MSC Cruises has announced that it will creative a new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve located in the Bahamas. The exclusive new project was launched on December 16 in the Nassau with Prime Minister Perry Christie and MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago. A 100-year lease agreement was signed between the two parties.
MSC Cruises will invest around 200 million Euros in the new island resort and will work together with ecologists and the government. The ocean Cay experience could rival other cruise line private islands in the region including Carnival’s popular Half Moon Cay, Disney’s Castaway Cay, Royal Caribbean’s CoCo Cay and Princess Cruises Princess Cays.
MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago commented:
“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and its exclusive offerings will be a magnificent extension of our shipboard experiences. We ensure every decision we make keeps each of our ships true to the promise of our brand, offering the authenticity and quality our guests expect.
This is what made us the leading brand in many of the markets we operate, including across Europe, South America and South Africa. We will apply the same thinking and attention to detail to our Caribbean offering, of which this exclusive marine reserve will become a cornerstone, because we know our guests will be amazed by this industry-unique experience.”
The new Ocean Cay will be 95-acres in size and with 11,400 feet of pristine beachfront spread across six distinct beaches. There will be a purpose-built berth and pier right on the seafront so guests will not have to tender from the ship like on other cruise line islands. A large 2,000-seat amphitheatre along with many bars and restaurants will be featured. Even the ship’s services including the Casino will stay open while docked at Ocean Cay.
The island will have an exclusive area for MSC Yacht Club guests which will include spa and wellness sanctuary as well as private bungalows and massage huts. This exclusive area will be located at the northwest corner of the island. Everything will have easy access thanks to plenty of walking and running paths throughout the island.
A zip-line to keep guests thrilled will be featured along with an exotic Caribbean beach for families and kids. There will also be a inland lagoon for absolute tranquillity, kids play areas and a pavilion for weddings and celebrations.
MSC Cruises plans to break ground on the development in March 2016 and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will open to guests in December 2017. We can expect the cruise lines upcoming MSC Seaside which is launching in December and sailing out of PortMiami to call at Ocean Cay.
