My Time at Ocean Cay; MSC Cruise Lines Marine Reserve.

Ocean Cay is a private island in Bahamas owned by MSC Cruises. In 2015 the Italian based company announced its plans to buy a small island in the Bahamas. MSC negotiated with Bahamas Government to build an exclusive cruise port in the Caribbean.

I first visited the island during my Spring 2023 sailing, where we enjoyed an overnight stay, and I cannot wait to be back this fall for my November 6 night Caribbean cruise.

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All Caribbean and Bahamas cruises sail from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and New York City (Brooklyn) include a visit to Ocean Cay, which is exclusive to MSC Cruises guests. Many itineraries like the one I sailed on in the spring include late-night and overnight stays for more time to enjoy all the island has to offer.

Arrival at Ocean Cay

Pulling into dock was a site to see, the beautiful waters and white sand was picture perfect, I spent all my time outside my balcony just taking it all in. Once ashore, I was immersed in the island’s beauty and found that even though the island is smaller and more secluded than other islands I had been to, there was still so much to do and plenty to keep me busy for the day. Whether it’s beach relaxation, marine life, or water sports I found plenty of activities to enjoy.

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Beaches at Ocean Cay

Lagoon Beach is nestled amidst greenery and crystal blue waters, the lagoon provides a peaceful swimming area within a natural setting. We enjoyed the calm waters here as well as lots of beautiful marine life.

Lighthouse Bay: This area is near the icon of the island, the lighthouse. The bay offers a picturesque setting for those who want to enjoy the beach all day. We found the softest sand and clear blue water here, all while enjoying stunning views of the island and being up close to the beautiful ship we sailed in on.

Sunset Beach offers the most amazing views at night; the sunset was incredible! It is a romantic and peaceful spot for cruise goers to enjoy. Complimentary lounge chairs are available with more shade than other spots on the island. The beach is a little more rocky than other areas.

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Food at Ocean Cay

Seakers Food Court

Sneakers Food Court offered a wide selection of beachside grill options, with items like seafood, burgers, sandwiches salads, and more. It’s a casual and fun setting that offers something for everyone, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Lunch was served from 11:30am-2pm on our sailing.

There are several beach bars and food trucks all throughout the island serving your usual beverages, tropical cocktails, and snacks. Wherever we went on the island we were able to grab a snack a drink and relax.

Bars at Ocean Cay
If you’ve purchased an MSC Cruises beverage package that works on the ship, you’ll be happy to know that it also works on Ocean Cay. This allowed us to enjoy all the drinks, including alcoholic beverages, while on the island without having to worry about additional charges. The same rules apply on the island as they do on the ship, so you’ll need to show your key card to receive your drinks.

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Ocean Cay Village at MSC Ocean Cay offers great shopping experiences as well, we were pleasantly surprised at how spacious, clean and vibrant the shops were. The village features a selection of shops and boutiques where we found the typical beach necessities as well as locally made keep sakes and crafts, jewelry and clothing.

Transportation Around Ocean Cay

At MSC Ocean Cay, transportation within the island was very convenient and easily accessible for guests, even my husband who uses a wheel chair. The island is relatively compact, which made the day easy for exploring along the beaches, pathways, and trails, taking in the natural beauty of the island.

For guests with mobility concerns or if you’re just not in the mood to walk around, complimentary tram service is available to transport guests around the island. The trams provided us with transportation between different areas of MSC Ocean Cay, making it easy to access the various beaches, dining venues, entertainment areas, and amenities.

Additionally, MSC Ocean Cay offers beach wagons and beach wheelchairs, providing accessibility options for visitors with special needs or limited mobility. These equipment options ensure that everyone can fully enjoy and experience the island’s offerings.

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If you want to learn more about MSC Ocean Cay or it’s cruise ships, contact our Wonderland and Beyond Travel advisors! Take advantage of FREE drinks and Wi-Fi packages and book your MSC vacation!

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