MSC Cruises has released a video of its exclusive Bahamian island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, ahead of its first guests arriving later this year.

Just 65 miles from the coast of Miami, Ocean Cay is a previous industrial sand extraction site in the Bimini chain of islands in the western Bahamas. The 120-square-acre restored island is surrounded by a 64-square-mile marine reserve and four smaller cays. Ocean Cay’s first guests will arrive on 9 November 2019.

Key areas on the private island include:

• The Great Lagoon Beach, located in an inlet at the centre of the island
• A 30m-tall lighthouse home to a Hemingway-style bar and terrace
• Seakers Food Court: a buffet restaurant that offers a range of freshly prepared meals
• Ice Cream Parlour: an ice cream shop and café

The reserve also has an ecological focus, concentrating on the restoration of coral reefs. The island will also host a series of programmes for guests interested in the work being done in the area.

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will bring something new and unique to our Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Havana, and is set to become a truly memorable highlight for our guests.

“We have created a guest experience that complements the breathtaking natural beauty of this remarkable part of the Caribbean. There was no need for us to build extensively on an island that already had the ingredients of a natural paradise.”

From November 2019 all MSC Cruises ships from Miami will call at Ocean Cay as part of Caribbean itineraries.