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ABOUT OCEAN CAY

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC Cruises’ new private island located in The Bahamas that features endless sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters and over two miles of pristine beachfront spread across eight world class beaches, allowing guests to connect with the natural environment and immerse themselves in the warmth, fun and hospitality inspired by The Bahamian spirit. Everything is within easy walking distance, no more than 20 minutes or electric carts are available to transport you around the island.

Ocean Cay is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles that shape everything

from how the venues are built and how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island.

Formerly a sand extraction site, MSC Cruises has worked to clear the island and the ocean bed from discarded debris—while removing a total of 7,500 tons of scrap metal—and relocating coral with the longer-term vision of encouraging coral to grow and repopulate. These efforts will give guests the opportunity to learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edutainment programs.

OCEAN CAY IN NUMBERS

64 square miles of marine reserve safeguarded

75,000 plants and shrubs planted

5,000 trees and palms planted

22 native Caribbean species

8 pristine beaches

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION

Ocean Cay is founded on MSC Cruises’ strong commitment to the restoration of marine resources and the ongoing conservation of existing marine life, including habitats and species present in the area. This includes the restoration of endangered corals, and the implementation of other conservation and educational programs.

TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CONSERVATION NEEDS AND MAP OUT THE KEY ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES...

MSC Cruises commissioned a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA), that analyzed local fish, coral and more.

A total of

FAST FACTS FROM THE REA

MSC Cruises is committed to the restoration of marine resources and the ongoing conservation of existing marine resources, including habitats and species supported by them in the lease area. This will include the restoration of endangered corals, and the implementation of other conservation and educational programs.

MSC Cruises commissioned a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA), that provided a short-term, yet comprehensive overview of the waters around Ocean Cay in order to better understand the conservations needs.

28

transects were conducted to quantitatively assess conch populations

Divers recorded habitat characteristics at sites to understand coral reef health and conch populations

37

Assessments were conducted at coral reefs

7

benthic surveys (a study of the seafloor) were conducted with

2,500

observations of what was growing on the seafloor

A total of

21 free standing coral colonies were surveyed 816

826

A total of corals were identified, measured and their condition assessed within of the seafloor

160 m2

Qualitative photo/video assessments of habitats were conducted at an additional sites

41

Video surveys were conducted at sites with photos from an additional 11 sites

30

surveys of coral recruits and substrate type, and over 190 m2 of seafloor searched for mobile invertebrates

44

100 fish surveys were conducted covering the water column above of seafloor

2,640 m2

3,249

88

fish belonging to different species were identified and measured

CORAL RESTORATION

Coral restoration is one of the key priorities for Ocean Cay and its role in the marine ecosystem is crucial, so a coral nursery is being established on the East side of the island with the goal of propagating even more coral, particularly the more endangered varieties.

The REA established that there are three types of coral that can be found in abundance around the island- primarily Agaricia agaricites known as lettuce coral; Porites astreoides commonly known as mustard hill coral or yellow porites; and Siderastrea also known as massive starlet coral. Also found around the island during the assessment is the critically endangered Acropora palmata known as Elkhorn Coral. Over time these corals will become candidates for restoration in the coral nursery.

The vision is for Ocean Cay to become a base for marine biologists to conduct scientific research into coral restoration. A Conservation Center will serve as a facility for biologists and coral reef experts and be equipped with laboratories and facilities for coral research and education.

MARINE LIFE

Ocean Cay has seen a significant increase in marine life since the start of the restoration work, particularly conch and lobster. The REA identified 88 different species of fish around the island as well as lobster, sea turtles and rays.

An important feature of the ecosystem in this region that was assessed is the queen conch, Lobatus gigas, a large sea snail that lives in the seagrass beds around Ocean Cay and helps to keep the water clean from algal produced by seagrass. Since conch populations have seen dramatic declines in recent years and some of the few remaining breeding populations are those within marine protected areas in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay has become a productive conch habitat, and MSC remains committed to ensure the conch continues to thrive.

DISCOVER THE OCEAN

With more than two miles of pristine sand spread across eight world class beaches, guests can discover the island’s natural beauty while surrounded by breathtaking views of clear Bahamian waters.

Whether it’s a relaxing day spent lounging on the beach, or an afternoon spent kayaking or snorkeling, guests can find a range of ways to enjoy the island through endless water activities and booked excursions. Crystal blue waters, coral reefs and marine life are waiting to be discovered on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MARINE RESERVE SNORKEL SAFARI

Forming part of the Lucayan Archipelago, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is made up of several larger islands and hundreds of smaller cays, one of which is Ocean Cay. The islet is surrounded by the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve – the perfect setting for this Bahamian snorkeling adventure, where guests can swim with the array of marine life that make up this vibrant underwater ecosystem.

SHIPWRECK SNORKELING GETAWAY

Guests will take a short, scenic boat ride to one of the best snorkel reefs in the area, where they’ll work with a professional snorkel instructor as they set off on one hour and fifteen minutes of snorkeling. You can explore on your own or follow your snorkel guide while he points out all of the colorful and exotic marine life in the area.

KAYAK EXPLORER TOUR

Cruise the waters of Ocean Cay on this guided kayak tour and soak in spectacular views of the coastline and marine life. Conch, starfish and even stingrays wait to be discovered in the water. Knowledgeable guides will lead this journey, offering local insights and stories.

BAHAMA BANK ESCAPE

Enjoy a scenic boat ride to Bahama Bank and escape to a lively, adult-only atmosphere. Surrounded by live music and dancing, take in the stunning beauty of the shallow, clear waters while sipping on a complimentary rum punch.

ROMANTIC SUNSET CHAMPAGNE CRUISE

Guests can enjoy a romantic evening boat cruise along the Bimini island chain while spotting dolphins and other marine life from the boat as the sun sets over the crystal-clear Bahamian waters. Toast and enjoy champagne, wine and delicious appetizers are served throughout the tour, with a toast to cheers to a relaxing day on Ocean Cay.

PADDLEBOARDING & KAYAKING

Adventure water seekers can explore the waters around Ocean Cay on stand-up paddle boards or kayaks. During this relaxing experience, guests can witness all the marine wildlife that surrounds the island.

OCEAN CAY BEACH RENTALS

Private Beach Cabana

MSC Cruises’ guest can enjoy a full day on the island’s beaches with family and friends in the comfort of their very own private cabana where cold drinks and towels are provided upon arrival. The exclusivity of the private cabana makes for easy-going and convenient enjoyment of the sun and sea.

Floating Beach Mat

Soak up the sun by relaxing in the peace and quiet of Ocean Cay’s waters on your very own personal foam floating mat.

Beach Umbrella

For guests looking to get a break from the sun, convenient umbrella rentals are available for all day use.

OCEAN CAY LIGHTHOUSE CLIMB

Ascend Ocean Cay’s iconic lighthouse and take in 360-degree views of the island, nearby cays’, Lighthouse Bay and of course, your cruise ship. Journey up three levels and 165 steps to the top of the lighthouse, reaching the highest point on the cay. Along the way, your guide will share insightful facts and figures on the incredible transformation of Ocean Cay from an industrial site to Bahamian paradise.

WAVERUNNER TOUR

Team up with a pal and prepare for a thrilling ride while gliding over the surf on a WaveRunner, one of the coolest personal watercrafts. After receiving a thorough safety briefing and information on handling the craft, you’ll board your WaveRunner and set off to enjoy a fully guided and narrated tour. You can spend about 1 hour enjoying the views around the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, with sights of untouched cays and beaches.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

As a family-owned company a key element of the guest experience is to deliver a fun and enriching vacation for families, which extends to Ocean Cay. The island has been designed with a family friendly experience in mind, with one-of-a-kind elements everyone will enjoy.

The games and activities are designed for children of all ages and organized by MSC Cruises Kids Club staff. The activities are designed to facilitate natural discovery and include sand castle contests, treasure hunts and a family sporting challenge. Additionally, all of the beaches on the island are monitored by lifeguards.

RELAX AND SOAK UP THE SPIRIT OF THE BAHAMAS

LUXURIOUS RELAXATION

An exclusive luxurious spa concept, The Spa at Ocean Cay, has been designed to immerse guests in their natural surroundings with spa offerings true to the environmental principles of the island and natural spa products.

Located at the Northern point of the island, guests can be pampered head to toe and relax with amazing ocean views and sound of the waves while feeling the ocean breeze.

A range of special fitness and relaxation sessions will be available for guests looking for a relaxing workout such as morning beach yoga, SUP yoga and to wind down at the end of the day, sunset yoga.

