The first guests have arrived at MSC Cruises’ new private island in the Bahamas named Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Ocean Cay Welcomes First Guests
After a delay, MSC Cruises’ new private island destination in the Bahamas has opened to the very first guests who arrived on the MSC Divina cruise ship. The vessel called to Ocean Cay during her 31-day transatlantic cruise which departed Genoa, Italy on November 5.
The environmentally friendly island which is a marine reserve has taken three years to develop from an industrial sand excavation site. 7,500 tons of scrap metal were removed and, throughout the clean-up process, a team of expert divers and marine biologists carefully removed individual hard coral colonies from debris on the ocean bed and relocated them to an approved location outside the construction area. More than 75,000 plants and shrubs planted across the island to create a biodiverse and sustainable environment.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said:
“Ocean Cay is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles – beliefs that shape everything from how venues are built, to how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island. Having the first guests arrive on the island is a moment of great pride for all of us at MSC Cruises. We wanted to create for our guests something sustainable, with a higher purpose. Ocean Cay is not just a vacation island, it is a unique marine reserve where people and nature thrive in harmony.”
Guests can now start to enjoy a full day at the exclusive port of call which includes plenty of excursions such as snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Relaxing goes further than just laying on the beach, guests can also have a Spa experience and even relax in a private cabana. There is arts and crafts shopping, complimentary food at Seakers Food Court or from one of six food trucks. Many bars are on the island and int he evening the atmosphere changes with a light show near the lighthouse.
Also Read: New Details Revealed on New Cruise Line Private Island in the Bahamas
In the coming months, MSC Cruises will also introduce a Conservation Center on the island, which will serve as an active base for coral education and research. Following the very first port of call by the MSC Divina, even more ships will also start calling to the private island including MSC Armonia, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia.
