MSC Cruises Plans Major Enhancements to Ocean Cay With New Beaches, Dining, and Pier Expansion
MSC Cruises has announced major long-term plans for the expansion and enhancement of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, its private island destination in The Bahamas, signaling one of the most significant developments since the island first opened to guests in 2019.
The announcement, shared via MSC Cruises’ official social channels, confirms a wide range of new guest experiences and infrastructure upgrades scheduled for completion by late 2027. While no formal press release has yet been issued, the plans outline a clear long-term investment strategy focused on guest capacity, experience diversification, and environmental programming.
A Flagship Private Island Destination
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is located approximately 65 miles east of Miami and was transformed by MSC Cruises from a former industrial sand excavation site into a purpose-built private island and marine reserve. Since welcoming its first guests in late 2019, the destination has become a cornerstone of MSC’s Caribbean itineraries, offering more than two miles of beachfront across eight distinct beaches, along with lagoons, dining areas, and conservation-focused facilities.
The island has also become central to MSC’s environmental positioning. Ocean Cay was designated a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in 2023 and is supported by the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme, which focuses on coral restoration, marine biodiversity, and ocean ecosystem research.
New Things Coming to Ocean Cay
MSC’s announcement outlines a series of new additions that will significantly expand Ocean Cay’s guest experience by late 2027, with new dining, beach zones, conservation programming, and premium amenities planned across the island.
Expanded Dining Options
Ocean Cay will feature a total of seven dining venues, increasing food and beverage capacity and variety across the island. These additions are designed to improve guest flow while offering more choice in casual dining, food market-style options, and specialty venues.
Seakers Cove Family Beach
A new dedicated family area, Seakers Cove Family Beach, will be introduced as a space designed specifically for multi-generational experiences. This area will focus on family-friendly recreation and activities, creating a defined zone for guests traveling with children.
Paradise Sands Adults-Only Beach
Ocean Cay Adults-Only Beach © MSC Cruises
Paradise Sands will be developed as a new adults-only beach, offering a quieter, more relaxed environment for guests seeking a calm and secluded beachfront experience away from family-focused areas.
Expanded Cabanas and Private Spaces
MSC will introduce a greater variety of cabanas across the island, expanding premium beach offerings and providing more private relaxation options for guests looking for upgraded experiences.
Marine Conservation Experience
A new Marine Conservation Experience will launch as part of Ocean Cay’s environmental programming. This initiative will allow guests to engage with marine conservation efforts, including coral restoration, scientific research, and interactive education focused on ocean ecosystems and sustainability.
Pier Expansion and Capacity Growth
Alongside guest-facing upgrades, MSC Cruises is also moving forward with a major pier extension at Ocean Cay.
Currently, the island is limited to accommodating one ship at a time. The expanded pier, scheduled for completion by late 2027, will allow two ships to dock simultaneously, significantly increasing passenger capacity and operational flexibility.
This infrastructure upgrade is particularly important as MSC continues to deploy larger vessels in the Caribbean, including its World Class ships, which carry more than 6,700 passengers. The expanded pier will allow direct ship-to-shore access without the use of tender boats, improving logistics, reducing congestion, and streamlining guest flow on peak days.
Long-Term Vision for Ocean Cay
MSC Cruises’ continued investment in Ocean Cay reflects a broader strategy to position the destination as a flagship private island experience within the Caribbean cruise market. The combination of expanded amenities, environmental programming, and infrastructure development signals a shift toward a more immersive, multi-zone destination model rather than a single-beach private stop.
While MSC has not yet released detailed construction timelines or phased rollout schedules, the late 2027 target date places Ocean Cay among the most ambitious long-term private destination developments currently underway in the cruise industry.
As MSC expands its fleet and Caribbean presence, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is clearly being developed not just as a port of call, but as a central pillar of the brand’s long-term itinerary and destination strategy.
