MSC’s new private island in the Caribbean will give guests a “ticket to paradise”, according to chief executive Gianni Onorato.
Ocean Cay will be situated 20 miles off the coast of the Bahamas and 65 miles from Miami.
It will proudly boast eight “pristine” beaches with seven reserved for different guests like families, Yacht Club or Aurea Spa passengers, and one for crew.
Guests can also expect a sunset beach, lagoon beach and main beach with the opportunity to take part in all sorts of water sports and activities, from snorkelling to a shallow sunken shipwreck through to scuba diving.
Something Onorato felt would be popular with younger guests and children are lectures on the coral life around the island and what MSC has done to clean up and preserve.
Every MSC Caribbean itinerary from Miami, whether sailing to the Eastern or Western Caribbean, will call at Ocean Cay.
Onorato has stated: “Because it’s so close to Miami, we can stay there until 1am so people can experience it at night and still be back in Miami for 6am the following morning.”
Guests will be able to watch movies under the stars with their feet in the sand and food will include:
Buffet- located near the family lagoon, this is the place for freshly prepared meals from a variety of international culinary traditions.
Guests can expect American classics and authentic Bahamian flavours as well as some kids’ favourites.
Food carts- for the times you don’t feel like a sit-down meal, food carts with casual street food will be available.
This includes a taco truck, conch fitter truck, and more; the trucks will be stationary during the day around the beaches and will move to the Marina area at night creating an atmospheric food festival-style feel.
The ship’s restaurants will remain open all day as many guests are expected to go back on board to eat; the furthest point of the island is a 17-minute walk from the ship and “completely flat”, according to Onorato.
Deckchairs and select activities will be included in the cruise price, but cabanas, cocktails, island Wi-Fi, and certain sports like scuba diving will be at an extra fee.
Guests can book the above through package upgrades via the MSC app.
MSC invite holidaymakers to imagine a peaceful, tranquil morning on the beach before a snorkel tour to discover the abundant marine life and colourful fish.
An afternoon can include beach activities like beach volleyball or a relaxed session of souvenir-shopping and as the sun starts to set, guests can move to the beach bars.
An evening of cocktails with stunning sea views will lead to a movie under the stars before returning to the comfort of your MSC ship!
Onorato has also revealed there would be a second private island for groups of 30-40 people that could be booked out exclusively for the day.
Further details and prices are yet to be revealed but expected to be added to the website at the end of the month.
The island will have three shops:
-One selling Bahamian goods manned by locals
-One selling Ocean Cay-branded merchandise
-One selling MSC items
Onorato has expressed interest in opening an island in the Mediterranean but explained that the only location it would be possible to have an island open year-round is currently out of bounds (off the North African coast).
“We will have to wait, but it is my dream to open a private island in the Mediterranean at some point,” he said.
Take a look at cruising with MSC right here!
What do you think of the sound of MSC’s private island? Do you want a piece of the paradise? Would the snorkelling appeal to you too? Leave us your comments and thoughts below…
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