MSC Cruises has unveiled plans to create an exclusive marine reserve island experience in the Bahamas.

Over the next two years, the company will work in partnership with the Bahamian Government and ecologists to develop the cay, a former sand extraction station, into a marine reserve. The project will transform the local economy base from resource exploitation to resource conservation.

The island, called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest beaches in the world alongside Caribbean-inspired experiences.

MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago saidd:

“This is a natural progression for our company, which is growing very rapidly, and we are thrilled about providing this totally new experience for our guests in the Caribbean.”

“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and its exclusive offerings will be a magnificent extension of our shipboard experiences. We are scrupulous about ensuring every decision we take keeps each of our ships true to the promise of our brand, offering the authenticity and quality our guests expect. This is what made us the leading brand in many of the markets we operate, including across Europe, South America and South Africa. We will apply the same thinking and attention to detail to our Caribbean offering, of which this exclusive marine reserve will become a cornerstone, because we know our guests will be bowled over by this industry-unique experience.”

At 95 acres (38.5-hectares) in size, and with 2.4 km of beach front spread across six distinct beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be the biggest island development by any cruise company in the Caribbean, as well as the only marine reserve island experience.
In addition, it will offer the following features.

These include a purpose-built berth and pier on the seafront so MSC Cruises guests will be able to step straight off the ship s onto the island. This will be useful since a key part of visits will be the island’s night life, in particular live music and entertainment at a purpose-built 2,000-seat amphitheatre, and many restaurants and bars. The ship and all on-board services – including the casino – will stay open while berthed at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
The company says that all installations and experiences on the island, which lies 20 miles (32 km) south of Bimini and 65 miles (104.5 km) east of Miami, Florida, will be sympathetic to the culture and traditions of the Bahamas.

A landscaping plan will see more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs, such as Jamaica Dogwood, Red, Black and White Mangroves and Beach Morning Glory planted across the island. And there will be an architecturally faithful Bahamian village, restaurants and bars offering local specialities, a variety of shops and an inviting arrival centre with island-themed music gazebo.

The northwest corner of the island has been set aside as an exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary, with private bungalows and massage huts.

Getting around the island will be a network of walking and running paths, bicycle rentals and other transport options.

As well as water sports and beach games, other highlights include:

• A family beach with kids’ restaurant, play areas and other useful facilities
• An inland lagoon for absolute tranquillity
• A zip wire crossing the island
• A pavilion for weddings and celebrations

MSC Cruises plans to break ground on the development in March 2016, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will open to guests in November 2017.

Sales for the inaugural December 2017 cruises on MSC Seaside opened on December 15.

Guests aboard MSC Seaside’s maiden voyage from Miami will be the first to visit the island.