Information to the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Non-public Island

A number of widespread cruise traces provide non-public island locations solely for friends. Whereas some are utterly non-public islands, others are extra like seaside resorts. MSC’s non-public island, nonetheless, is a bit completely different from the remainder. MSC has labored to revive the coral reefs surrounding the island, and lately opened a Marine Conservation Middle.

As well as, not like different cruise traces, MSC usually spends late hours and even in a single day at its non-public vacation spot. You may 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 further.

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 non-public 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 overview. 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 is just not too removed from the coast of Miami, however it’s additional north than the Caribbean islands. Test the climate earlier than you go, as a result of whereas it’s nonetheless scorching 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 mild wind and minimal clouds within the sky.

Excursions and Different Issues to Do on Ocean Cay

When you can return to the ship should you forgot one thing, it is all the time finest to carry alongside all the pieces you may want for the day. This may embrace sunscreen, a washing go well with, seaside toys/provides, a e-book to learn, and your key card. Additionally, carry the towels out of your room – you possibly can alternate them for recent towels on the island.

When you’ve got bought a Wi-Fi bundle on your crusing, you possibly can entry Wi-Fi whereas on Ocean Cay. It is a separate community, however is included in your bundle.

Marine Conservation Middle

The Marine Conservation Middle opened in April 2025, similtaneously the launch of MSC World America. Friends can go to the welcome hub and discovery heart, take a guided tour, expertise the interactive displays, 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 mild reveals 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 by means of the Spa at Ocean Cay. Get pleasure from a therapeutic massage proper by the ocean – however make sure you e-book your expertise as early as potential for essentially the most availability. Yoga can be provided – test the schedule to see the instances.

Excursions on Ocean Cay

For the perfect availability, excursions on MSC Ocean Cay ought to be booked upfront. These are provided for a further price. Nonetheless, even should you 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 Seaside, or you possibly can hire one.

Some actions and sports activities are additionally obtainable on the island, however Ocean Cay would not embrace a children’ membership. Test 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 gives a number of nice seashores for friends to expertise. Throughout our go to, we determined to spend a while on the seaside, and I liked the gorgeous, comfortable sand and lovely turquoise water.

You possibly can stroll to the seashores, or a tram can be obtainable. The Ocean Cay seashores embrace:

• Ocean Home Seaside: A devoted MSC Yacht Membership seaside space
• Bimini Seaside
• Paradise Sands Seaside
• Sundown Seaside
• North Seaside
• South Seaside
• Lighthouse Bay Seaside: The seaside closest to the ship, which incorporates umbrellas and bean bag chairs

Meals on Ocean Cay

There isn’t any must return to the ship for lunch – Ocean Cay gives a number of completely different eating venues the place you will get lunch. Lunch choices embrace:

Seakers Meals Court docket: 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 considered one of these open-air bars. For those who’ve bought a drinks bundle on your crusing, it may be used in your MSC cruise.

Seaside Shack Meals Vehicles: 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).

Purchasing on Ocean Cay

For my part, Ocean Cay gives the perfect buying of all of the non-public islands and locations that I’ve visited. Along with MSC and MSC Ocean Cay-branded merchandise, you may discover retailers with native souvenirs and merchandise.

I might advocate that you simply spend a while visiting the retailers throughout your time at Ocean Cay. They do not settle for bank cards, so it’s essential to have a card on file in your MSC cruise and pay together with your key card.