Discover paradise: Ocean Cay is MSC’s Cruises’ private island getaway in the Caribbean

Looking for a beach vacation? Need an emergency escape from the working world for a few days? Want to get away?

Have you ever visited a private island paradise?

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve - MSC Seashore Today, we're taking an escape to a private island paradise! (Conrad Schutt)

Beaches at Ocean Cay Look at that! (AP Images)

Beaches at Ocean Cay How would you like to spend some quality time here? (AP Images)

Lighthouse at Ocean Cay Are you ready? (AP Images)

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Grab a drink... (Nelson Hicks)

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve as we take a ride around... (Nelson Hicks)

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. (AP Images)

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas. (AP Images)

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Just 60 nautical miles from the Florida coast sits a private island that offers snorkeling with marine life, treks to the top of a lighthouse, paddleboarding, massages, dance parties, a lighthouse light show, beaches, and plenty of fun. (Nelson Hicks)

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Ocean Cay is a marine reserve in the Bahamas, a 100-acre island surrounded by a 64-square-mile marine reserve. (Nelson Hicks)

Ocean Cay before Ocean Cay is a former industrial sand extraction site, and turning this former industrial site into a vacation destination was no small task. More than 7,000 tons of scrap metal had to be removed, 75,000 plants and shrubs had to be planted, and another 5,000 trees and palms were added. MSC spent nearly a decade working on the island before opening it to guests. In 2015, the company leased it from the Bahamian government for 100 years.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve How do you get there? There’s only one way—aboard an MSC cruise. Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island. Nearly all of the company’s cruises from Florida, whether from Port Canaveral or Miami, make an extended stop at Ocean Cay for the cruise line’s guests to enjoy all that this marine reserve offers. On many sailings, trips that include a stop at Ocean Cay are less than $100 per night and include food, entertainment and more, in addition to your cabin. (AP Images)

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve One of the top priorities for this private island paradise is sustainable tourism—offering guests a unique experience while benefiting the environment. MSC offers plenty of opportunities for guests to interact with nature while experiencing the sheer beauty of this island getaway. That can happen through snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, taking a float, or just touring the island by foot. (Michel Verdure)

Beaches at Ocean Cay In addition, MSC has undertaken a massive Super Coral Project, aiming to help replenish the waters around the Bahamas with coral that thrives in rising ocean temperatures. This project allows Ocean Cay to serve as a hub for marine biologists to conduct scientific research, with the vision of sharing findings with researchers globally to help repopulate the world’s oceans. (AP Images)

Ocean Cay While the company has visions of aiding oceans globally with its research, it doesn’t take much research to know that guests love to have fun and relax on vacation.

Beaches at Ocean Cay That’s an easy mission to accomplish on Ocean Cay. With many of the cruise line’s cruises spending the night at Ocean Cay, guests will have ample opportunity to relax on the beach by day and party it up on the beach at night. (AP Images)

Beaches at Ocean Cay What is there to do at Ocean Cay? Here are 5 things to enjoy on a private island visit. (AP Images)

Beaches at Ocean Cay A Day at the Beach: Ocean Cay offers 8 different beaches, each with its unique charm. Hang near the ship at Lighthouse Bay to enjoy a day filled with activities, energy, and fun. It’s right next to the ship’s dock and stays busy. Head to South Beach, a lagoon-facing beach featuring calmer waters, perfect for family time. Sunset Beach, the island’s longest, offers a great spot to catch some rays or take a walk. Guests can make the trek to Bimini Beach, on the opposite side of the island from the ship, offering a peaceful and relaxing beach day where beachgoers might wake up from a nap and find they have the beach to themselves. (AP Images)

Things to do at Ocean Cay Snorkeling and Water Adventures: Throw on a snorkel mask and head into the waters surrounding Ocean Cay. Explore a vibrant underwater world with various fish, sea turtles, coral, and more. After a snorkeling adventure, climb aboard a kayak, or paddleboard, or take control of a jet ski for a thrilling watersports outing. (AP Images)

