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But the private island has a few things going for it that make it easy to get around. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Interestingly, I found that several of the public beaches were less crowded than Ocean House Beach. At the latter, chairs were positioned much more closely to one another. If you're willing to walk or hitch a ride on one of the island's trams, you'll find fewer crowds on the farther beaches than if you stick close to the ship.
Things to Do at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas [2024 Guide]
Ocean Cay is an exclusive experience for MSC cruisers and guests.The only way to visit Ocean Cay in the Bahamas is by booking a cruise with MSC which includes a stop at the island as a port of call. Those who choose to stay onboard will also haveuse of the limited ship’s facilities including bars and buffet. The onboardcasino will also remain open throughout the day as it is still in internationalwaters.
Things to Do on Ocean Cay
Mostsodas, cocktails and alcoholic drinks can be paid for and charged to yourstateroom account. However, if you have pre-purchased a drinks package, thatwill be honored at bars and restaurants on Ocean Cay. It is for the exclusive use of guests as part of select MSCcruises.
How can I book excursions?
Among the new amenities and facilities are Excursion Centers (for watersports activities and land tours support), a Dive & Snorkel Center, new food and beverage outlets. Port MSC Ocean Cay cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from MSC Ocean Cay, Bahamas private island. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. While many cruise lines ban using pool floats on the cruise ship itself, you’re often allowed to use items like pool noodles and inner tubes at private islands.
One of the World’s Largest Cruise Ships That Nobody Is Talking About (Yet)
One thing that you’ll definitely notice is the size of Ocean Cay. If you’ve been on other private cruise line islands like CocoCay or Great Stirrup Cay, you know they are sizable, but the area reserved for guests is smaller. Beyond the cruise fare, MSC is offering the option for travelers to add a drink package and Wi-FI to their booking starting at just $329. The sale also includes MSC’s cruises from Galveston, which the company plans to introduce as its newest homeport in the United States in 2025.
Tranquil waters and beach bars
Free lunch is included for all cruisers who visit Ocean Cay. For Yacht Club travelers, the Ocean House Restaurant — an exclusive waiter-served dining venue where passengers enjoy their meals on a shaded porch — exudes upscale beach vibes. Butlers, exclusive dining and a private pool delight guests on board, but perks also await on MSC's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, in the Bahamas. You can expect dedicated trams, towel service and a chance to book the nicest cabanas on the island, among other extras. Beaches & SwimmingIf you come to Ocean Cay and don’t spend any time on the beach, then you may as well stay on the ship. Beaches are all around the island, including Lighthouse Bay that is right near the cruise ship.
MSC embraces Bahamian culture by having a Junkanoo parade leading up to the sunset beach party. We also saw some places where beach bonfires could be held, although that didn’t happen on our cruise. If your ship has low capacity, expect the Ocean Cay nightlife scene to be a bit underwhelming.
Will my Cruise Card work on the island
MSC negotiated with Bahamas Government to build an exclusive cruise port in the Caribbean. There is a reason this is a marine reserve and not just another private island. Either way, the main beaches had food trucks right next to them so sun-seekers could grab a quick lunch and not lose any beach time. Even during the middle of the day when most people from the cruise ship were on the island there were always plenty of loungers available for use. Thankfully every beach has enough loungers for everyone and then some.
Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes - The Points Guy
Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The line’s four North America-based ships – MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside, make stops at Ocean Cay on different days each week. MSC is building a Conservation Center on the island, which will serve as an active base for coral education and research. MSC Cruises has charted a new course for private cruise destinations in the Bahamas. Yes, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is completely ADA compliant. Beach wheelchairs will be available on the island and waiting for guests at the pier upon disembarkation (upon request).
In one area, the lagoon's floor is covered in plant life, so you might not want to wade but rather swim over. There's plenty of space for everyone but very little shade. Ships dock right at the island, so passengers can walk off the ship whenever they're ready for their time in the sun. Choose from several departure ports, ships, and itineraries and set sail for paradise. Cruise to the Caribbean & The Bahamas from Miami or Orlando (Port Canaveral), or to The Bahamas & Florida from New York City (Brooklyn). All Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that depart from the United States include a stop at Ocean Cay.
It's a happening spot with entertainment and activities throughout the day. The island's proximity to the Florida cruise ports means that MSC Cruises ships can stay in port late into the night and still make it back to the U.S. first thing in the morning. Yes, there’s a spa on Ocean Cay, located on the very far side of the island. MSC Cruises attracts an international passenger base, and often guests wonder if they can sunbathe topless at Ocean Cay. The free ones have a limited grill menu of burgers, hot dogs, fries, pasta salad and brownies. If you don't mind a tiny splurge, try one of the seafood a la carte food trucks.
These include Seakers Family Cove, North Beach, South Beach, Aurea Paradise Sands, Sunset Beach and Lighthouse Bay. MSC wants to continue its work promoting the island as a center for education and research so it has plans to open a Conservation Center. This will continue to encourage a sustainable and eco-friendly way to manage the island and surrounding waters.
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