Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Review

Lighthouse Family

There are basically two types of cruise line private islands out there: the kind that looks like a theme park, with water parks and playgrounds, and the kind that’s all about a relaxing beach day.

Ocean Cay fits that second category. It’s a private island with several beaches, lagoons, and a pretty cool lighthouse that even serves as a landmark. While it doesn’t have pools or splash areas for kids, it’s a perfectly fine spot if all you want is to catch some sun with a piña colada in hand.

What we like about Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve beach.webp — MSC Cruises©

There’s a lot to like about this island, which is actually man-made and launched in 2019. MSC did a great job making it inviting, even bringing in more than 70,000 trees and bushes to turn it into a little paradise in the middle of the Bahamas. You’ll find several beaches and lagoons, plus a private beach and restaurant just for MSC Yacht Club members. I love when cruise lines add something extra on their private islands for guests who are paying for a premium experience.

I love the fact that MSC owns the island outright, making it quieter than somewhere like Perfect Day at CocoCay. There will be no more than 5,000 people on the island at any given time, since only one ship docks there at once. And because it’s a private island owned solely by MSC, you won’t find any pushy vendors trying to sell you a Panama hat or a special seashell amulet.

There are some other nice perks here that, when you add them all together, really make Ocean Cay stand out. One of them is that ships are allowed to stay overnight. That’s great news, since it means you can catch both the sunrise and the sunset. There are even late-night beach parties, which is definitely a rare bonus when it comes to private islands like this one. The lighthouse is also very charming. You can actually climb it for $15, and the views up there are definitely special.

Another piece of good news? Your drink package works on the island! Considering MSC’s drink packages aren’t that expensive, this means you can grab free food at the Seakers Food Court and enjoy as many drinks as you want. Your Wi-Fi package also works, but the quality is hit or miss and tends to be better when you’re near the docked ship.

What we don’t like about Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve lighthouse.webp — MSC Cruises©

The worst thing about Ocean Cay is that the beaches aren’t all that special. Do they get the job done? Sure, but some are rocky and others have seaweed. I definitely prefer the lagoons, which are way more relaxing and have soft sand. One interesting thing to note is that lifeguards are present at the lagoons but not on the beaches, and honestly, I have no idea why that is.

There’s also the fact that, while loungers are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, you do need to pay for the umbrellas. They cost $15 per day, and it’s a bit of a letdown that you have to pay extra just to get some protection from the sun. I also feel like the beaches could use more activities. You’ll find a few singers here and there, but the only real activity I saw was beach volleyball, and that’s about it.

Some people might argue that Ocean Cay needs a little more to truly make it stand out, and I agree. It could definitely use a few pools. There’s still a lot of empty space, and while the island looks gorgeous, it still feels like a work in progress. That’s understandable, considering it’s fairly new. I do think MSC will roll out some updates over the next few years and really turn it into something amazing.

Conclusion

The sum of all the small perks makes Ocean Cay a great private island. Your drink and Wi-Fi packages work here, MSC Yacht Club members get some awesome exclusive spaces, and the lagoons are fantastic. The fact that you can stay until late at night is also a big plus. With a few smart changes and fresh ideas, this place definitely has the potential to become one of the best private islands out there.