Lighthouse at Ocean Cay Experience the Lighthouse: Yes, there’s a lighthouse on Ocean Cay, but this isn’t your ordinary lighthouse. Climb 165 steps to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of both Ocean Cay and its surrounding waters. If the thought of climbing stairs is no vacation at all, pull up a chair at the lighthouse bar next to it and enjoy your views. What makes the lighthouse on Ocean Cay unique? It’s a multimedia lighthouse, covered in 14,000 LED lights that can withstand the weather. When day turns to night, push the power button, and a one-of-a-kind light show ensues. There’s a street parade and dance party on the beach at night too. (Conrad Schutt)

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Watch the Sunset: When was the last time you watched the sunset? You have time for that on a trip to Ocean Cay. Grab a seat, maybe a drink or two, and watch as the sun marks the end of another day of vacation. If your world is filled with constant craziness, this will surely provide a welcome opportunity to slow down. If you’re game and only had a drink or two (not five or six), wake up early the next morning and enjoy a sunrise too. There is truly something indescribable about watching the sun rise and fall over the ocean waters. (Nelson Hicks)

Spa at Ocean Cay A Day to Do You: Do you enjoy exercising? Skip the treadmill and take a jog around this private island paradise. Are you an adventurer? Explore the island by foot and see what interesting finds you make. Like being pampered on vacation? Get a massage on the beach. Does your perfect vacation include a piña colada? Set up shop at one of the island’s many bars. Your days at home are packed with things to do and people to see. Some vacations are planned to a T, with activities from sunup to sundown and then some. A trip to MSC’s Ocean Cay provides a chance to do whatever makes you happy. Enjoy the time away. (Gary James)

Lighthouse at Ocean Cay Check out a cruise aboard MSC to experience the private island paradise that is Ocean Cay. (AP Images)

Things to do at Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Conrad Schutt)

Things to do at Ocean Cay 6 December 2019, MSC Seaside's call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve © AP Images for MSC Cruises (AP Images)

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve - MSC Seashore MSC Seashore's first call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve - Photo credit Conrad Schutt (Conrad Schutt)

Ocean Cay Conservation Center Pierfrancesco Vago, Chair of the Executive Committee and Board Member, MSC Foundation, welcomes attendees to the ground-breaking of the Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas on November 18, 2021.(James McEntee/AP Images for MSC Cruises) (James McEntee)

Ocean Cay Conservation Center The Hon. Philip Edward Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and Pierfrancesco Vago, Chair of the Executive Committee and Board Member, MSC Foundation, at the ground-breaking of the Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas on November 18, 2021. (James McEntee/AP Images for MSC Cruises)

Yacht Club at Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Michel Verdure)

Yacht Club at Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve - Cabana for MSC Yacht Club guests only

Yacht Club at Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Michel Verdure)

Places to grab drink, food on Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Michel Verdure)

Places to grab drink, food on Ocean Cay 6 December 2019, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve © AP Images for MSC Cruises (AP Images)

Lighthouse at Ocean Cay Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Gary James)

Lighthouse at Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Photo credit: Conrad Schutt (Conrad Schutt)

Lighthouse at Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve - Credit Conrad Schutt (Conrad Schutt)

Spa at Ocean Cay Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Michel Verdure)

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Here are some more photos from Ocean Cay, MSC's private island. (Nelson Hicks)

Just 60 nautical miles from the Florida coast sits a private island that offers snorkeling with marine life, treks to the top of a lighthouse, paddleboarding, massages, dance parties, a lighthouse light show, beaches, and plenty of fun.

Ocean Cay: A Marine Haven

Ocean Cay is a marine reserve in the Bahamas, a 100-acre island surrounded by a 64-square-mile marine reserve.

Getting There with MSC Cruises

How do you get there? There’s only one way—aboard an MSC cruise. Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island. Nearly all of the company’s cruises from Florida, whether from Port Canaveral or Miami, make an extended stop at Ocean Cay for the cruise line’s guests to enjoy all that this marine reserve offers.

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Transforming Industry to Vacation Destination

Ocean Cay is a former industrial sand extraction site, and turning this former industrial site into a vacation destination was no small task. More than 7,000 tons of scrap metal had to be removed, 75,000 plants and shrubs had to be planted, and another 5,000 trees and palms were added. MSC spent nearly a decade working on the island before opening it to guests. In 2015, the company leased it from the Bahamian government for 100 years.

