A number of in style cruise traces provide non-public island locations solely for friends. Whereas some are fully non-public islands, others are extra like seashore resorts. MSC’s non-public island, nonetheless, is a bit totally different from the remaining. MSC has labored to revive the coral reefs surrounding the island, and just lately opened a Marine Conservation Middle.

As well as, in contrast to different cruise traces, MSC usually spends late hours and even in a single day at its non-public vacation spot. You will 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 most likely 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 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 situated 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 sizzling there, it could be cooler than you’d count on within the winter.

Throughout our April crusing, the climate at Ocean Cay was completely good. It was sunny, with a really mild wind and minimal clouds within the sky.

Excursions and Different Issues to Do on Ocean Cay

Whilst you can return to the ship should you forgot one thing, it is all the time greatest to convey alongside all the pieces you may want for the day. It will embody sunscreen, a showering swimsuit, seashore toys/provides, a ebook to learn, and your key card. Additionally, convey the towels out of your room – you possibly can change them for contemporary towels on the island.

If in case you have bought a Wi-Fi bundle in 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, concurrently the launch of MSC World America. Company 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 could 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 price venturing to the island to expertise.

The Spa at Ocean Cay

Spa companies can be found on Ocean Cay by means of the Spa at Ocean Cay. Take pleasure in a therapeutic massage proper by the ocean – however be sure you ebook your expertise as early as potential for probably the most availability. Yoga can also be supplied – test the schedule to see the instances.

Excursions on Ocean Cay

For the most effective availability, excursions on MSC Ocean Cay ought to be booked upfront. These are supplied for a further price. Nevertheless, even should you do not ebook an tour or cabana, there are many seashore chairs to take pleasure in a seashore day at Ocean Cay. There are complimentary umbrellas on Lighthouse Seashore, or you possibly can hire one.

Some actions and sports activities are additionally accessible on the island, however Ocean Cay does not embody 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 affords a number of nice seashores for friends to expertise. Throughout our go to, we determined to spend a while on the seashore, and I cherished the gorgeous, mushy sand and lovely turquoise water.

You possibly can stroll to the seashores, or a tram can also be accessible. The Ocean Cay seashores embody:

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

Meals on Ocean Cay

There is no must return to the ship for lunch – Ocean Cay affords a number of totally different eating venues the place you may get lunch. Lunch choices embody:

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

Seashore Shack Meals Vehicles: A number of of those meals vehicles are situated 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 affords the most effective purchasing 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 would suggest that you just spend a while visiting the retailers throughout your time at Ocean Cay. They do not settle for bank cards, so you will need to have a card on file in your MSC cruise and pay together with your key card.