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Cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

217 Reviews
Aerial shot of the entire island of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with a cruise ship docked in port

About Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, opened in December 2019, is part of the Bimini chain of islands in the western Bahamas, 20 miles south of Bimini and just 65 miles east of Miami. The former sand-mining site is home to eight beaches and a coral reef, across the 64 square miles of marine reserve. The island's Bahamian-style village offers a wide range of places to shop, eat, drink and relax, with island-infused cuisine, cocktails and a Bahamian straw market.

Ships dock directly at a pier, with an easy walk onto the island. MSC Cruises is the only line to call at Ocean Cay and will offer late nights in the port, with special evening activities, due to its close proximity to Miami.

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MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside (Photo: MSC Cruises)

4 Night
Bahamas Cruise

1,151 Reviews
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MSC Seashore
MSC Seashore (Image: MSC Cruises)

2 Night
Bahamas Cruise

88 Reviews
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MSC Meraviglia
Pool deck aboard MSC Meraviglia (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

7 Night
Bahamas Cruise

686 Reviews
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MSC Meraviglia
Pool deck aboard MSC Meraviglia (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

8 Night
Bahamas Cruise

686 Reviews
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7 Night
Bahamas Cruise

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3 Night
Bahamas Cruise

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3 Night
Bahamas Cruise

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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Caribbean Cruise

1,151 Reviews
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7 Night
Caribbean - Western Cruise

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4 Night
Bahamas Cruise

338 Reviews
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11 Night
Caribbean - Western Cruise

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4 Night
Bahamas Cruise

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5 Night
Caribbean - Western Cruise

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Caribbean - Western Cruise

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10 Night
Bahamas Cruise

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More about Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Good to Know?

The use of reef-safe sunscreen (as well as bug repellent) is encouraged and available for purchase on the island.

Bring cash (U.S. dollars) for the local straw market.

Getting Around?

Transportation There will be continuous tram service running from the ship to various points on Ocean Cay throughout the day/evening. Signage will also be posted throughout as the island is easily walkable, though we feel there could be a bit more signage -- especially given MSC's international passenger mix.

Accessibility Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be completely ADA compliant. Beach wheelchairs will be available on the island and at the pier upon disembarkation (upon request)

Amenities?

Rentals:

Beach loungers are available around the island, free of charge, but umbrellas must be rented for a fee. It's recommended that towels are brought ashore from the ship.

At the Renting Pavilion, cruisers can rent inflatable aquatic gear (floating beach mats, paddleboards, rafts), and scuba diving and snorkeling equipment.

Kids Club:

There is no dedicated kids club on Ocean Cay nor is babysitting offered on the island. However, there is a designated family area, the Family Lagoon Beach at Seakers Cove, as well as plenty of scheduled family activities throughout the day and evening.

Wedding Packages:

The island features a Wedding Pavilion that can be rented for private wedding ceremonies or vow renewals. A small private island right beside Ocean Cay can also be rented for the day to continue the celebration or for private events. This private island can accommodate a maximum of 30 people and includes:

  • A private boat that will take your party to the island and remain at your disposal
  • A marquee, sun beds and sun loungers
  • Food and drinks
  • Inflatable floats and inner tubes
Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi is available on Ocean Cay if you have an internet package. Passengers with standard, premium and unlimited internet packages onboard the ship will be able to stay connected during their time on the island.


Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Cruise Reviews
the MSC Marine Reserve is really awesomeRead More
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4TDixon
1st Visit - 1/16 7am-9pm Excursion: Ocean Cay Lighthouse Climb – 165 steps $9pp (if purchased in advance otherwise $12.95) Met at Lighthouse Bar at 10:45am. There was a group of 10 of us and a guide took us up. TheRead More
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macusr
Absolutely stunning. I enjoyed the resort like feel on the island. The itinerary had us staying over night at Ocean Cay, which was good fun to see the island at night and have the beach party. Read More
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skillsvary
Ocean cay is beautiful, one of the best ports I’ve been to. But you have to pay for umbrellas, there are jelly fish and barracudas, and I had an issue at the oc fish cone ice cream parlor. Read More
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R3tronym

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