Sustainable Tourism at its Core

One of the top priorities for this private island paradise is sustainable tourism—offering guests a unique experience while benefiting the environment. MSC offers plenty of opportunities for guests to interact with nature while experiencing the sheer beauty of this island getaway. That can happen through snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, taking a float, or just touring the island by foot.

In addition, MSC has undertaken a massive Super Coral Project, aiming to help replenish the waters around the Bahamas with coral that thrives in rising ocean temperatures. This project allows Ocean Cay to serve as a hub for marine biologists to conduct scientific research, with the vision of sharing findings with researchers globally to help repopulate the world’s oceans.

Fun and Relaxation on Ocean Cay

While the company has visions of aiding oceans globally with its research, it doesn’t take much research to know that guests love to have fun and relax on vacation.

That’s an easy mission to accomplish on Ocean Cay. With many of the cruise line’s cruises spending the night at Ocean Cay, guests will have ample opportunity to relax on the beach by day and party it up on the beach at night.

This browser does not support the video element.

What is there to do at Ocean Cay? Here are 5 things to enjoy on a private island visit.

A Day at the Beach: Ocean Cay offers 8 different beaches, each with its unique charm. Hang near the ship at Lighthouse Bay to enjoy a day filled with activities, energy, and fun. It’s right next to the ship’s dock and stays busy. Head to South Beach, a lagoon-facing beach featuring calmer waters, perfect for family time. Sunset Beach, the island’s longest, offers a great spot to catch some rays or take a walk. Guests can make the trek to Bimini Beach, on the opposite side of the island from the ship, offering a peaceful and relaxing beach day where beachgoers might wake up from a nap and find they have the beach to themselves.
Snorkeling and Water Adventures: Throw on a snorkel mask and head into the waters surrounding Ocean Cay. Explore a vibrant underwater world with various fish, sea turtles, coral, and more. After a snorkeling adventure, climb aboard a kayak, or paddleboard, or take control of a jet ski for a thrilling watersports outing.
Experience the Lighthouse: Yes, there’s a lighthouse on Ocean Cay, but this isn’t your ordinary lighthouse. Climb 165 steps to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of both Ocean Cay and its surrounding waters. If the thought of climbing stairs is no vacation at all, pull up a chair at the lighthouse bar next to it and enjoy your views. What makes the lighthouse on Ocean Cay unique? It’s a multimedia lighthouse, covered in 14,000 LED lights that can withstand the weather. When day turns to night, push the power button, and a one-of-a-kind light show ensues. There’s a street parade and dance party on the beach at night too.
Watch the Sunset: When was the last time you watched the sunset? You have time for that on a trip to Ocean Cay. Grab a seat, maybe a drink or two, and watch as the sun marks the end of another day of vacation. If your world is filled with constant craziness, this will surely provide a welcome opportunity to slow down. If you’re game and only had a drink or two (not five or six), wake up early the next morning and enjoy a sunrise too. There is truly something indescribable about watching the sun rise and fall over the ocean waters.
A Day to Do You: Do you enjoy exercising? Skip the treadmill and take a jog around this private island paradise. Are you an adventurer? Explore the island by foot and see what interesting finds you make. Like being pampered on vacation? Get a massage on the beach. Does your perfect vacation include a piña colada? Set up shop at one of the island’s many bars. Your days at home are packed with things to do and people to see. Some vacations are planned to a “T,” with activities from sunup to sundown and then some. A trip to MSC’s Ocean Cay provides a chance to do whatever makes you happy. Enjoy the time away.

Check out a cruise aboard MSC to experience the private island paradise that is Ocean Cay.

MSC Meraviglia We're hitting the open waters for a cruise aboard the MSC Meraviglia. (Conrad Schutt)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Looking for some great fun... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia amazing sunsets... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia cold drinks... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia great food... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia time at the beach... (Nelson Hicks)

MSC Meraviglia adventure... (Ivan Sarfatti)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia maybe some dancing... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia dessert... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia without breaking the bank? (Nelson Hicks)

