A new conservation center is set to open at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Cruise passengers will also see other enhancements to the island.
MSC Cruises and other cruise lines have moved into utilizing Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel, currently the cleanest fuel available, while they continue to explore sustainable marine fuels and propulsion technology.
Another part of MSC Cruises’ sustainability efforts involves its private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Through May 22, 2024, the island is undergoing guest enhancements. The addition of excursion centers for water sports activities and island tours, a dedicated diving and snorkeling center and new dining options will also continue to take place over the next year to enrich the guest experience. Also under construction is the MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Center, a base for coral reef experts, biologists and students.
Marine Conservation Center
The center will have interactive pavilions, a lecture hall and coral exhibition tanks where passengers will be able to learn about the marine ecosystem and the need to protect the world’s oceans.
The MSC Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is part of the MSC Group, promotes marine conservation, humanitarian efforts and sustainable development worldwide. In late spring of 2023, the foundation launched its flagship Super Coral Program, installing the first three coral nursery trees in the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Coral reefs are incredibly diverse ecosystems that are home to over 25% of marine species. They provide food along with creating economic resources for billions of people and protect coasts from erosion and storms. Sadly, most of the earth’s 800 reef-building coral species are facing extinction this century. Coral restoration is urgently needed, and the MSC Foundation’s restoration of Ocean Cay’s coral reefs is a long-term endeavor.
The MSC Seashore at Ocean Cay. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)
Some Background on MSC’s Private Island
In December 2015, MSC Cruises signed a 100-year lease agreement with the Bahamian government to occupy and develop the island exclusively for MSC Cruises’ guests. Located about 30 miles south of Bimini, it had been an industrial site for several decades.
MSC Cruises took on the challenge of transforming the industrial wasteland into a flourishing marine reserve and spent $400 million for nature restoration. Discarded debris and over 1,500 tons of scrap metal were removed and transported by barges to a dedicated U.S.-based waste contractor. Then natural flora was reintroduced. Over 4,600 palms ans other trees were planted across the island, along with over 75,000 plants and shrubs. Since then, they have been working to restore the coral reef, which has resulted in an increase in marine life.
Guest Enhancements at MSC’s Ocean Cay
As mentioned, there will be new excursion centers that will support island tours and watersports, a snorkel/dive center and some new food and beverage options.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has several different beaches. These include:
- Lighthouse Bay
- Sunset Beach
- Paradise Sands Beach
- South Beach
- Bimini Beach
- North Beach
- Ocean House Beach
Among the diverse areas on the island are:
- Lighthouse
- Beach Cabanas (south side of the island)
- The Spa at Ocean Cay
- The Beach Cabanas (north side of the island)
As for entertainment, guests have several options:
- Seakers Family Cove
- Ocean Cay Village & Marina
- Discover Scuba Diving Center
- Rental & Excursion Pavilion
- Welcome Pavilion
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve provides cruise passengers with a variety of activities. (Cindy Bertram Photo)
MSC Ships To Return After the Renovation
After the renovation efforts at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve are completed in late May, MSC Cruises ships will be returning there. These include the MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape and MSC Seashore. On selected sailings, some ships will overnight at Ocean Cay. Other itineraries will feature late-night departures, between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Guests staying in the onboard MSC Yacht Club can enjoy the island’s Ocean House Beach, a serene space with complimentary cabanas and other amenities.
There are several signature experiences there from day to night. One is the Ocean Cay Lighthouse Climb, where guests can make their way up 125 stairs for panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean. The LED Lighthouse Show, set to high-energy music, illuminates the night sky. Another event is the Beach Party.
More About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line, is the fastest growing cruise brand. In addition to sailing in Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East, it has a strong presence in the Caribbean and North America. The newest ship, the MSC World America, will be named at a special christening ceremony on April 9, 2025 at the line’s new PortMiami cruise terminal. Her sailings will include a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
All Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that depart from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral) and New York City (Brooklyn) include a visit to Ocean Cay. Enhancements underway at the island provide another reason to consider MSC when planning your next group cruise.
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By Cindy Bertram
Lead Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises
