MSC Cruises has broken ground on its new cruise destination island in the Caribbean, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Located south of Bimini in The Bahamas, the island will be a cruise destination exclusive to MSC Cruises guests. Completion of the development, described by MSC Cruises as a “natural paradise”, will be complete by November 2018.

Perry Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas joined Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, at the official groundbreaking ceremony along with other Bahamian ministers and government officials.

“This milestone marks the official commencement of the works that will turn this former industrial sand extraction site back into its original pristine state,” MSC Cruises said in a press release.

RELATED: Best cruises from South Africa and Dubai to Indian Ocean islands in 2018 and 2019

RELATED: MSC Cruises drops prices for Middle East guests on MSC Seaside Caribbean itineraries

The first phase of development of the marine reserve will now begin as the island is cleared of existing industrial infrastructure so it can be turned again into a pristine marine reserve.

“Located merely 65 miles east of Miami, Florida, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has 11,400 feet of beautiful coastline and crystal blue waters teaming with unique marine life. The island has some of the finest aragonite sands in the world and once the work is completed, its surrounding waters will be home again to beautiful corals and rich aquatic life,” said Gianluca Suprani, head of global port development and shore side activities at MSC Cruises. “It will become a truly exclusive destination for MSC Cruises guests to experience the best the Caribbean has to offer.”

A comprehensive landscaping plan will see more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs, planted on the island, returning to their lush natural habitat.

MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and a market leader in the European, South American and South African cruise markets. The development of the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is part of its $10.2 billion investment plan, which includes the building of up to 11 next-generation smart ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026.

“Working in partnership with the Government of The Bahamas, our aim is to turn an industrial wasteland into a thriving environment for man and nature alike, bringing the island and its surrounding waters back to their original state,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises. “In so doing, we will substantially grow our Group’s already strong investment in the Bahamian economy, offering long-term employment opportunities to the local population.”

“Bearing testament to our ability to innovate, unlike other Caribbean cruise resorts, a purpose-built berth and pier will allow our cruise ships to dock directly at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Thus the island will de facto become an extension of the ship,” he added.

MSC Seaside and other MSC Cruises ships operating in the Caribbean will call Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve regularly on their itineraries from November 2018 onwards.