MSC Cruises has outlined a programme of upgrades for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, its private island destination in The Bahamas, with completion targeted for late 2027. The plans call for additional dining facilities, an expanded range of cabanas, and an extension of the existing pier infrastructure, allowing two vessels to berth at the island at the same time.
Ocean Cay entered service in late 2019 following the conversion of a former industrial site into MSC Cruises’ first private island. The redevelopment established more than two miles of shoreline distributed across eight distinct beaches, reshaping the location into a dedicated cruise destination. Since opening, the island has functioned as a regular call for the line’s Caribbean itineraries.
Current facilities are organized around a mix of leisure and activity zones, including designated swimming and relaxation areas, seven bars, and casual dining options such as the Seakers Food Court and a collection of food trucks. Guests also have access to a range of water-based activities and shore excursions that make use of the surrounding marine environment.
Under the planned enhancements, Ocean Cay is set to introduce four new dining concepts beginning in 2027. The Seakers Cove area will be reconfigured with an updated children’s playground incorporating a splashpad and a ropes course with integrated water features, alongside table games such as ping-pong and foosball. An adults-only area, Paradise Sands, is also scheduled for development, adding a secluded retreat to the island’s layout, supported by an expanded selection of cabanas.
The programme further includes the introduction of an MSC Foundation initiative known as the “Shifting Perspective” Experience. This facility is intended to focus on marine conservation, offering interactive activities related to coral restoration and scientific research, positioning environmental education as a formal component of the island visit.
In parallel with the Ocean Cay upgrades, MSC Cruises continues work on a second private island destination located adjacent to the existing site. Referred to internally as Little Cay, the project has yet to be formally named, but the company has indicated that its development will follow the same underlying principles that guided the creation of Ocean Cay, maintaining continuity in design and purpose across both destinations.