MSC CRUISES TO FURTHER UPGRADE OCEAN CAY WITH BRAND-NEW GUEST EXPERIENCES AND EXTENDED PIER

• Upgrade of MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas to include new food and beverage facilities, adults-only beach, dedicated family lagoon and more
• Island pier to be extended to accommodate a second ship, giving more guests the opportunity to visit the idyllic holiday destination

Geneva, Switzerland, 28 January 2026 – MSC Cruises announced today upgrades to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas. The island will receive new facilities to enhance the guest experience and an extended pier to allow two ships to call simultaneously – due for completion in late 2027.

Ocean Cay opened in late 2019 and quickly became a must-visit, guest-favourite destination on MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries. Reflecting the company’s longstanding commitment to marine conservation, the cruise line transformed the former industrial site into a beautiful unique private island destination with crystal blue waters and pristine white sand beaches.

With over two miles of pristine beachfront spread across eight world-class beaches, Ocean Cay is designed with comfort in mind., The island features a wide range of facilities and experiences including dedicated areas to relax or swim, seven bars, Seakers Food Court for casual dining and food trucks along with a range of fun-filled water activities, all thoughtfully spread across the island. The island also offers a large range of Shore Excursions, with something for everyone, from snorkeling and watersports, to climbing the iconic lighthouse and seeing local wildlife.

Guests visiting the island from late 2027 can now expect a range of new facilities and experiences including new restaurants and bars, a dedicated adults-only beach, fully-equipped family lagoon and more cabanas available to rent.

Ocean Cay’s new experiences will include:

• NEW! Dining venues - Four new dining experiences will be added to the island, meaning guests will be able to choose from a total of seven venues. A signature specialty restaurant will be added alongside new buffets and food market options.
• NEW! Seakers Cove Family Beach - Seakers Cove will receive an upgrade with an exciting range of new experiences including a kid’s playground, a splashpad, and ropes course with water elements. The area will also feature ping-pong and foosball for the whole family to enjoy. This dedicated family beach will also offer different activations including activities, fun-filled tournaments and interactive games – creating the ultimate multi-generational experience.
• NEW! Paradise Sands - An exclusive retreat for adults will be added. The new beach experience will allow adults to relax and soak up the sun in tranquillity by day before the space transforms into the perfect place to sip a cocktail at sunset.
• NEW! More Cabanas - The island will introduce a greater variety of cabanas on the island, providing guests even more choice and luxury relaxation.
• NEW! Marine Conservation Experience - The new MSC Foundation “Shifting Perspective” Experience will invite guests to explore marine conservation through immersive, hands-on experiences, from coral restoration and scientific discovery to interactive exploration of ocean ecosystems.

Construction work has also begun on extending the pier to accommodate two ships. Vessels dock directly at Ocean Cay, meaning guests can walk ashore with ease. Due for completion in late 2027, the pier extension will allow for two ships to dock simultaneously.

Work also continues on the development of a second private island destination adjacent to Ocean Cay. This as-yet-unnamed island, known internally as Little Cay, will stay true to the ethos of Ocean Cay, offering an experience that connects guests to nature, pristine beaches, and the beauty of the ocean plus luxury facilities and water features.

--- ENDS ---

Notes to editors:

About Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Following its opening in December 2019, the island, dedicated to the restoration of marine resources and the ongoing conservation of marine life, has welcomed travellers from around the globe to connect with nature and enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday experience with over two miles of pristine beachfront spread across eight world-class beaches.  

MSC Cruises transformed Ocean Cay from an industrial sand excavation into a thriving tropical paradise destination with a rich and flourishing marine ecosystem and has since won several prestigious awards for both tourism and environmental stewardship including being designated a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in 2023, recognised as an area of key importance for supporting biodiversity and safeguarding sea life. 

Launched in 2019, the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme has been driving efforts to help restore coral reefs around Ocean Cay with coral species that are more resilient to environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures.

The island is also home to the MSC Foundation’s brand-new Marine Conservation Center which opened in April 2025 and is a base for scientists, students and island visitors alike, featuring interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, a Bio Lab, and land-based and underwater coral nurseries.