Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Cruise
Exclusive to MSC Cruises
Best New Cruise Destination The Points Guy Editors' Choice Awards
Unlock the best of life in The Bahamas on Ocean Cay, where dreamy beachscapes are just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
Searching for paradise? Look no further than Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a blissful getaway located in a truly spectacular Bahamian setting. Prepare to be warmly welcomed by impossibly beautiful beach vistas before being soundly swept off your feet by a host of other island charms.
As MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay offers an indulgent escape for all, tucked into a peaceful pocket of the Atlantic Ocean. Settle into an easy-going pace and start enjoying yourself with watersports, beach time or rejuvenating treatments at the luxurious spa.
Wander over two miles of white-sand beaches, or just pick a spot and lounge the day away, enjoying the sunshine and ocean views. Refuel and refresh with a snack from one of the island’s food trucks or a cool drink from one of the beach bars.
Best cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
EXPLORE THE ISLAND
Step onto an island that is like no other in the world
Get set to discover the ultimate place to unwind amid abundant natural beauty.
Step onto an island that is like no other in the world
Get set to discover the ultimate place to unwind amid abundant natural beauty, take a look around the 360 virtual tour
SO MUCH MORE THAN A BEACH DAY
WELLNESS, WATERSPORTS OR FAMILY FUN? PLAN YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY.
From thrilling water sports to relaxing wellness experiences, from LEGO® challenges to immersive Augmented Reality (AR) games, there’s entertainment for all ages.
Guests can now enjoy more dining venues, upgraded family and adult beaches, additional cabanas for luxury relaxation, and the immersive MSC Foundation “Shifting Perspective” marine conservation experience.
These exclusive experiences are only available on Ocean Cay, just for MSC guests.
As you arrive at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, eight pristine beaches stretch across two miles of white sand, each offering a different experience. From sunset views at Sunset Beach to swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters of North and South Beach, every shore invites relaxation and connection with nature. Seakers Cove Family Beach now features a kid’s playground, splashpad, ropes course, and games like ping-pong and foosball, creating fun for the whole family. Paradise Sands offers adults a peaceful retreat by day and a perfect sunset cocktail spot in the evening. Lighthouse Bay Beach features iconic lighthouse views, cosy seating, and fire pits. Bimini Beach and the exclusive Ocean House Beach for MSC Yacht Club guests complete a beach for every occasion.
To deepen your connection with the island, discover Ocean Cay’s conservation story through a new Augmented Reality (AR) treasure hunt, or take part in the MSC Foundation “Shifting Perspective” Experience to explore marine conservation hands-on – from coral restoration and scientific discovery to interactive exploration of ocean ecosystems.
A visit to Ocean Cay can be whatever you want it to be – but it should almost certainly include time for relaxation. And what better place to truly relax than the island’s premium spa? Here, unwind in gentle surroundings, made even more special by the gorgeous views of the beach, just metres away.
Treat yourself to some professional pampering by booking a massage, choosing from a range of Swedish massages to soothe or a sports-style massage to reinvigorate tired muscles. Eco-friendly skincare products help elevate the experience, which takes place in a beachside cabana, transporting you further away from everyday stresses and further toward Bahamian bliss.
For something a little different but just as rewarding, try sunset yoga and discover why perfecting your downward dog on the beach – while hearing ocean waves softly lapping beside you – is something you’ll never forget.
What could be more comfortable than kicking back in a cabana and enjoying the peaceful surroundings? On Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, you won’t have to look far to find that level of ultimate comfort, since cabanas are in abundance on the island.
In fact, the island now offers an even greater variety of cabanas, giving guests more choice and opportunities for luxury relaxation.
Guests will find these cosy structures (a kind of cross between an open beach hut and a sun shelter) for hire on the North, South and Bimini beaches, just waiting to be lounged in. Once you’ve picked and hired your chosen cabana, make your way inside and relax on comfy, cushioned furniture that invites long lingering.
But your cabana comes kitted out for more than just relaxation. You’ll also find floating mats and snorkelling equipment, allowing you to make the most of your oceanside setting and gaze at various colourful scenes in the nearby crystal-clear waters. Complimentary refreshments are also included to complete the beach experience.
A key part of any holiday is good food and drink, and Ocean Cay has plenty of both. And now, there’s even more to tempt your taste buds: the island is expanding its dining options with four brand-new experiences, bringing the total to seven. From a signature specialty restaurant to fresh buffet and food market choices, there’s something to satisfy every craving and all with stunning ocean views.
Whether you’re after barbecue or Bahamian, you’ll find somewhere with an ocean view to enjoy it, plus beach bars serving classic drinks you can even use your onboard drinks package on Ocean Cay. Here are some highlights.
