MSC Cruises to open marine reserve on idyllic cay in the Bahamas
MSC CRUISES has unveiled ambitious plans to create an exclusive marine reserve experience for its passengers in the Bahamas.
The 95-acre island will be the biggest island development by any cruise company in the Caribbean
The cay was previously used for sand extraction but the ambitious plans will see it transformed into a marine reserve that coexists with the local ecosystem.
It will transform the local economy from exploiting the natural resources to conserving them.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and its exclusive offerings will be a magnificent extension of our shipboard experiences
MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, who signed a 100-year lease for the island with Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie, 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.”
MSC Cruises signed a 100-year lease for the island with Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie
He said the exclusive marine reserve will be the cornerstone of MSC Cruises’ Caribbean programme, offering some of the finest beaches and Caribbean-inspired experiences.
The 95-acre island has just over two miles of pristine shore along six distinct beaches, and will be the biggest island development by any cruise company in the Caribbean, according to MSC Cruises, which plans to invest more than £134million to create a natural haven.
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A purpose-built berth and pier will give passengers direct access to the island from their ship, which will be especially useful to enjoy the island’s night life.
A Bahamian village will include a 2,000-seat amphitheatre for live music and entertainment plus restaurants, bars and shops.
Cay MSC Marine Reserve is 20 miles (32 km) south of Bimini Island in the Bahamas and 65 miles (104.5 km) east of Miami, in Florida.
The plans will include a family beach with kids’ restaurant and play areas
Landscaping will include more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, plus grasses, flowers and shrubs such as Jamaica Dogwood, Red, Black and White Mangroves and Beach Morning Glory.
The northwest corner of the island has been set aside for MSC Yacht Club guests as an exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary, with private bungalows and massage huts.
A network of paths for running and walking will cross the island, with bicycles available to rent, water sports and beach games.
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Highlights will include a family beach with kids’ restaurant, play areas, an inland lagoon and zip wire crossing the island.
And there will also be a pavilion for weddings and other celebrations.
Work will begin in March 2016, and the island will open to guests in December 2017, when the next generation ship MSC Seaside launches.
MSC Divina, which will also sail from Miami, plus Cuba-based MSC Opera and MSC Armonia, will also use the island.
The inaugural December 2017 cruise on MSC Seaside is now on sale, and the maiden voyage from Miami will be the first to visit the island.