019. More information at https://www.msccruises.es/es-es/Cruise-Destinations/Ocean-Cay-MSC-Marine-Reserve.aspx
