MSC Cruises, which operates the private destination Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is developing another private island destination in the Bahamas.
The cruise company revealed it is working with Bahamas officials to develop a second, smaller private island off the coast of its existing destination.
‘Little Cay’ Currently a Sandbank
The new island is informally known as “Little Cay,” and it is around a third of the size of Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
It is a natural sandbank formed during dredging work to allow MSC cruise ships to dock at Ocean Cay.
It is still in the initial development phase, with few details disclosed. “This presents an opportunity for us to further develop an exclusive luxury experience for our guests,” said MSC Cruises USA spokesperson Sidney Sterling.
“This second island will stay true to Ocean Cay, connecting guests to nature, pristine beaches, and the ocean. More information will be shared as it becomes available.” Access to the smaller island will be by tender via Ocean Cay.
New Private Island ‘an Incredible Luxury Experience’
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC executive chairman, said of Little Cay, “This will offer a different experience for the different brands. We design the island to be an incredible luxury experience. We’re very proud and very happy to have developed again something from nothing.”
That could mean an exclusive destination for guests of Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury cruise brand that operates smaller ships. Explora launched two years ago and will take delivery of a third ship next year.
Earlier this month, MSC Foundation celebrated opening a new Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay. This center is a resource for scientists, local students, and visitors.
In 2015, MSC signed a 100-year lease with the Bahamas government to develop Ocean Cay. The 100-acre island is approximately 20 miles from Bimini and 60 miles off the South Florida coast.
MSC Cruises recently expanded Ocean Cay to accommodate the MSC World America, its largest ship to date, and will soon begin construction on another pier.
