Embarking on a cruise is not just about the journey across the open seas, it’s also about the destinations that await. One of the unique experiences many cruise lines offer is a stop at their private island, where the line’s services are blended with the natural beauty and tranquility of a secluded paradise.

Whether it’s Disney’s Castaway Cay, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, or MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay, these exclusive havens serve as a serene sanctuary, where passengers can enjoy pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a multitude of activities curated to offer the ultimate in relaxation and adventure.

Stepping foot on a cruise line’s private island, you will find an immersive experience that marries the luxury of a cruise vacation with the allure of a tropical getaway. However, each island is unique in its own way. Some offer a serene experience designed for relaxation while others are designed like a giant waterpark with activities to keep kids and adults busy the entire time.

In this article, I’ll focus on the newest private island, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. This man-made island is located in the Bimini chain of islands in the Bahamas and has a unique history, which is intrinsically tied to industrial efforts and then transformed into a tourist destination.

The origins of Ocean Cay date back to the late 1960s when the Arimet Company requested permission from the Bahamian government to dredge the seabed for aragonite, a special type of sand that’s found in abundance in the waters of the Bahamas and is highly valued in construction and glass production. In 1970, the government granted permission, and the creation of Ocean Cay began.

The dredging process, which involved extracting aragonite from the seabed, resulted in the accumulation of sand, which over the years, formed the island that is now known as Ocean Cay. By the mid-1970s, a full-scale mining operation was underway on the island, and it became one of the primary sources of aragonite in the region. It was during this time that some basic infrastructure was built on the island, including warehouses and housing for the workers.

The mining operations continued for several decades until environmental concerns and shifts in market demands led to a decrease in activity. As the need for aragonite fell, the island fell into disrepair, its facilities becoming dilapidated and the surrounding marine ecosystem suffering from years of industrial activity.

In the early 21st century, with the decline of the mining operation, the island was left virtually abandoned. However, in 2015, the executive chairman at MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago, secured a 100-year lease with the Bahamian government after seeing the potential the island had for their cruise guests.

With a budget of $200 million, MSC set out on a large-scale environmental restoration project, to transform Ocean Cay into a marine reserve and private island destination for its passengers. The massive project started off with cleanup efforts to rid the island of all the remnants left from the old mining operation to start fresh.

Arimet’s old buildings were replaced with sustainable, modern structures designed to accommodate tourists. New palm trees were planted, and sandy beaches were carefully manicured. The transformation project also included efforts to restore and preserve the surrounding marine ecosystem, creating a flourishing haven for a variety of local Bahamian plants and wildlife.

A three-part documentary called “Marine Reboot: Building Paradise Island” by James Redgate is available to watch for free on Tubi and covers everything from the cleanup process and conservation efforts to achieve marine reserve status, to the construction of the resort itself.

Ocean Cay officially welcomed the first MSC cruise ship on December 5, 2019, a little behind schedule due to Hurricane Dorian that swept thru the area but has since been delighting guests visiting this little piece of paradise.

I have been to Ocean Cay a half-dozen times, both for single-day and overnight visits, and while many parts of the area are still developing, it is a favorite port-of-call for me. So let’s dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ocean Cay

Do I need to take a tender boat to reach Ocean Cay?

Nope, you don’t! MSC has built a pier right at Ocean Cay, allowing their ships to dock directly at the island. This means no more fiddling with tender boats, you just stroll right off the ship, and voila, you’re on the island. The pier is large enough even for their biggest ships.

How many ships can dock at Ocean Cay at one time?

One of the perks of Ocean Cay is that the pier accommodates just one ship at a time. This means it’ll just be you and your fellow passengers on the island, leaving plenty of space for you to spread out and enjoy the many beaches.

How many beaches are on Ocean Cay?

Ocean Cay is home to eight beaches. Among these, the three main ones have lifeguards on duty:

• Lighthouse Bay: Closest to the ship, it has a food truck, beach seating with umbrellas, and it’s close to Lighthouse Bar. If you’re staying overnight, this is where the beach party with a DJ happens. It tends to get crowded quickly, so get there early if you prefer this spot.
• North Beach: Is along the island’s lagoon.
• South Beach: Is along the island’s lagoon, is the largest of the beaches, and is closest to the food court.  The majority of the cabanas you can rent are along South Beach.
• Bimini Beach: Faces both the ocean side and lagoon side of the island and is nearest to the restaurant for those staying in Yacht Club accommodations.
• Paradise Sands Beach: The beach the farthest away from everything, but closets to the Wedding Chapel.
• Sunset Beach: Faces the ocean and is a fairly secluded and quiet beach area.
• Family Lagoon Beach: This is a small beach that is reserved for families and is along the lagoon.
• Crew Beach: For the ship’s crew who get shore leave, a beach is reserved especially for them!

Are there pools or waterslides on Ocean Cay?

No, there aren’t. As a Marine Reserve, Ocean Cay is designed to highlight the island’s natural beauty. You won’t find pools or waterslides, but there’s plenty of beach space on both the ocean and lagoon sides.

What activities are there on Ocean Cay?

Ocean Cay offers a range of activities. You can rent wave runners, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks. You can also sign up for a lighthouse tour. If you’re staying overnight, there’s a Junkanoo parade, a beach party at sunset, and a light show on the lighthouse.   There are also gift shops, a spa, and a wedding chapel on the island.  However, remember that activities are limited, Ocean Cay is more about relaxation than constant action.

Are there cabanas on Ocean Cay?

Yes, there are! Cabanas can accommodate up to 6 people, and offer a nice space to chill out. Inside, they’re pretty basic with a couch, loungers, a cooler with water, floating mats, and towels. All cabanas are placed around the lagoon-side beaches, with none on the ocean side. Prices start at $249 per day. Note that there’s no butler service and the cabanas don’t have bathrooms or showers.

What food and beverage options are on Ocean Cay?

The main food area is Seaker’s Food Court, offering a variety of dishes buffet style. Be prepared for long lines. There are also food trucks and bars around the island, and even an ice cream stand. If you have a beverage package, drinks are included, as is the food at Seaker’s and select food trucks. If you’re staying in Yacht Club accommodations, there’s a separate restaurant for you.

Is there WiFi on Ocean Cay?

Yes, there is! If you’ve bought a WiFi package for the ship, it extends to Ocean Cay, though coverage can be patchy in places. You’ll need to log out from the ship’s WiFi before you set off for Ocean Cay, and log back in when you’re on the island, and vice versa when you leave.

Do all cruises stay overnight on Ocean Cay?

No, not all. Depending on your cruise, you might have a single day or an overnight stay at Ocean Cay. If you’re staying overnight, all guests usually must be back on the ship by 11:00 pm. The next day, you’ll have some time to spend on the island before setting sail again.

Does weather impact the ability to visit Ocean Cay?

Indeed, it does. If the weather turns sour with strong winds, heavy seas, or storms, your visit to Ocean Cay could be canceled or delayed. The captain has to prioritize the safety of passengers, crew, and the ship. So, while it’s disappointing when a port call gets canceled, remember that it’s all about keeping everyone safe.

Overall, Ocean Cay is the most relaxed of all the cruise line private islands and is a work in progress as MSC continues to expand and refine the offerings available.