MSC’s Ocean Cay is different from what other cruise lines offer
MSC Foundation opened a Marine Conservation Center on their private island: Ocean Cay on April 10 2025.
MSC has opened a Marine Conservation Center on its private island, Ocean Cay.
This facility is equipped to become a big site for coral conservation and scientific discovery in this area of the Bahamas. The center is designed to support marine research, academic endeavors and to engage visitors to participate in fun conservation activities.
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This is a special attraction for eco-travelers, marine biologists, students or anyone interested in learning about conservation of the ocean and marine life. The center is supplied with a bio-research lab, lecture hall and a land-based coral nursery: The Aquaria.
The coral nursery holds specialized tanks for the restoration and cultivation of coral. The facility plays an essential role in Ocean Cay to rehabilitate coral populations in an area which spans 64-square-miles of marine area.
The goal is to create more awareness in the urgency for the safeguarding of coral reefs. Visitors from cruise ships can visit the center and engage in interactive experiences and take a guided reef tour. No other private island cruise destination has a facility like this one.
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Some sailings stay overnight at Ocean Cay
Private islands are a big hit with cruisers. While some passengers choose to stay on the ship when visiting private islands, a lot of passengers claim that MSC’s Ocean Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay are their favorite ports on those cruise lines.
While Perfect Day at Coco Cay offers fun for the whole family with a range of activities including a water park, ziplines, a hot air balloon ride and a private beach for adults (at a price), MSC cruise ships stay overnight at Ocean Cay on many itineraries, allowing vacationers to enjoy more of what the island has to offer.
One perk of being docked at the island at night is that MSC features a light show that is cast on the lighthouse (that can also be seen from the ship).
For nature lovers, there are beautiful trails to enjoy on a leisurely walk or run. There are parties on the beach that include bonfires. Ocean Cay is set to include a variety of bars and restaurants and even a kid’s lagoon.
The brand new MSC World America has itineraries that stop at Ocean Cay and some of the development plans are to accommodate this mega ship.
So far MSC’s Ocean Cay is the only private island of major cruise lines that offers overnight stays (passengers still sleep on the ship), a marine conservation center and activities at night on the island.
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Private islands are key for cruise lines
Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay is currently a tender port and has to sometimes cancel sailing there because of rough waters and its inability to offer small boat rides to the island. Norwegian cruise line is currently set to fix that. A new pier will be built to house up to two large cruise ships.
During the debut of Norwegian Aqua, announcements were made about new experiences that will be offered to guests which will include a tram for visitors to easily get around, will offer areas to relax featuring hammocks and a swim-up bar and poolside cabanas. The island will offer popular amenities that are similar to Perfect Day at Coco Cay such as an adults-only Vibe Beach Club.
Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise lines are in the private island game and are building up their private destinations to compete with the other cruise lines idyllic settings. While some islands feature more natural beauty such as Norwegian’s Stirrup Cay, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay offers a combination of manmade creations and natural beach vibes.
While cruise lines private islands offer a lot of similar experiences while some are unique, MSC is distinguishing themselves by offering guests novel experiences through their marine conservation efforts and overnight stays at their private destination.
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