MSC Cruises reveals plans for private island in Bahamas

MSC Cruises has announced plans to create an exclusive marine reserve island experience in the Bahamas.

The cruise line will work in partnership with the Bahamian Government and ecologists to develop the cay.

The island, called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest beaches in the world alongside an array of Caribbean-inspired experiences, according to the company.

At 95 acres in size, it will be the largest island development by a cruise company in the region.

MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “This is a natural progression for our company, which is growing very rapidly, and we are thrilled about providing this totally new experience for our guests in the Caribbean.”

“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and its exclusive offerings will be a magnificent extension of our shipboard experiences. We are scrupulous about ensuring every decision we take keeps each of our ships true to the promise of our brand, offering the authenticity and quality our guests expect.

“This is what made us the leading brand in many of the markets we operate, including across Europe, South America and South Africa. We will apply the same thinking and attention to detail to our Caribbean offering, of which this exclusive marine reserve will become a cornerstone, because we know our guests will be bowled over by this industry-unique experience.”

At the same time, the line announced a number of features on the island, including a purpose-built 2,000-seat amphitheatre, as well as an “architecturally faithful” Bahamian village, and many restaurants and bars.

More than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs will be planted across the island.

MSC Cruises plans to break ground on the development in March 2016. It will open to guests in November 2017.

Guests on board MSC Seaside’s maiden voyage from Miami will be the first to visit the island. Sales for the inaugural December 2017 cruises opened on December 15.

For more information, click here.