For Shore
Porthole explores the (mostly) wild al lure of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Porthole explores the (mostly) wild allure of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
With 17 cruise ships and more on the way, MSC Cruises continues to surprise and delight guests with the “European feel” on their ships, the lush spreads of ethnic foods on their buffets, and the numerous cultures and languages represented on board.
In December 2019, MSC Cruises followed in the steps of other cruise lines by opening Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, an exclusive new island just for guests. Unlike similar private islands such as Disney’s Castaway Cay or Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, this new private island doesn’t adorn itself with wave pools, splash parks, or daring water coasters. Just like their unwavering insistence on offering a European cruise experience on board, MSC has once again chosen to focus on their strengths, their environmental message, and perhaps even their vision for what cruising should be.
Much To Discover
In the absence of theme parks and waterslides, what is actually at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve? In a lot of ways, this private island offers the same tropical ambiance you find in nearby Bimini. Simply put, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is less gaudy and over-the-top, and more of a natural paradise.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is 95 acres in total, with eight pristine beaches where families can splash in crystal-clear waters and soak up the sun for the day. Formerly an excavation site, this island has been entirely transformed into a tropical nirvana. MSC removed more than 1,500 tons of scrap metal from the island and surrounding waters, replacing it with powder-white sand, 75,000 shrubs and small plants, and more than 5,000 trees and palms. The island itself is also surrounded with 64 square miles of guarded marine reserve, the perfect spot to observe 88 different species of fish as well as lobsters, sea turtles, and rays.
The reserve is also a refuge for Agaricia
agaricites, commonly known as “lettuce coral,” as well as Porites astreoides, which is frequently referred to as “mustard hill coral.” The island is home to an array of marine scientists who work diligently to protect this natural resource, as well as expand the habitat for coral through the island’s own coral restoration project.
Cruisers who have an interest in preserving the oceans and hope to see tropical fish, thriving coral, sharks, and stingrays can book a snorkeling excursion led by a professional instructor who will make sure you see and understand the natural world below as well as the creatures that call the reserve home.
A Cay Day
You can book a snorkeling excursion to explore the protected waters, peer at marine life, and see natural coral thriving in the Caribbean sea, but you certainly don’t have to. Like other private islands, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve makes it easy for cruisers to enjoy the low-key activities many people love the most: drinking, eating, and lounging in the sun.
MSC lets guests off the ship from morning until night, with the option to secure a free beach lounger or rent an umbrella or private cabana as well as enjoy fun “extras” like floating beach mats, a family raft, or snorkeling gear. Other excursions you can book include a romantic sunset champagne cruise, a kayak explorer tour, beachside stargazing, scuba diving, standup paddle boarding, and more.
The main food options on Ocean Cay are plentiful, delicious, and included in your cruise fare. The buffet choice on the island, Seakers Food Court, serves up a steaming selection of comfort foods and authentic Bahamian dishes ranging from barbecue ribs and jerk chicken to grilled mahi-mahi and brats. A selection of healthy salads, fruit, and desserts is also offered for free on the island. ( Note: A second buffet restaurant is currently under construction on the island with plans to open in the future.)
Unique food carts are also dotted around the island, and, yes, their offerings of hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, fries, and other snacks are included in your cruise fare.
There are also numerous bars throughout the island because, well, why wouldn’t there be? The Lighthouse Bar, located next to the island’s striking 100-foot-tall lighthouse, features live music or DJs that blast beachy tunes while you sip on tropical drinks. Several beachside bars are also spread along the shore, meaning you’re never far from a drink station with gorgeous sea views and thumping Caribbean vibes.
You won’t find over-the-top rides or a theme park feel at this private island, but you will find a tropical wonderland that is perfect for relaxation and family fun.
THE ISLAND ITSELF IS ALSO SURROUNDED WITH 64 SQUARE MILES OF GUARDED MARINE RESERVE.
MSC Cruises has several ships dedicated to cruising the warm waters of the Caribbean, including MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina, and MSC Armonia. To find the right cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve that fits your tastes and dates, visit msccruisesusa.com.