Secret paradise: how to explore this private Caribbean island

It’s everyone’s dream holiday right now – a crowd-free, paradise island away from the hordes. But with MSC Cruises it could be a reality when you book a Caribbean cruise for 2021 or beyond.

Head 65 miles (105km) east off Miami’s coast, to the northwest of the Bahamas, and you’ll arrive at an idyllic Caribbean island, Ocean Cay. This 95-acre speck of paradise with eight vanilla-sand beaches, a spa and restaurants isn’t for everyone though – only those on holiday with MSC Cruises can access the island.

Ocean Cay MSC Cruises (Image: Courtesy of MSC) Courtesy of MSC Cruises

It's perfect for anyone looking for a low-key and crowd-free holiday next year or beyond.

Opened in December 2019, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve isn’t simply a playground for holidaymakers either. The island has been designed to promote and preserve marine life from lobsters to coral during a three-year transformation project. We find out more about what to see and do – plus how to get here too, in partnership with MSC Cruises.

Laid-back lifestyle…

MSC Cruises' guests have exclusive access to a range of facilities at Ocean Cay from relaxing under a beach umbrella to hiring a private cabana complete with cold drinks.

A cabana on Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises (Image: Courtesy of MSC) Courtesy of MSC Cruises

You can also drift away in the turquoise sea on a foam mat or hire a family raft to float out with the kids.

Head to the northern point of the island and you’ll find the spa. Not only is there a treatment menu of massages and facials, but you can join morning and sunset beach yoga sessions here.

…or big adventures

After something more high-octane? There are lots of watersports to draw daredevils to Ocean Cay too.

Take a kayak tour with experienced guides, balance (or wobble) your way around Ocean Cay on a paddleboard or explore the marine reserve on a snorkelling adventure.

Take a kayak tour with MSC Cruises at Ocean Cay (Image: Courtesy of MSC) Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Alternatively you can head further out on a boat for an hour's snorkelling excursion to see a shipwreck with a professional instructor.

Those who want to see even more watery worlds under-the-sea – and experience the incredible feeling of weightlessness that scuba diving affords – can join an accredited course with a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) instructor. Don’t forget you do need to be a decent swimmer, however, to join the course.

Ocean Cay Marine conservation (Image: Courtesy of MSC) Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Looking after the environment

It’s no mean feat turning a former sand extraction site into a marine reserve.

During the three-year process MSC Cruises removed 7,500 tonnes of scrap metal.

A team of marine biologists relocated 400 existing coral colonies living among the debris to give them a fighting chance of survival and also installed over 75,000 plants on the island itself.

Ocean Cay coral and marine conservation (Image: Courtesy of MSC) Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Today Ocean Cay endeavours to be as low-impact as possible. The island generates 6000KW of electricity thanks to a solar farm and uses only LED lighting. Environmentally-friendly elements have been incorporated at every point, with therapists at the spa using bio-degradable products free from single-use plastic.

What’s to eat?

You might be (temporarily) marooned on a desert island but the chances of going hungry are zero.

In addition to Seakers Food Court serving American classics, you’ll find food trucks dotted around the island and seven beach bars.

Restaurant at Ocean Cay (Image: Courtesy of MSC) Courtesy of MSC Cruises

For something truly special the 100-foot (30m) tall Lighthouse Bar is a striking place for a cocktail during sunset.

Lighthouse Bar, at sunset, Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises (Image: Courtesy of MSC) Courtesy of MSC Cruises

After hours

Come evening there’s no rush to head back to the ship either – all ships remain docked at Ocean Cay into the early hours of the morning.

One of the advantages of the island's isolated position is the lack of light pollution ensures spectacular stargazing. Guests can sign up for a session with an astronomer that features computerised telescopes. In the right conditions you’ll be able to see the moon, Jupiter and Mars up close, ensuring Ocean Cay's guests feel connected to the sea, land and stars too.

More information and booking

Find out more about the island at the Ocean Cay website.

Three different MSC Cruises’ ships will call at the island in summer 2021 as part of their Caribbean itineraries including MSC Meraviglia from Miami and MSC Divina from Port Canaveral. Prices start from £594pp and as it’s part of their current all-inclusive promotion you’ll get a drinks package included as part of the price.