MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay MSCis a testament to the company's commitment to biodiversity in the Bahamas. This island allows MSC Cruises passengers to interact with nature while understanding the importance of protecting the oceans and coral reefs.
The island, stretching over 3 kilometers and boasting eight pristine white-sand beaches, is a unique destination accessible only to MSC Cruises passengers on Caribbean itineraries. Guests can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, excursions to the island's lighthouse, Balinese massages, and private beach cabanas.
From island of waste to “Hope Spot” for the ocean.
When MSC Cruises took over Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in 2015, it had suffered decades of industrial activity, including the extraction of aragonite sand. Since then, the company has embarked on a restoration initiative to clean the island and seabed of all debris and restore the island and its ecosystems. As a result of these processes, the island now boasts nearly 5,000 trees and 75,000 native plants, flowers, and shrubs that have revitalized the terrestrial environment.
The Marine Restoration Program covers 64 square kilometers of marine waters and ecosystems surrounding the island. This was expanded in 2019 when the MSC Foundation launched its Super Coral Program to protect and restore the island's coral reefs.
Coral experts at the MSC Foundation are conducting research studies aimed at identifying coral genotypes known as "supercorals," which are better able to withstand thermal stress, in order to strategically plant them and create reefs more resilient to the extreme heat caused by climate change.
The island has also been developed to minimize its environmental impact. It is equipped with asolar farmthat produces up to 600 kW of electricity with 150 kW of storage, LED-only lighting, and electricity is managed by a smart grid.
It also has a water treatment system that processes wastewater so it can be reused for irrigation. In addition, many of the products created for the island are made with natural materials, such as cotton, bamboo, and paper.
Thanks to all these initiatives and the ongoing conservation efforts of the MSC Foundation, the island has recently been designated a “Hope Spot” by Mission Blue, a non-profit organization founded to promote the protection of marine ecosystems.
Lessons for the future
MSC Cruises' private island has been redesigned so that its passengers can fully enjoy the beauty of nature, but it not only offers a wide range of leisure and relaxation activities, but also provides opportunities for passengers to learn about the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
Furthermore, the island will serve as a research site for scientists and students to study ocean conservation and marine life. For this reason, the MSC Foundation is collaborating with universities and non-governmental organizations to participate in the coral restoration project.
Visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Passengers wishing to visit the island this winter 2023/24 will be able to choose from several itineraries. The MSC Sescape, MSC Seaside, MSC Seashore, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Magnifica, and MSC Divina will be calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve this season, with itineraries ranging from 3-night mini-cruises to 23-night Grand Voyages.
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