I have been working closely with MSC for the last 6 years, in those 6 years we have been fortunate enough to build a great partnership. Because of our partnership there are certain things that are disclosed to us before they are disclosed to the general public. For example, MSC recently opened up their own private island in the Bahamas called Ocean Cay, I have been hearing about this, and waiting for this island to open since 2015. At last, this past month I was finally able to visit.
MSC opened it to the general public in late November of 2019. It is only accessible by sailing on one of MSC ships that are now adding the island to their itinerary. As one of the first ones to visit let me be the first to tell you I do not have enough words to explain how much I enjoyed my time there, but I will definitely try. However, in order to experience its beauty, one must visit the island asap because there is nothing like it!
The island is relatively close to Miami located on the outer islands of the Bahamas. This allows MSC cruisers to spend almost 24 hours on the island. It all feels like a resort with the cruise ship being the hotel and the island housing the beaches, food and bars. Immediately, once you get off on the island you are greeted by live music, the Visitor’s Center, the main bar, bathroom’s and the Trolley. There are about 5 different souvenir shops, a shop to rent several different water activities such as jet ski’s or paddle boarding. If you reserve a Yacht Club category room you get your own special golf cart and driver that is at your service throughout the island. The trolley takes you throughout the island there are 2 different routes, one that takes you to the beach near the lighthouse and the other trolley has 2 other stops on the further side of the island.
There are approximately 6 different beaches throughout the island, with a bar and a food truck at every beach location. There is also a big restaurant in the middle of the island which acts as the “buffet” of the island. Whatever beverage package you have on the ship transfer over to the island as there are several bar tenders and waiters just waiting to take your order to ensure that you have an amazing time. At every beach there are several lounge chairs enough for each guest and at least 2 different lifeguards. There are also umbrellas and several cabanas available to rent from the excursion desk at on the ship.
Since the ship is still docked and it remains accessible to guests to disembark and embark as they please throughout the day. As a guest you’re able to enjoy your day at the beach and come back to your room get changed and ready for the festivities of that night. Now it being a cruise ship you know the parties are a plenty, every night on Ocean Cay there’s a unique firework show from the main square that you can also catch a glimpse of from the balcony of your stateroom or the common areas of the ship. There are parties on the island complete with a live Bahamian band but that doesn’t mean that the parties on the ship are over, there are options for those that want to spend the day on the ship as well. There is plenty of fun to be had for your day at Ocean Cay, with MSC there are options for every member of the family. It truly is a great multigenerational vacation.