Seakers Food Court offers a buffet of barbecue classics from North American and Caribbean cuisine, plus favourites such as burgers and salads. There’s lots for children and also options to take away.
Springer’s Bar is a Bahamian-feel spot with a laid-back vibe and top cocktails. Or cool down at the Lighthouse Bar, which sits next to Ocean Cay’s 100-foot-tall lighthouse and hosts live music.
For sweet treats, The Smiling Fish has ice cream and specialty coffee. If you’re craving convenience, food trucks are scattered across the island, serving hot dogs and other snacks.
Browse a wide selection of arts and crafts items in the Bahamian Shop & Market– some even made by local artisans – and pick up the perfect memento or souvenir of your trip. To help cement those lifelong memories of your cruise, take a look in the Ocean Cay Shop for gifts inspired by nature, and the MSC Shop for stylishly branded items that’ll remind you of good times.
And why not give something back during your trip, by shopping for products that also help the MSC Foundation – a non-profit supporting conservation and humanitarian work through a number of different programmes.
For starters, there’s Ocean House Beach. This private, calming space boasts superb ocean views, special beachfront cabanas and even complimentary amenities to further boost the luxurious experience.
It’s undoubtedly difficult to tear yourself away from the comfort of Open House Beach, but we think you’ll manage when you know you can head to Ocean House Restaurant. Also exclusive to MSC Yacht Club guests, this stylish venue offers a selection of carefully prepared specialty dishes and drinks, all of which can be enjoyed in a serene, oceanside setting – this is dining you won’t forget in a hurry.
Our daily schedule offers a carefully curated mix of independent activities and instructor-led sessions, led by expert coaches from our US-based ships. Set within a protected marine reserve, the island becomes your personal playground for wellness, sport and relaxation.
Choose from more than 15 activities throughout the day, including options designed for families, teens and adults-only. From sunrise yoga, meditation and sound healing to guests’ favourite beach sports and energetic outdoor activities, there’s something for every pace and preference.
Mix and match multiple sessions, or pick just one and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the island. This is an authentic beach retreat experience in one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular natural environments — and it’s yours to enjoy, your way.
Play meets paradise at Ocean Cay’s new LEGO® pop-up, where creativity and imagination come to life in a truly unique island setting. Seven LEGO® mascots, together with MSC Cruises’ beloved mascot Doremi, welcome children and families to the island, creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere from the moment they arrive.
Designed to bring families together, the pop-up offers a range of fun, interactive experiences that encourage play, creativity and shared moments. Set against Ocean Cay’s stunning natural surroundings, it’s the perfect place to relax, get creative and make precious memories together, blending the magic of LEGO® with the beauty of paradise.
OCEAN CAY EXCURSIONS
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We're constantly updating our wide selection of shore excursions for all interests to make your cruise holiday an unforgettable experience. Some tours may also be available at embarkation or disembarkation days, while during at sea days you can enjoy on board activities.
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Ports
Reaching Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve couldn’t be simpler. Simply set sail from a choice of three ports – Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando) or New York – and let your Caribbean cruise take you to Ocean Cay’s enticing sands and calming waters. Find out more about these three exciting ports below.
Cruises from Miami
Step into world-famous Miami to prepare for a cruise to Ocean Cay. From this buzzing, electric city – where art, nightlife, global cuisine and culture are the cornerstones of its character – you can take a Caribbean cruise that stops not just at Ocean Cay, but a host of other fantastic destinations.
These cruises could include stops at the magical Mexican coastal retreats of Cozumel and Costa Maya, both of which boast spectacular beaches, or Isla de Roatán, a stunning island just north of Honduras. Go deep into the Caribbean with stops at Jamaica’s Falmouth, Puerto Rico’s intoxicating capital, San Juan, and the charismatic Dominican Republic city of Puerto Plata.
Cruises from Miami
Cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando) to Ocean Cay and you’re in for a real Caribbean and Bahamian exploration. After departing from this sun-kissed Floridian city, your Caribbean cruise can transport you to seriously desirable destinations.
Stop off at the Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, where historic architecture sits moments from premium beachfronts. Go further into the Caribbean Sea to Isla de Roatán, a Honduran island known for its coral reefs and aquatic pursuits. Other stops on cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve from Port Canaveral (Orlando) can include the Cayman Islands’ bustling and easy-going capital, George Town, Jamaica’s beach-blessed Montego Bay, and Mexico’s Cozumel.
Cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Cruises from New York
Ever-thriving New York can open up a Caribbean and Bahamian adventure when you cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. On your way to this peaceful paradise, stop in at Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where pristine beaches and mountainous scenery await, or St Maarten’s luscious tropical capital, Philipsburg, boasting more fantastic sands and scenery that’s second-to-none.
Other stops can include Nassau, the Bahamas’ radiant capital, where it’s easy – encouraged, even – to flit leisurely between sunbathing, swimming and shopping. And remember that your cruise can also visit Port Canaveral (Orlando) if you’re searching for world-class theme parks and global eats.
Cruises from New York
AN ISLAND WITH A VISION
Respect and understanding for both land and sea are core principles of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Read on to discover the marine conservation efforts underway on the island.
Transforming Ocean Cay
Once a sand excavation site, the island was left in poor condition after decades of mining. An extensive cleanup by MSC Cruises removed debris and scrap metal from the surrounding waters, allowing the marine ecosystem to flourish again. A team of independent marine experts were brought in to identify key environmental initiatives to create the roadmap for the marine restoration programme at Ocean Cay.
To create a biodiverse environment on land, thousands of trees and shrubs were planted, and a freshwater wetland was maintained, supporting a significant bird population.
These efforts transformed the once abandoned island into MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, a pristine paradise, allowing guests to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. Additionally, it brought to life the vision of establishing a base for marine biologists to conduct scientific research on coral restoration.
Transforming Ocean Cay
Super Coral Programme
Ocean Cay is home to the MSC Foundation’s flagship Super Coral Programme, dedicated to restoring coral reefs in The Bahamas. A coral nursery for the critically endangered Elkhorn and other coral species has been established, with efforts focused on studying and propagating thermally resilient coral to enhance reef resilience against environmental changes. The programme has achieved remarkable success, with 100% of nursery corals surviving the 2023 unprecedented Caribbean marine heatwave.
Additionally, the MSC Foundation is partnering with universities to support science-based restoration on Ocean Cay and marine science education. It is collaborating with the University of The Bahamas and BAMSI to offer scholarships and internships for Bahamian students. Its collaborative research with partners in Florida, including Nova Southeastern University and the University of Miami, focuses on methods to identify, grow and outplant resilient coral genotypes, including support for two annual graduate student internships.
Find out more here.
Super Coral Programme
Mission Blue Hope Spot
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has been designated a 'Hope Spot' by Mission Blue, the non-profit organisation founded by renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle to promote the protection of marine ecosystems. This prestigious recognition underscores the island’s important role in ocean health and its ongoing ecosystem restoration efforts. Ocean Cay is part of Mission Blue's global network of more than 160 Hope Spots, places recognised as critical to the health of the ocean. Dr. Sylvia Earle, President and Chairman of Mission Blue, commented on the designation, stating: "This recognizes the comprehensive restoration efforts and commitment to protecting marine biodiversity. The restoration of Ocean Cay has been a multidisciplinary effort to re-establish the ecological balance of this limestone island and its surrounding marine estate. Ocean Cay will inform thousands of people weekly about the crucial importance of growing and outplanting thermally tolerant corals for marine conservation, ocean health and human wellbeing."
Mission Blue Hope Spot
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve FAQs
What is Ocean Cay ?
Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas. It’s accessible only to MSC Cruises guests, meaning that you’ll have your own exclusive slice of paradise to explore at leisure. And what a place to explore. Palm-fringed beaches plucked straight from a dream melt into blue waters, sunshine beams down onto more than two miles of powdery white sands, cosy beach bars offer cooling cocktails… These are the kinds of scenes you’ll encounter at this magical place. Be as active or as relaxed as you like, as there are activities and facilities on the island to cater for both. A holiday here really is a one-of-a-kind trip that needs to be experienced first-hand.
Where is Ocean Cay located?
How far is Ocean Cay from Miami?
When did Ocean Cay open?
Where does the ships dock in Ocean Cay?
When arriving at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ ships dock directly at the quay, alongside the Welcome Centre in the Ocean Village. Since the quay is conveniently located at the very point where the sea and shore meet, disembarking is easy and quick, and you’ll be on the island as soon as you set foot off the ship. No tender boats are needed, and there are walking paths across the island that lead to all destinations, meaning that exploring Ocean Cay is a breeze, just as it should be. To make things even more convenient, an information centre can be found at Ocean Cay’s Welcome Centre. Here, MSC Cruises staff can book any excursions or activities required, as well as supplying guests with information about the island. An Ocean Cay map is also available at the Welcome Centre, for extra ease in navigating this beautiful place.
Is the ship accessible at any time while docked at Ocean Cay?
