MSC Cruises has announced that its upcoming private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be home to eight beaches, a family lagoon, a spa and evening entertainment as it prepares for the launch of the island in November this year.
These new details come after the cruise line previously revealed that the island would offer snorkel safaris, smaller offshore islands for rent, and seven different bars around the marine reserve, which was formerly an industrial sand extraction site.
A major part of the redevelopment of the island has involved restoring its local environment.
MSC’s Ocean Cay private island in the Caribbean
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More than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs have been planted on the island and MSC has employed environmental conservation efforts on the island, which is already part of a 64-square-mile protected water zone.
The line has commissioned a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) for further analysis of the water surrounding the island and plans to establish a coral nursery to encourage growth.
Additionally, no motorised water sports will be available to passengers visiting the island; MSC instead will offer natural ways of exploring the water without potential harm to ocean life.
Shore excursions will include stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, snorkeling and evening stargazing.
The island will boast a Seakers Family Cove (a shallow lagoon monitored by lifeguards), Seakers food court (a complimentary buffet featuring American food and classic kids’ favourites) and the Spa at Ocean Cay, meant to highlight the island’s natural surroundings.
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Evening entertainment will include a light show around the 98 foot lighthouse at the center of the island and a traditional junkanoo parade (a Bahamian festival featuring colourful costumes, music and dancing).
“The vision for the island is to immerse guests in the natural beauty of their surroundings in the Bahamas,” MSC Cruises said in a statement. “Ocean Cay is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles – beliefs that shape everything from how venues are built and how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island.”
“Work is underway to design opportunities for guests to learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edutainment programs,” it added.
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