On 5th December 2019, the first MSC Cruises’ guests stepped off MSC Divina and onto the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay. Situated in the Bimini island chain, in the Bahamas, it’s 65 miles away from the coast of Miami.
Here’s what you can expect to see on this beautiful private island.
Amazing Activities
There’s plenty to do when docked at Ocean Cay, whether you wish to get into the water, sit and watch the Junkanoo parade or wait until the evening to stargaze and witness the spectacular light show.
Throughout the day, guests can hire snorkelling and scuba diving gear to see the sunken shipwrecks and colourful fish around the island. Water sports are also organised, as well as catamaran tours to allow guests to explore more of the island and its surrounding waters.
You can get a break from the beaches and turquoise water by visiting the Ocean Cay Village, where you’ll discover a shopping outlet full of all your favourite stores.
Relaxation
Visit The Spa Ocean Cay to receive a beautiful treatment with an amazing view. You can choose anything from body massages to rejuvenating facials. Relax in your private cabana on Paradise Sands Beach and look out to sea whilst you enjoy your therapy.
There is a total of eight beaches at Ocean Cay, totalling up to two miles of white sand. Most bays are fitted with cabanas that are perfect for families hoping to enjoy a day of sun and sea. You can relax on a sunbed at Sunset Beach or paddle in the crystal clear waters at South Beach.
MSC Yacht Club guests can exclusively enjoy Ocean House Beach. Here they can look forward to a private bar and beach cabanas.
Conservation Practices
Throughout the process of changing the industrial sand excavation site into a resort island, MSC Cruises ensured they protected and maintained the environment as much as possible. This meant working with environmental engineers to restore and revitalise the surrounding marine life, ocean beds and endangered corals.
During the clean-up process, 7,500 tons of scrap metal and waste were removed from the beaches and waters, and hard coral colonies were removed from debris and re-located to areas outside of the construction area. To create a biodiverse and sustainable environment, 75,000 plants and shrubs were planted to act as habitats for Caribbean birds and insects.
Fabulous Food and Drink
When looking for a bite to eat, decide from the various food trucks serving up complimentary snacks and the traditional beach buffet, Seakers, which has freshly prepared meals with Bahamian flavours available all day long. If you’re on the hunt for something sweet, visit The Smiling Fish to choose your favourite flavour of ice cream.
If you wish to have a cold beverage in one of the many Tiki bars, remember the drinks are only included if you have an MSC drinks package. To engross yourself in the local culture, visit the Bahamian-owned bar, Springer's, which has stunning views of the marina. The Lighthouse Bar, where you can enjoy views of the island and live music, is also a popular choice.
If you would like to sail on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Divina or MSC Armonia to visit Ocean Cay, call our specialist team on 0800 035 0701 to book now. Alternatively, contact us through our website to enquire about your next cruise.
