Four months before Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve welcomes its first visitors, MSC Cruises has today revealed more details about the unique experience awaiting its passengers. They will be able to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island, located in the Bahamas. This immersion will be complete, as Ocean Cay has been designed following principles of environmental respect—a commitment reflected in the construction of every space, the island's management, and the types of activities available. The goal is for passengers to learn more about ocean conservation and the importance of preserving coral reefs through programs that blend education and entertainment.
The Bahamas are famous for their incredible blue waters and white sand beaches, and are home to a unique and diverse ecosystem that must be protected. That's why, at Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises is working on a roadmap for the regeneration of marine resources, including habitats and native species. This includes, for example, the recovery of endangered corals and the implementation of other educational and conservation programs.
The island is located within protected waters covering 165 square kilometers, but the ambition is to expand this perimeter so that the results have an even more visible impact on the area. This will give passengers the opportunity to discover the wonders this ocean holds.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: ENVIRONMENTAL RECOVERY
To better understand environmental conservation needs and implement environmental initiatives, MSC Cruises commissioned a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) report that provided a short-term overview of the waters surrounding Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
One of MSC Cruises' priorities at Ocean Cay is coral restoration. As part of the marine ecosystem, coral must be protected, as it ensures biodiversity, provides habitat for marine life, and protects coastlines.
Now that the waters around Ocean Cay are protected, and the island is no longer the industrial sand-mining site it once was, the seabed is returning to normal and coral is expected to begin growing and expanding again. To bolster this recovery, especially for the most threatened varieties, plans are underway to create a coral nursery on the island's east side.
The recent study commissioned by MSC Cruises concludes that there are three types of coral that can be found in abundance: mainly Agaricia agaricitas known as lettuce coral, Porites astreoides commonly known as mustard hill coral, and Siderastrea also known as massive star coral.
These species are among the most abundant and better able to withstand extreme temperature and sedimentation conditions than other species. Furthermore, during the island survey, specimens of the endangered Acropora palmata were also found.
The Acropora palmata, known as Elkhorn coral, another critically endangered species, has also been found. Four distinct colonies of this species have been recorded along the coast of these cays and will be considered for future restoration in the coral nursery.
The Ocean Cay team has already observed an increase in marine life in the area, and the EER has identified up to 88 different species of fish around the island, as well as lobsters, sea turtles, and rays. Another unique feature of the region's ecosystem is the queen conch, Lobatus gigas. This large sea snail lives in the kelp forests surrounding Ocean Cay and helps keep the water clear of algae produced by the seagrass. It is one of the most important native marine species and a symbol of the Bahamas. However, its population has declined drastically in recent years, and some of the few remaining individuals are found within the Bahamas' marine protected areas. Ocean Cay is a productive habitat for this conch, so measures will be taken to ensure its protection.
In addition to helping maintain the island's ecosystem, MSC Cruises is finalizing the details of Ocean Cay, which will welcome its first guests in November. Every element of the island is designed to create a truly unique experience, based on the island's philosophy: the discovery of nature.
You can see the Ocean Cay restoration work in this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an-WpFTwzoU&feature=youtu.be
DISCOVER THE OCEAN
The connection with nature is the guiding principle behind all activities at Ocean Cay. Here, you won't find typical motorized water sports; instead, the company will offer a range of activities to enjoy the water in a natural way: from stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to kayaking. What better way to appreciate the vastness of the horizon than by viewing it from the water?
For those who wish to discover marine life up close, there is an opportunity to book an island trip for snorkeling. This 1.5-hour excursion to a nearby cay
This experience allows passengers to snorkel on their own or with a guide who can explain all the colorful and exotic marine life of the area. After snorkeling, the experience includes a visit to a private beach for swimming and relaxing in the water. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance.
For adventurous spirits, there will also be diving activities, with PADI certified instructors; among them will be classes in which - accompanied by these instructors - they can dive and snorkel in deep waters.
LUXURY RELAXATION
Located at the northern tip of the island, in a stunning location with incredible ocean views, is The Spa at Ocean Cay. This new and exclusive luxury spa concept has been created exclusively for Ocean Cay and will offer a complete immersion in the elements, complementing the Balinese MSC Aurea Spa experience on board the ships.
The spa treatments will adhere to the island's sustainability principles, and the products used will be from Aveda, a beauty brand known for its natural products and environmental commitment. Travelers seeking head-to-toe pampering can choose from a variety of massage options or simply relax in the elegant treatment room, listening to the sound of the waves and feeling the ocean breeze. A wide range of fitness sessions will also be available for those seeking a moment of zen. Morning yoga on the beach, SUP yoga on paddleboards, and sunset yoga round out the activity schedule.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
As a family-oriented company, MSC Cruises offers an award-winning family experience, which will also be available on Ocean Cay. The island is designed to provide a family-friendly experience with Seakers Family Cove. A paradise for little ones, it features a shallow lagoon and a sandy beach perfect for playing. All the island's beaches will be patrolled by lifeguards to ensure everyone's safety, giving parents peace of mind.
The MSC Cruises Kids Club staff will organize games and activities throughout the day at Seakers Family Cove. Activities with the new mascot, DOREMI Explorer, are designed to help kids discover and enjoy nature, with games like sandcastle competitions, kite building, treasure hunts, and a family sports challenge. There are also activities for teenagers, who will discover everything the island has to offer, including an activity with the creator of the exclusive teen website, which will help them create content to inspire others with the island's beauty.
As for The Seakers Food Court, it's conveniently located near the families. Here you'll find children's favorite dishes, and the buffet is complimentary. There are also other dining options on the island, such as food trucks. Passengers can also return to the ship throughout the day and choose from the wide variety of onboard dining options.
NIGHTTIME ENTERTAINMENT*
After a day of rest and relaxation, one of the highlights of your visit to the island will be the evening entertainment and activities. Breathtaking sunsets will frame an iconic 30-meter red and white lighthouse, which will come alive as night falls. Passengers will enjoy a stunning light show, either from the bar in a relaxed atmosphere or from the beach around a bonfire. A traditional Junkanoo, inspired by the historic Bahamian festival, with colorful costumes, music, and dancing, will bring the festive spirit to every corner of the island.
For passengers wishing to immerse themselves even further in nature, there are astronomy-related activities, including guided tours using state-of-the-art computerized survey telescopes. With these, they will discover stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies. An incredible night awaits them under the Bahamian sky.
To ensure that passengers are fully aware of everything Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has to offer, a dedicated website with detailed information about this project is now live: www.mscoceancay.com
From November 2019, all MSC Cruises ships departing from Miami will make a stop in Ocean Cay, as part of their Caribbean itineraries.