Your ship will be accessible and available at all times during your visit to Ocean Cay. Guests are welcome to return to the ship at any point, and the onboard restaurants, entertainment and activities will all be operating while the ship is docked at the island. This means that the best of both worlds are available to guests at all points during your stay.
How big is Ocean Cay ?
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve spans around 95 acres, which includes just over two mile of exquisite beachfront. Just a 20-minute walk can transport you to the furthest part of the island from where you arrive, and easy-to-understand signs are in place across Ocean Cay to show guests all routes to the various different destinations and areas of the island. This means that navigation is simple and intuitive, and you’re never far from where you want to go, whether that’s a gorgeous beach, a food truck, the spa, a beach bar or somewhere else entirely – take your pick.
How many beaches are on Ocean Cay?
Beach-lovers both keen and casual will delight in exploring Ocean Cay’s choice of eight beaches. With so many options you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot to suit whatever beach mood you’re in, even if that changes throughout the day. Here’s what to look forward to.
As the largest beach on the island, North Beach makes a great starting point. Set in a lagoon – just to add to the charm – there’s shallow water for easy swimming and a host of other aquatic activities to try your hand at.
Further watersports action can be found and enjoyed over at South Beach, another great open space with lots of room for scenic swimming if you prefer something a touch more genteel than watersports.
However, if it’s tranquillity and serenity you’re craving, Bimini Beach and Seakers Cove are exactly what you need. Being further away from the port than any other of Ocean Cay’s beaches means that opportunities for relaxation are plentiful.
Sunsets on Ocean Cay are a special time, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy them than Sunset Beach, of course. This much-loved spot more than lives up to its name when it comes to evening views (during the daytime it’s also perfect for swimming), so pitch up (bring a picnic to make an event of it), settle in and prepare to be absorbed in some spectacular sunset vistas.
As well as being treated to some first-class pampering, anyone visiting Ocean Cay’s spa can look forward to visiting Paradise Sands, a quiet and calming beach found next to the spa. This is where you’ll be if you opt for a beachside massage, but even if you’re not indulging – and even if you don’t end up visiting the spa – do come and pay Paradise Sands a visit.
Every beach on Ocean Cay is blessed with its own incredible views, but one in particular can boast a truly unique viewing highlight: Lighthouse Bay Beach. Enjoying some time on the sands as you gaze up at Ocean Cay’s 100-foot-tall, red-and-white-striped lighthouse is a memory you’ll cherish. To add to the appeal, this beach also hosts daily live music and entertainment, so feel free to get comfy on a beanbag and soak it all up. For added convenience, Lighthouse Bay Beach is also the closest beach to where your ship will dock.
Finally, there’s Ocean House Beach. Exclusively available to MSC Yacht Club guests, this stylish area offers a luxurious feel thanks to the complimentary private features available, plus its own restaurant and bar (again, exclusively used by MSC Yacht Club guests), and even butler service. This is beach time with a boost. It’s worth noting that all beaches on Ocean Cay provide sunbeds that are free to all, ensuring you’ll always have a comfortable spot to relax in. If you want to crank up that relaxation to the next level, hire a beach umbrella or even one of our indulgent cabanas for an additional fee. And remember that for added peace of mind, every beach also has its own restrooms available – these too are highlighted on the island map and on signs spread around the island.
Can I snorkel in Ocean Cay?
As soon as you arrive and see the sparkling waters surrounding the island, you’ll know that snorkelling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a hugely rewarding experience. Whether you’re an absolute beginner, a keen enthusiast or somewhere in-between, make sure you embark on a snorkelling trip to maximise your Ocean Cay experience. Submerging into the island’s shimmering waters and glimpsing endless scenes of colourful marine life really can unlock another side to the island – you’ll be witnessing a new and fascinating world, and getting up close to it. Snorkelling can be done as part of an excursion with MSC Cruises if you’d like some instruction on using the equipment and to be taken straight to the hot spots by a guide, or you can simply hire the kit yourself and explore at your own pace. Snorkelling equipment for the whole family can also be rented, meaning that guests of all ages can enjoy the underwater worlds on offer.
When is the best time for a cruise to Ocean Cay?
Visiting Ocean Cay at any time of year makes for an incredible holiday, which is why MSC Cruises offers trips to the island year-round. The area’s beauty shines through in all seasons, so you’ll always get to appreciate this special setting in any month, but visiting in the period from December to April is an especially fine time to arrive. During these months, the weather will be splendidly sunny but also very much manageable. For many guests, cruises to Bahamas locations at this time of year also means escaping colder winters – and there are few better places to do just that than a sun-kissed, private island.
