A number of common cruise traces supply personal island locations solely for friends. Whereas some are fully personal islands, others are extra like seaside resorts. MSC’s personal island, nevertheless, is a bit completely different from the remainder. MSC has labored to revive the coral reefs surrounding the island, and just lately opened a Marine Conservation Heart.
As well as, in contrast to different cruise traces, MSC usually spends late hours and even in a single day at its personal vacation spot. You may need to examine your cruise itinerary to see in case your crusing features a go to there.
It is free to go to, though you will 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 most likely the best personal island I’ve visited on a cruise. The island is walkable, however there’s additionally a tram for those who 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 assessment. All opinions are my very own.
Information to the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Personal Island
Location of Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay is positioned within the Bimini area of the Bahamas. This space isn’t too removed from the coast of Miami, however it’s additional north than the Caribbean islands. Verify the climate earlier than you go, as a result of whereas it’s nonetheless sizzling there, it might 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 trade them on the island if they’re moist or soiled
- Get lunch early to keep away from any crowds
- Lease an umbrella in order for you shade
- Guide excursions upfront for one of the best availability
Excursions and Different Issues to Do on Ocean Cay
When you can return to the ship for those who forgot one thing, it is all the time finest to carry alongside the whole lot you will want for the day. This can embody sunscreen, a showering go well with, seaside toys/provides, a e book to learn, and your key card. Additionally, carry the towels out of your room – you’ll be able to trade them for contemporary towels on the island.
You probably have bought a Wi-Fi bundle on your crusing, you’ll be able to entry Wi-Fi whereas on Ocean Cay. It is a separate community, however is included in your bundle.
Marine Conservation Heart
The Marine Conservation Heart opened in April 2025, similtaneously the launch of MSC World America. Visitors can go to the welcome hub and discovery middle, take a guided tour, expertise the interactive reveals, and take part in conservation actions. It is proper off the doorway to the island and may 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 exhibits projections on the island’s lighthouse, proper by the ship. It is enjoyable to see, and value venturing to the island to expertise.
The Spa at Ocean Cay
Spa providers can be found on Ocean Cay via the Spa at Ocean Cay. Take pleasure in a therapeutic massage proper by the ocean – however remember to e book your expertise as early as potential for probably the most availability. Yoga can also be provided – examine 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 provided for an extra price. Nonetheless, even for those who do not e book an tour or cabana, there are many seaside chairs to take pleasure in a seaside 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 obtainable on the island, however Ocean Cay does not embody a youngsters’ membership. Verify 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 provides a number of nice seashores for friends to expertise. Throughout our go to, we determined to spend a while on the seaside, and I beloved the attractive, tender sand and beautiful turquoise water.
You possibly can stroll to the seashores, or a tram can also be obtainable. The Ocean Cay seashores embody:
- Ocean Home Seashore: A devoted MSC Yacht Membership seaside space
- Bimini Seashore
- Paradise Sands Seashore
- Sundown Seashore
- North Seashore
- South Seashore
- Lighthouse Bay Seashore: The seaside closest to the ship, which incorporates umbrellas and bean bag chairs
Meals on Ocean Cay
There is no have to return to the ship for lunch – Ocean Cay provides a number of completely different eating venues the place you may get lunch. Lunch choices embody:
Seakers Meals Courtroom: Provides a BBQ buffet, or seize and go choices for those who do not need to wait in line.
Springer’s Bar and Lighthouse Bar: Seize a drink from one among these open-air bars. For those who’ve bought a drinks bundle on your crusing, it may be used in your MSC cruise.
Seashore Shack Meals Vehicles: A number of of those meals vans are positioned all through the island. They provide issues like hamburgers and lobster rolls (for an extra cost).
Buying on Ocean Cay
For my part, Ocean Cay provides one of the best purchasing of all of the personal islands and locations that I’ve visited. Along with MSC and MSC Ocean Cay-branded merchandise, you will discover retailers with native souvenirs and merchandise.
I might suggest that you simply spend a while visiting the retailers throughout your time at Ocean Cay. They do not settle for bank cards, so you should have a card on file in your MSC cruise and pay along with your key card.
Is Ocean Cay Price a Go to?
Whereas Ocean Cay Marine Reserve does not supply waterslides or swimming pools, it’s a lovely island with a few of the finest seashores I’ve seen. The conservation efforts, particularly the Marine Conservation Heart, are distinctive.
