Some MSC cruisers will be disappointed to learn that they will not be visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Ocean Cay) on their cruise. The European cruise line's idyllic private island in the Bahamas will temporarily close in 2024 as it makes way for some upgrades.
MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately held cruise line, opened its private island in December 2019 and has become a popular port of call on many of its Caribbean sailings.
Those cruisers affected by the changes have started getting notifications this week. Details note that the closure will impact four ships among a number of sailings in the Eastern and Western Caribbean during the months of April and May 2024.
We have the details on which cruises are affected and what options cruisers have to change or rebook their cruise if they no longer want to sail on the affected itineraries.
Which cruises are impacted?
MSC Cruises has advised that select Caribbean itineraries with sailings between April 7 and May 22, 2024, are impacted by this news update. In total, this applies to more than 35 cruises sailing to Ocean Cay on four of their ships: MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape, MSC Divina, and MSC Meraviglia.
According to the Swiss-based cruise line, the 6-week closure is required to make some changes for the long-term benefit of cruisers, although they don’t name the specific updates that are scheduled to be completed during this period. The cruise line told customers:
“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be temporarily closed to MSC Cruises guests from April 7 to May 22, 2024, in order to make necessary guest experience enhancements and support the island’s future growth plans. We are in contact with impacted guests and travel advisors to share updated itineraries and travel options.”
What does this mean for your cruise?
MSC is currently in the process of reaching out to its guests to provide information on how these changes will impact their cruise vacation. This could result in an extra sea day or the addition of a new port of call in the Caribbean.
Some cruises will stop in Nassau, Bahamas, a common destination for many MSC cruises sailing out of Florida. In addition, some ships will visit Freeport, located on Grand Bahamas island, 154 miles northwest of Nassau. Freeport, the second largest city in the Bahamas, is not a common port of call on MSC itineraries.
Some guests have also noted the addition of Roatan, Honduras, an island off the Central American mainland, which is a frequent stop on many Western Caribbean itineraries and well known for its diving, stunning beaches, and lush vegetation.
The specific changes vary by itinerary, so guests need to watch out for MSC emails and carefully review information about their sailing. For those who use a travel agent, it is best to reach out to them to determine the specific changes (if any) to their cruise.
What do affected cruisers need to do?
For those MSC guests who are happy with their cruise changes, there is no action required; the booking will remain in place. Alternatively, if cruisers are not content with the new itinerary, the cruise line provides its guests with a couple options:
- Guests can switch to another MSC cruise during the time frame of April to October 2024, without penalty. However, it needs to be the same length and cabin class. There is an upside to this option, though, as guests will benefit from the lower price (old or newer one), meaning there is no increase in cost as a result of this change.
- Alternative guests can move to a new cruise; however, they will be subject to the new cruise price (less what they paid). While there is no change fee associated with this option, this can result in additional expenses if the new itinerary is more expensive.
- Lastly, guests can cancel their cruise for a full refund.
What changes is MSC making at Ocean Cay?
MSC has not announced any specific updates/ changes they will make during the multi-week upgrade. The cruise line did mention enhancements that support future growth, though.
Currently, the island sees one ship per day, with a number of staff living on-site to serve guests as they enjoy the day. Some cruises even spend the night at Ocean Cay, a perk that most private islands don’t provide.
The popularity of MSC's private island may necessitate updates to accommodate more ships and passengers. This makes sense as MSC continues to expand its presence in this region, with more ships sailing out of the U.S.
There is also the possibility they are completing some modifications to accommodate larger ships. MSC World America is the second in the newest World Class of ships, which will begin sailing to Ocean Cay in the spring of 2025. The first ship in the series, MSC World Europa, has a gross tonnage of 215,864, which is 26% bigger than MSC Meraviglia than the largest ship currently visiting Ocean Cay,
Overview of Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay is located in the western Bahamas, 20 miles south of Bimini. Once an industrial site, MSC has redeveloped the island into a serene paradise for its cruise guests. The newly transformed retreat offers cruisers the opportunity to get an authentic island experience with 8 beaches and water activities that feature the restored marine life of the area.
MSC has focused on conservation and sustainability in the rejuvenation of Ocean Cay, providing unique excursions and activities for guests, including snorkeling on newly revived reefs as well as overnight visits.
The cruise line has planted 75 thousand plants and shrubs in order to restore the natural flora and fauna native to the region. The 64 square miles of the marine reserve includes growing coral reefs, plants, and fish, an underwater haven for guests to explore. It also has a number of food venues, bars, and events.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a Swiss-based cruise line that has grown to become the third largest cruise line in the world with 22 ships, sailing internationally to a range of destinations in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Its growing presence in North America, including a $450 million investment in a new terminal in Miami, further highlights its commitment to growth in this region. It has also started sailing from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean.
The cruise line is part of the MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company), a leader in world shipping. It has also launched an upscale cruise brand, Explora Journeys.
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
