MSC Cruises has confirmed plans to expand its Caribbean infrastructure in The Bahamas with the development of a second private island destination adjacent to its established Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The proposed island, internally known as Little Cay, forms part of a broader long-term strategy to extend the cruise line’s footprint in the region and deliver complementary visitor experiences beyond the original Ocean Cay concept, which opened in late 2019 and has since become a regular stop on Caribbean itineraries.
According to company sources and industry reporting, Little Cay is intended to maintain the environmental ethos that has shaped Ocean Cay, with a focus on preserving natural shorelines, open ocean access and pristine beach areas. While detailed development timelines and a formal opening date have not been published, concept briefs indicate the destination will provide nature-oriented spaces and ancillary facilities designed to augment the offerings at Ocean Cay, rather than replicate them directly.
Concurrently, MSC Cruises is investing in a substantial series of upgrades at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve itself, scheduled for completion by late 2027. Work already underway includes extension of the island’s pier to allow two cruise ships to berth simultaneously, a significant enhancement to berth management that will accommodate increased passenger volumes and reduce tendering requirements for vessels calling at the site. Additional additions being prepared for the island’s infrastructure comprise expanded dining venues, supplemental bars and lounges, a dedicated adults-only beach area, and enhancements to family-oriented spaces such as playgrounds, splash pads and interactive activity zones. These improvements are intended to broaden the range of experiences available to visitors during island calls.
MSC has also placed emphasis on educational and conservation-related offerings, with plans for interpretive marine experiences through the MSC Foundation and the ongoing Marine Conservation Centre, reflecting an operational priority on environmental engagement alongside leisure-oriented amenities. Ocean Cay’s role as a marine reserve and curated cruise destination underpins both current and prospective developments in the area.
The twin-island approach aligns with MSC Cruises’ broader Caribbean strategy, which includes infrastructure development in partnership with local stakeholders and sustained integration of private island calls into its regional deployment schedules. By sequencing enhancements at Ocean Cay alongside the planned development of Little Cay, the operator is positioning itself to expand capacity and diversify niche offerings within the competitive private island segment of Caribbean cruise operations.