I recently set sail on a two-day cruise aboard the MSC Seascape to Ocean Cay Reserve. This was my first time aboard MSC and my first time sailing to their private island in The Bahamas.
While I normally sail on Celebrity, I decided to give MSC a try, as I was able to snag a great deal of $169 per person. I also wanted to check out Ocean Cay as I had heard about the famous lighthouse show, and I am a huge fan of Cococay, which is owned by Royal Caribbean and is about 100 miles away from Ocean Cay.
If you’re planning a trip or interested in sailing with MSC and visiting Ocean Cay, I’m sharing all my insider tips and tricks, including dos and don’ts, in this guide so you can make the most of your trip.
Eat, See, Do on MSC Ocean Cay Reserve
About MSC Ocean Cay Reserve
Ocean Cay is a roughly 95-acre artificial island in The Bahamas located near Bimini and Cat Cay. The island is 65 miles South of Miami, Florida, and was developed by MSC in 2015 after the Mediterranean Shipping Company signed a 100-year lease agreement with the Bahamian Government. Today, it is a private resort-like destination for MSC cruisers and features 8 beaches, a lighthouse, a marine conservation center, and a spa.
Know Before You Go
Here are a few things to consider before you go on an MSC cruise to Ocean Cay Reserve:
- Unlike Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, MSC does not allow you to bring bottles of wine aboard to enjoy in your room. This was actually a con of cruising with them for me, as I like to enjoy a glass of champagne while I watch us sail out of port.
- Ocean Cay is not as developed as Coco Cay. Even though it is a manmade island, it’s more natural, with plenty of off-the-beaten-path areas you can explore or relax. CocoCay can feel like a mega-resort or even a water park at times.
- The traffic getting to the port of Miami was pretty brutal, as there were several ships at the port, and I would recommend getting to the cruise early if you can to avoid peak traffic. If you are coming
- There are plenty of free shaded places to sit and hang out throughout the island.
- You can take your own pop-up canopy or tent. I have a portable canopy, and I will definitely take it next time and opt out of renting a chair.
- It’s hot! Even though I was there in November, it was pretty warm during the day and got slightly cool in the evening.
- Several of the beaches, including Lighthouse Bay, have rocky bottoms. Durable water shoes are recommended.
Things To Do On MSC Ocean Cay
Lighthouse Tour
During the day, visitors can climb up the 165 steps to the top of the 100-foot MSC lighthouse to take in stunning views of the ship and island. This tour is sold separately as an excursion through the cruise ship and can be purchased before sailing, which is recommended.
At night, the red and white-striped lighthouse lights up over 20,000 LED lights and 47 headlights for a dazzling light show. Guests staying overnight can see the light show from the late-night beach party or aboard the ship.
Go To The Beach
Ocean Cay features 8 beaches with vibrant teal water and white sands: Lighthouse Bay, North & South Beach, Bimini Beach, Ocean House Beach, Family Lagoon Beach, Snorkel Beach, and Sunset Beach.
Each beach offers a unique experience, so be sure you visit them all while on the island.
Shop Local
There are about four shops on MSC Ocean Cay, including the Ocean Cay Trading Post, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Logo Shops, a shop for traditional Bahamian items, and a Jewellery Boutique. The shops are located near the ship port and also further along the island. The shops sell souvenirs, branded merchandise, local crafts, and more.
Eat & Drink
There are several amazing dining and drinking options on MSC Ocean Cay, including the complimentary and paid specialty restaurants:
Complimentary dining
- Seakers Food Court: A classic barbecue buffet with options like burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken, and salads.
- Food Trucks: Four of the five food trucks are complimentary and offer items like hot dogs and cheeseburgers. One truck offers some food for purchase.
- Drinks: Complimentary water is available at all bars, buffets, and water fountains.
Specialty and paid dining
- Ocean House Restaurant: A restaurant with upgraded food options and marvelous views, available exclusively for guests in the MSC Yacht Club.
- South Beach Food Truck: This food truck offers specialty items like lobster rolls and crab ceviche for purchase.
- Ice Cream Parlor: An ice cream parlor is also available on the island.
Relax at the Spa
Yes, you read that right. Ocean Cay has a spa offering beachside massages and treatments using eco-friendly products. They also offer premium services like sunset yoga on some sailings. MSC yacht club members can also rent private cabanas with access to a hot tub on Ocean Cay.
MSC Ocean Cay FAQ
How big is Ocean Cay?
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is 95 acres (38.5 hectares) in size and features about 2.4 miles of beachfront. A 20-minute walk can take you across the island. There are also free trams that will transport you to different parts of the island.
Do you have to pay for a chair on Ocean Cay?
Ocean Cay offers both paid and free chair options. I paid for a chair on South Beach, and while it was nice to have a home base, so to speak, I was a lot happier with the view and the vibes at Lighthouse Point, which had limited free seating. So, if I were to go back, I don’t think I would pay for a chair again.
Will your cruise card work on Ocean Cay?
Yes, you can use your ship card to pay for food and drinks on the island.
Is there food on Ocean Cay?
Yes, there are both free and paid dining options on the island.
What should you pack for MSC Ocean Cay?
I recommend bringing the island basics: a waterproof bag or phone case, a refillable water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
I also recommend two things:
1. A float like this one I snagged on Amazon. It was one of the best things I’ve ever taken on a cruise. It was so relaxing to float around in the water and take in scenes of the lighthouse while I drank a few pina coladas. Plus, they come in a pack of two for $25 and are easy to blow up without a pump.
2. A portable charging power bank for your phone. If you like to scroll, post, and take photos and videos while in port, your phone battery won’t last long. I recommend this solar-powered one from Blavor.
Check out all my recommended cruise essentials on Amazon.
Would I go back to MSC Ocean Cay?
Yes, I would go back to MSC Ocean Cay. I found MSC similar in aesthetic to Celebrity, although I like Celebrity more in terms of food options and overall experience. When you factor in how much I paid for the cruise, it’s much cheaper than Celebrity, so MSC is great if you’re looking to cruise on a budget or go for a quick weekend getaway.
I really enjoyed spending almost 12 hours on Ocean Cay; the island is beautiful and relaxing, and it didn’t feel crowded at all. I would love to go back and do the stingray excursion or go snorkeling, as I forgot my snorkel gear.
In addition to going on excursions that leave the island, I would like to check out the Ocean House restaurant offered to Yacht Club guests and also the spa.
Check out MSC Ocean Cay on My TikTok
Learn How MSC Ocean Cay Reserve Was Made
Amazon Prime currently offers the free documentary Building Paradise Island about the construction of Ocean Cay. It is very interesting, as the island was left abandoned and trashed for years before MSC turned it into the cruise destination it is today.
Book an MSC Cruise to Ocean Cay Reserve in The Bahamas
Find and book your next cruise on Expedia. Instead of browsing each cruise website individually, you can see all ships leaving from a certain port, heading to a particular destination, or on a certain date.
Tell me everything!
Have you been to MSC’s Ocean Cay reserve? Tell me your favorite things to do or best tips for visiting the private island.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I try myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am a Viator and Expedia partner. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the Eat Well. Adventure Often. blog!