Ocean Cay Guide, MSC Cruises Private Island Bar Menu, Beaches, Info, & Map
MSC Seaside at Ocean Cay © Freestyle Travelers
MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is a private island in the Bahamas that has been transformed into a stunning cruise destination by MSC Cruises. Located in the Bimini chain of islands, MSC Ocean Cay offers an exclusive experience for cruise passengers, providing them with a picturesque and immersive tropical retreat. The island spans over 95 acres and features pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush natural landscapes. MSC Cruises has taken great care to preserve and enhance the island's natural beauty, creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment for guests to enjoy. With a variety of activities, amenities, and dining options, MSC Ocean Cay offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and the beauty of the Caribbean.
History of Ocean Cay
MSC Ocean Cay has a fascinating history that adds depth to its current allure. Once a sand extraction site, this stunning island was transformed by MSC Cruises into a tropical paradise for cruisers. With a vision to create a sustainable and eco-friendly destination, MSC Cruises embarked on a remarkable journey of environmental restoration and conservation. Through extensive efforts, the island's ecosystem was revitalized, coral reefs were protected, and indigenous plant species were reintroduced, resulting in the pristine paradise we see today.
MSC Ocean Cay from Ship © Freestyle Travelers
Docking Process at Ocean Cay
Upon arrival, the ship securely docks, allowing passengers to disembark directly onto the island. Equipped with gangways and facilities, the docking process ensures a safe and efficient transfer. Once ashore, immerse yourself in the island's beauty and choose from a range of activities. Whether it's beach relaxation, trail exploration, or water sports, the seamless docking process maximizes your time to enjoy MSC Ocean Cay's offerings.
Map of Ocean Cay
Top 3 Beaches at Ocean Cay
Sunset Beach © Freestyle Travelers
Sunset Beach: As the name suggests, this beach offers a magical spot to witness the stunning colors of the setting sun. It provides a romantic ambiance and a peaceful retreat. Complimentary lounge chairs are available and the foliage and trees make for some great shaded spots. This beach is somewhat rocky so we recommend bringing water shoes if you choose to enjoy this picturesque beach.
Ocean Cay Lagoon © Freestyle Travelers
Lagoon: Nestled amidst lush greenery and mangroves, the lagoon provides a serene swimming area within a natural setting. Guests can enjoy the calm waters, observe the fascinating marine life below, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of this enchanting lagoon.
Lighthouse Bay © Freestyle Travelers
Lighthouse Bay: Situated near the iconic lighthouse, Lighthouse Bay offers a picturesque setting for beachgoers. It provides soft sands, inviting waters, and stunning views, allowing guests to relax and soak up the beauty of their surroundings.
Food at Ocean Cay
Seakers Food Court
Seakers Grill © Freestyle Travelers
One of the highlights is the Seakers Food Court, where you can find a selection of beachside grill options, including seafood, burgers, sandwiches salads, and more. It's a casual and vibrant setting that offers something for everyone, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Lunch was served from 11:30am-2pm on our sailing. We recommend eating breakfast on the ship before heading onto the island.
Food Trucks
Food Truck at Ocean Cay © Freestyle Travelers
There are various beach bars and food trucks scattered throughout the island, offering refreshing beverages, tropical cocktails, and tasty snacks. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the island, these convenient options ensure you never have to go far to satisfy your hunger or quench your thirst.
Ocean House - Yacht Club Exclusive
Ocean House at Ocean Cay © MSC Cruises
For a more upscale dining experience, the Ocean House at Ocean Cay is reserved for guests of the Yacht Club. This exclusive area provides a refined atmosphere and serves exquisite dishes crafted with the freshest ingredients. Indulge in gourmet cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the island's breathtaking surroundings.
Bars at Ocean Cay
If you've purchased an MSC Cruises beverage package that works on the ship, you'll be happy to know that it also works on Ocean Cay. This means that you can continue to enjoy unlimited drinks, including alcoholic beverages, while on the island without having to worry about additional charges. The same rules apply on the island as they do on the ship, so you'll need to show your key card to receive your drinks. The beverage package includes a variety of options, from beer and wine to cocktails and premium spirits. There are also non-alcoholic options available, such as soda and bottled water, which are included in the package as well.
Lighthouse Bar Ocean Cay © Freestyle Travelers
MSC Ocean Cay boasts various bars catering to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors. Whether you're looking for a beachfront setting or a spot with panoramic views, the island has you covered. The Lighthouse Bar offers breathtaking vistas, allowing guests to enjoy their beverages while enjoying the surrounding beauty. Beach bars are strategically located, providing a convenient and refreshing option for those looking to unwind near the shoreline. With its diverse range of bars, MSC Ocean Cay ensures that guests have ample opportunities to quench their thirst and enjoy the island's tranquil ambiance. These bars are open for limited hours throughout the day, so be sure to check your specific ship’s itinerary for the day.
Shopping at Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay Village at MSC Ocean Cay offers a delightful shopping experience for guests to explore. The village features a selection of shops and boutiques, allowing visitors to indulge in retail therapy and find unique souvenirs to commemorate their time on the island.
Within Ocean Cay Village, you'll discover a variety of retail outlets offering a range of products. From beachwear and resort fashion to accessories, jewelry, and local crafts, there is something for everyone. Whether you're searching for stylish beachwear, seeking a special memento to take home, or looking to purchase gifts for loved ones, the shops at Ocean Cay Village provide a diverse array of options to cater to your shopping desires.
In addition to the shops, you may also find local artisans showcasing their craftsmanship, providing an opportunity to appreciate and support the local culture and talent. This adds a unique touch to the shopping experience, allowing guests to interact with the artisans and learn about the creative processes behind their work.
Transportation Around Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay Village Tram Station © Freestyle Travelers
At MSC Ocean Cay, transportation within the island is designed to be convenient and easily accessible for guests. The island is relatively compact, allowing for easy exploration on foot. Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beaches, pathways, and scenic trails, taking in the natural beauty at their own pace.
For those who prefer not to walk or have mobility concerns, complimentary tram service is available to transport guests around the island. The trams provide convenient and efficient transportation between different areas of MSC Ocean Cay, making it easy to access the various beaches, dining venues, entertainment areas, and amenities.
Additionally, MSC Ocean Cay offers beach wagons and beach wheelchairs, providing accessibility options for visitors with special needs or limited mobility. These equipment options ensure that everyone can fully enjoy and experience the island's offerings.
Ocean Cay can be found on itineraries for a lot of MSC Cruise Ships including MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Magnifica, MSC Opera, and MSC Virtuosa are the MSC cruise ships that currently visit MSC Ocean Cay.
