MSC Cruises has welcomed the first visitors to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island that represents a new destination in the Bahamas for the company. On this inaugural call, more than one hundred Spaniards visited the island, a number that is expected to exceed 15,000 during 2020.
The opening of the island is a significant milestone for MSC Cruises, which has undertaken extensive redevelopment planning for this former industrial sand mining site. Following its transformation, it now stands as a stunning tropical destination. To achieve this, MSC Cruises collaborated with environmental engineers and other experts to revitalize the seabed surrounding the island, protecting marine life and endangered coral reefs.
The responsible development of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has been complex and has taken almost three years to complete a destination capable of offering the best possible experience for passengers and meeting the company's ambitious environmental goals. 7,500 tons of scrap metal have been removed, and throughout the cleanup process, a team of expert divers and marine biologists carefully extracted individual colonies of hard coral from the debris and relocated them to a safe place. Measures have also been taken to create a biodiverse and sustainable environment, and more than 75,000 plants and shrubs have been planted across the island.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, emphasizes: “Ocean Cay is based on a deep commitment to a series of ecological principles that shape everything, from how the destination's attractions are built and how the island is managed, to the types of activities offered. Seeing the first guests arrive is a moment of great pride for everyone at MSC Cruises. We wanted to create something sustainable for our visitors, with a higher purpose. Ocean Cay is not just a holiday island; it is a unique marine reserve where people and nature live in harmony.”
Upon arrival at Ocean Cay, guests will be greeted by panoramic views of crystal-clear waters and some of the most pristine white-sand beaches. From early morning until late into the night, they will have ample time to embrace the Bahamian spirit and enjoy the day as they wish. They can choose from a variety of excursions and island activities designed to bring marine life up close, such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking; treat themselves to a luxurious spa treatment or relax in a private cabana; stroll through a Bahamian-style village showcasing authentic local artisan crafts; savor complimentary bites at the Seakers Food Court or one of the six food trucks located on the island and sample cocktails and drinks at various bars; and attend authentic evening events, such as the traditional Junkanoo parades and the lighthouse light show (images here).
In the coming months, MSC Cruises will also unveil a Conservation Center on the island, which will serve as an active base for coral education and research. The pristine natural beauty of both the ocean and the beaches is a cornerstone of the Ocean Cay experience, and the island's eco-friendly and sustainable practices, as well as the designation of the surrounding waters as a thriving marine reserve, align with MSC Cruises' commitment to protecting, restoring, and conserving them.
Following today's first stop on the island, the four North American-based MSC Cruises ships (MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia) will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve on different days each week.
For more information about Ocean Cay, please visit www.mscoceancay.com
