At dawn, as the MSC Seascape approached Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises’ private island and marine reserve in the Bahamas, I crept onto the balcony.
It seemed inconceivable that this white-sand island, bustling with workers preparing beachgoers for the day, was once the site of industrial sand mining.
The sun rose red and I enjoyed a moment of crystal clear calm, when the Caribbean air was still soft and not yet scorching hot. We enjoyed our busy 7-day itinerary, but wanted to relax on our last day before disembarking in Miami.
“Customers love how the ship experience can easily be reinvented as a land-based experience on the island,” said Rainey Melnick, luxury travel expert at Rainey Melnick & Associates in Austin, Texas. ” he said. “For those feeling anxious about being in a foreign country, you can rest assured knowing there will be staff on board, meals served from the ship, and a variety of activities for adults and children alike.”
An iguana basking in the sun on a private island. Photo by Amanda Eyre Ward
Melnick noted that many airlines are working hard to offer private island destinations. “Royal Caribbean/Celebrity brands, Carnival/Princess/Holland America brands, and of course Disney have all done a great job with family-friendly private islands. “I mixed it up a little bit with clubbing in Bimini,” she said.
So what makes Ocean Cay MSC Marine Sanctuary different?
Commitment to nature
My three kids and I were easily disembarked and taken in a golf cart to the MSC Yacht Club’s beachfront cabanas, which were available for reservation. Although the passengers all appeared to be disembarking from the ship wearing sun hats and tropical resort wear, this island has a peaceful, rustic feel that is unlike any other private island I’ve visited. It’s noticeably different from the wild water parks and loud music. The pastel-colored cottage-style buildings, swaying palm trees, and seabirds create a peaceful atmosphere.
Ocean Cay is a 103-acre pristine island within 64 square miles of a rich marine reserve, home to more than 88 species of fish, lobsters, rays, and now even loggerhead sea turtles.
Activities and excursions range from watercraft to sunset cruises, but passengers expecting a waterpark should stay on board.
Tours and activities at Ocean Cay include kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours and rentals for personal adventures. Photo credit: Provided by MSC Cruises
cocktail and coral
I circled the island in a golf cart, checking out the eight beaches, Ocean Cay’s spa, artisan craft stores, bars, food trucks, and the main food hall. I walked with my 12-year-old daughter Nora, an animal rights activist, to the much-anticipated MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center.
Conservation biologist Owen O’Shea (left), who leads the MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center, and graduate student Kyle Moss. Photo by Amanda Eyre Ward
We were excited to see young scientists at work. Kyle Moss introduced himself as a Nassau native and a master’s student in marine biology at the University of Miami. Kyle was building a “reef star,” a steel structure to anchor young corals and monitor their growth and vulnerability to predation.
Conservation biologist Owen O’Shea, who heads the center, gave us a tour of the construction site. “This building is going to be a laboratory and a pump room,” O’Shea said. “It will include a theater, a welcome center and a land-based coral nursery where thousands of tiny coral babies will be raised and bred.”
He looked around proudly. “This is everything,” he said.
My daughter was completely transfixed. MSC Cruises has created a customer for life. Since we returned to Texas, Nora has talked to us about O’Shea, moss, and coral restoration.
Ocean Cay is undergoing a $100 million facility renovation that will add a second food hall, larger bar and expand swimming facilities at Ocean Cay Lagoon and Kids Lagoon. and is preparing for a visit from the new MSC World America. Construction on the island is expected to be completed in late March or early April.
Ocean Cay’s signature Lighthouse show is dazzling. Photo by Amanda Eyre Ward
Wave goodbye
Due to Ocean Cay’s proximity to Florida, MSC itineraries include long phone calls. As we set sail, the sky was dark and a bright moon could be seen in the night sky.
Ocean Cay’s signature Lighthouse show soon began. I watched the spectacular show from the deck of the yacht club. I found new friends I made during the cruise, a mother and daughter.
The Ocean Cay staff waved goodbye with their cell phone flashlights as if they were at a Taylor Swift concert. The passenger looked back at the light on his cell phone. It was unexpectedly moving. Silence fell over my friends and children. “Grandma would have loved this,” said one of my new friends.
“Yes,” her mother agreed. “Yes, she’ll love this.”
I smiled at the children. I loved it too.