A TASTE OF OCEAN CAY

Complimentary options include the Seakers Food Court, located close to the family lagoon, which will serve a selection of American classics and family favorites, as well as food trucks which will serve convenient food for guests in different locations around the island. Other specialty food and drink options on the island include:

Lighthouse Bar

The Lighthouse Bar, which stands at 100 feet tall, creates a striking landmark site and picturesque moment for guests with the red and white lighthouse. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks with live music and DJs and an evening experience that will only enhance the beautiful atmosphere.

Springer’s Bar

Located on the marina, this authentic Bahamian bar offers cocktails and drinks in a friendly and casual atmosphere.

The Smiling Fish

Located on the marina, The Smiling Fish is an ice cream parlor that offers a variety of soft-serve flavors to guests who have their choice of fresh fruit and toppings. Included within the parlor, is also a coffee bar which offers freshly brewed whole bean coffee, espresso and iced drinks for an energetic start to the day.

Beach Bars

Guests have plenty of choices because there are seven different beach bars spread across the island with a wide choice of beverage options, each with its own personality and its own special look and feel.

ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT...EVEN AFTER SUNSET!

A key differentiator for Ocean Cay is that MSC Cruises’ ships will remain docked at the island into the night allowing guests to view a stunning sunset followed by evening entertainment and activities.

After enjoying a stunning sunset, the area around the iconic red and white lighthouse will come to life so guests can enjoy a breathtaking light show from the beach, sitting around the fire pits. The highlight of the evening will be the traditional junkanoo parade inspired by the historic Bahamian festival with a feast of colorful costumes, music and dancing. The parade will start at Ocean Village and finish at Lighthouse Bay, getting everyone involved and dancing along the way.

The remote location of the island means that guests can enjoy an evening of unbelievable stargazing under The Bahamian sky with an astronomy-themed stargazing experience, where explorers will enjoy a welcome drink as the astronomer guide, using state of the art computerized tracking telescopes, finds the most striking star clusters, planets, nebulas and galaxies on display that evening. This evening entertainment is also available for kids and families to enjoy together.

SHOP OCEAN CAY

A key part of the island experience is a specially designed retail concept which has been designed to reflect the overall vision of the island with four distinct shopping areas offering guests the opportunity to take home unique and special souvenirs or to find holiday essentials that they may need. Guests can take the essence of Ocean Cay home with them with gifts and souvenirs inspired by island’s environmental principles and the local region:

The Bahamas Shop offering authentic arts and crafts by local artisans and Bahamian companies to perfectly complement the spirit of The Bahamas.

The Ocean Cay Trading Post offers a wide selection of exclusive Ocean Cay souvenirs and gifts inspired by nature with gifts for adults and children, ranging from T-shirts, caps, beach items, towels and accessories.

Guests will be able to purchase daily essentials for the whole family from the MSC Shop, which will offer a range of MSC Cruises branded products such as hats, flip flops, towels, beach bags, sun creams, lip balms and more! You will also find a number of exclusive partnership products highlighting the marine sustainable values of the island.

COME & SAY “I DO” ON OCEAN CAY

Say “I do” or renew your vows at the Ocean Cay Wedding Pavilion, which guests can rent for private ceremonies. Book one of our romantic wedding packages ahead of your cruise and celebrate your special day in paradise.

MSC YACHT CLUB BEACH

AN ISLAND WITHIN THE ISLAND

Tucked away in a quiet spot on the northwest of Ocean Cay lies an exclusive, special beach area, Ocean House Beach, reserved only for MSC Yacht Club guests. A short path leads to the beach where guests can enjoy sunbeds and cabanas* with butler service.

OCEAN HOUSE

For guests seeking privacy and exclusivity, this premium, all-inclusive Ocean House is a great place to relax, sip a cocktail and enjoy a gourmet meal.

Private Ocean View & Beachfront Cabanas

For guests looking to relax, stunning ocean view and beach front private cabanas are available for all day use*.

*charges apply

5. South Beach

6. Nor th Beach

7. Ocean House Beach

11. Wedding Pavilion

8. Bimini Beach

10. The Spa Ocean Cay

9. Paradise Sands

12. Ocean Cay Lagoon

THE ISLAND

4. Ocean Cay Village

17. Lighthouse Bay

16. Lighthouse Bar

15. Lighthouse

2. Rental and Excursion Pavilion

1. Welcome Pavilion

3. Discover Scuba Diving Center

14. Seakers Food Cour t

13. Sunset Beach

Beach Bar Food Truck Beach & Ocean Rentals Activities Pavilion