A number of in style cruise strains provide personal island locations solely for friends. Whereas some are utterly personal islands, others are extra like seashore resorts. MSC’s personal island, nevertheless, is a bit totally different from the remainder. MSC has labored to revive the coral reefs surrounding the island, and just lately opened a Marine Conservation Middle.
As well as, in contrast to different cruise strains, MSC usually spends late hours and even in a single day at its personal vacation spot. You will need to test your cruise itinerary to see in case your crusing features a go to there.
It is free to go to, though you may pay for excursions and different extras. The meals on the island is included, however there are some upcharges (for instance, lobster rolls), and alcohol is additional.
When your ship docks on Ocean Cay, it is a fast stroll off the ship to the island. It is in all probability the simplest personal island I’ve visited on a cruise. The island is walkable, however there’s additionally a tram should you do not need to spend an excessive amount of time strolling within the solar.
Disclosure: My crusing on the MSC World America (with a go to to the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve) was complimentary for evaluate. All opinions are my very own.
Information to the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Non-public Island
Location of Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay is positioned within the Bimini area of the Bahamas. This space shouldn’t be too removed from the coast of Miami, however it’s additional north than the Caribbean islands. Examine the climate earlier than you go, as a result of whereas it’s nonetheless sizzling there, it could be cooler than you’d count on within the winter.
Throughout our April crusing, the climate at Ocean Cay was completely excellent. It was sunny, with a really gentle wind and minimal clouds within the sky.
Ideas!
- Deliver your towels from the room, and change them on the island if they’re moist or soiled
- Get lunch early to keep away from any crowds
- Lease an umbrella if you would like shade
- Ebook excursions upfront for one of the best availability
Excursions and Different Issues to Do on Ocean Cay
When you can return to the ship should you forgot one thing, it is at all times finest to convey alongside all the pieces you may want for the day. It will embrace sunscreen, a showering go well with, seashore toys/provides, a guide to learn, and your key card. Additionally, convey the towels out of your room – you’ll be able to change them for contemporary towels on the island.
When you have bought a Wi-Fi package deal in your crusing, you’ll be able to entry Wi-Fi whereas on Ocean Cay. It is a separate community, however is included in your package deal.
Marine Conservation Middle
The Marine Conservation Middle opened in April 2025, concurrently the launch of MSC World America. Company can go to the welcome hub and discovery middle, take a guided tour, expertise the interactive displays, and take part in conservation actions. It is proper off the doorway to the island and could be very straightforward to entry.
Lighthouse Present
As a result of MSC cruises usually spend evenings and overnights at Ocean Cay, they’ve the chance to do a enjoyable present. An LED gentle reveals projections on the island’s lighthouse, proper by the ship. It is enjoyable to see, and price venturing to the island to expertise.
The Spa at Ocean Cay
Spa providers can be found on Ocean Cay by means of the Spa at Ocean Cay. Get pleasure from a therapeutic massage proper by the ocean – however make sure you guide your expertise as early as doable for probably the most availability. Yoga can also be supplied – test the schedule to see the instances.
Excursions on Ocean Cay
For one of the best availability, excursions on MSC Ocean Cay ought to be booked upfront. These are supplied for a further payment. Nonetheless, even should you do not guide an tour or cabana, there are many seashore chairs to take pleasure in a seashore day at Ocean Cay. There are complimentary umbrellas on Lighthouse Seashore, or you’ll be able to lease one.
Some actions and sports activities are additionally out there on the island, however Ocean Cay does not embrace a youngsters’ membership. Examine the schedule to see what is obtainable for the day.
- Kayaking
- Jet snowboarding
- Lighthouse climb
- Cabana leases
- Paddle boarding
- Guided island hike
Seashores on Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve affords a number of nice seashores for friends to expertise. Throughout our go to, we determined to spend a while on the seashore, and I liked the gorgeous, comfortable sand and lovely turquoise water.
You may stroll to the seashores, or a tram can also be out there. The Ocean Cay seashores embrace:
- Ocean Home Seashore: A devoted MSC Yacht Membership seashore space
- Bimini Seashore
- Paradise Sands Seashore
- Sundown Seashore
- North Seashore
- South Seashore
- Lighthouse Bay Seashore: The seashore closest to the ship, which incorporates umbrellas and bean bag chairs
Meals on Ocean Cay
There is not any must return to the ship for lunch – Ocean Cay affords a number of totally different eating venues the place you may get lunch. Lunch choices embrace:
Seakers Meals Courtroom: Provides a BBQ buffet, or seize and go choices should you do not need to wait in line.
Springer’s Bar and Lighthouse Bar: Seize a drink from one in every of these open-air bars. In the event you’ve bought a drinks package deal in your crusing, it may be used in your MSC cruise.
Seashore Shack Meals Vans: A number of of those meals vehicles are positioned all through the island. They provide issues like hamburgers and lobster rolls (for a further cost).
Procuring on Ocean Cay
In my view, Ocean Cay affords one of the best buying of all of the personal islands and locations that I’ve visited. Along with MSC and MSC Ocean Cay-branded merchandise, you may discover outlets with native souvenirs and merchandise.
I would suggest that you just spend a while visiting the outlets throughout your time at Ocean Cay. They do not settle for bank cards, so you have to have a card on file in your MSC cruise and pay along with your key card.
Is Ocean Cay Value a Go to?
Whereas Ocean Cay Marine Reserve does not provide waterslides or swimming pools, it’s a stunning island with a few of the finest seashores I’ve seen. The conservation efforts, particularly the Marine Conservation Middle, are distinctive.
