Having stepped onto the sands of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve several dozen times, I’ve seen this island through every stage of its life. I was there when it first opened in 2019, and I’ve watched it mature from a former industrial site into a thriving marine sanctuary. Over the years, I’ve cheered for the “much-needed” additions like the BoHo food court and more bars and food trucks, and have seen housing for the crew who live on the island double.
MSC Cruises has just announced the next phase of enhancements for Ocean Cay, and for those of us who visit regularly, these changes are very, very exciting! They manage to add more amenities and variety without turning the island into an “over-the-top” amusement park like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. It remains, first and foremost, a place to reconnect with nature.
Expanded Pier Means Two Ships at Once
Perhaps the most significant update is the extension of the island’s pier. Currently, Ocean Cay is a “one-ship” destination, but by late 2027, the pier will be able to accommodate two ships simultaneously. For guests, this is huge. It opens up more itinerary options, plus we all know the convenience of stepping off the ship directly to the beach without the hassle of tender boats.
Guest Experience Upgrades
The new upgrades are designed to cater to both families and those seeking the relaxation Ocean Cay is known for. As someone who has watched Seakers Family Cove finally open after all these years, it’s nice to see that it will soon feature a new splash pad, a dedicated playground, and even a ropes course with water elements.
On the flip side, MSC is introducing Paradise Sands, a dedicated retreat for adults. This area is designed for relaxation by day and will transform into a sunset cocktail spot in the evening. Combined with a greater variety of rental cabanas across the island’s eight beaches, the private island experience is becoming much more customizable for cruisers of all ages.
More Dining Options
If you’ve ever felt the lines at the buffets were a bit long at lunchtime, the new plans address that head-on. MSC is expanding the island’s dining options to a total of seven dining venues. This includes four brand-new experiences: a signature specialty restaurant, even more buffets, and food market options.
But the mission of Ocean Cay remains the same – conservation. The new MSC Foundation “Shifting Perspective” Experience will allow guests to go beyond just beaching it for the day. You’ll be able to see the coral restoration work firsthand through immersive scientific discovery labs and interactive pavilions. It’s a reminder that while we’re there to relax, we’re also guests in a delicate ecosystem that MSC has worked tirelessly to protect since opening in 2019.
Whether you’re climbing the lighthouse for that 360-degree view or relaxing on the white sands of Bimini Beach, the future of Ocean Cay looks amazing, and I can’t wait to see all these enhancements coming soon.