MSC Meraviglia Then a cruise aboard the MSC Meraviglia might be just what the doctor ordered! (Ivan Sarfatti)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia MSC is one of the newer cruise lines, having been founded in 1988. For seven years, MSC Cruises featured just two ships. In 1995, the company added two more ships. While the line offered a number of cruises throughout Europe, the line remained relatively unknown to United States cruisers for another 20 years. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia But that’s changing. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia With prices starting around $50 per person per night, it's hard to beat the deal a cruise offers. That includes food, entertainment, activities, your room and more. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia There are some things that cost extra like alcohol and sodas, some dining experiences, visits to the spa and excursions in the port, but those are all optional. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia One of the stops on this cruise was Nassau in the Bahamas. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Everyone has to visit the Straw Market on a trip. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Senor Frogs is there, too. (Nelson Hicks)

MSC Meraviglia MSC is now the fourth-largest cruise line in the world. And the company runs several ships out of a few Eastern U.S. ports including Miami and New York. (Ivan Sarfatti)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia WSBTV.com's Nelson Hicks recently set sail with MSC. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia When I searched what cruises were available, I encountered an unfamiliar name: MSC Cruises. The cruise line offered a four-night cruise that lined up perfectly with my available dates, it set sail from Port Canaveral so I didn't have to fly or drive to Miami and the price was unbeatable. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia What a trip! (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia From the activities around the pool deck to the nightly dance parties to the theme nights to the food and drinks to the ease of embarkation and debarkation, it was a great new experience. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia The cruise visited Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which is MSC’s private island, in addition to Nassau, on our journey. Private islands are always a lot of fun and the bonus for Ocean Cay was that the food on the island was included with your cruise fare and if you purchased a beverage package for the cruise, it worked on the island as well. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia And this was a first for me...the cruise ship stayed at the port overnight. So guests had two days to enjoy the beaches... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia and everything there was to do on Ocean Cay. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia There were two light shows at the lighthouse on the island as well as beach parties at night. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia One thing cruisers do is eat. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia It's always meal time on a cruise ship! (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia And those meals come with... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Some pretty amazing views! (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia There are a dozen different places to grab a bite to eat aboard the MSC Meraviglia. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Some are included with your cruise, and like most of the other cruise lines, they do offer a few speciality restaurants that are offered for a surcharge. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia I tried Butcher's Cut. It's a steakhouse and the food was incredible! (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Here’s something to note before you go. MSC Cruises will match your loyalty status with other cruise lines. But here’s the part that will benefit most travelers: the company will match your status from hotels, airlines and tour operators, too. I’m a diamond member through Hilton. I filled out the status match form on the MSC website, about six hours later, I received a response. My status had been matched and I was a diamond member with MSC, the company’s highest loyalty level. That entitled our group to priority boarding, a free dinner for two at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants, an hour in the spa, a bottle of champagne and more. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Yes! (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia The cruise line offers the traditional cruise line options like inside cabins, balcony rooms and suites but the line also offers an upgraded experience. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia It's called the Yacht Club. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia And it includes some incredible perks. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia It's a very different experience. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia The Yacht Club on the MSC Meraviglia has its own restaurant, lounge, pool, cabins, bar, deck and more. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia The food and service offered in the Yacht Club rivals that of a five-star resort. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia You're on the cruise ship with everyone else... (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia but it's a totally different experience. (Nelson Hicks)

MSC Meraviglia Look at this suite aboard the MSC Meraviglia! It's the MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite... (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia and the MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite includes an outrageous balcony! (Ivan Sarfatti)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia The cruise line cruises out of Port Canaveral, Miami and New York in the United States. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia But the cruise line offers cruises all around the world. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Check out msccruisesusa.com for more. (Nelson Hicks)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Galleria Meraviglia (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, MSC Aurea Spa Reception (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Polar Aquapark and Himalyan Bridge (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Infinity Atrium (Nina Struve)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, F1 Simulator (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Kaito Sushi Bar (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Horizon Amphitheatre and Horizon Pool (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Infinity Atrium (Nina Struve)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Butcher's Cut (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Bamboo Pool (Ivan Sarfatti)

MSC Meraviglia MSC Meraviglia, Broadway Theatre (Ivan Sarfatti)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Here are some more photos from a recent cruise aboard the MSC Meraviglia. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia Here are some more photos from a recent cruise aboard the MSC Meraviglia. (Nelson Hicks)

Aboard the MSC Meraviglia

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