MSC Reveals Ocean Cay Enhancements Coming in 2027
Every cruise line seems to be beefing up their private destinations in the Caribbean. From Carnival’s new Celebration Key to Norwegian’s massive overhaul of their Great Stirrup Cay, companies are spending big bucks to improve their private destinations. MSC Cruises is no exception. Even though their private island just opened in 2019, today they announced several enhancements coming to Ocean Cay starting in late 2027.
MSC’s Ocean Cay Currently
Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay by Royal Caribbean, Ocean Cay does not look like a massive island theme park. Instead, the island is focused on marine conservation and the beauty of nature. Formerly an industrial site, MSC took over the island and created a tropical destination with a conservation theme built in.
The island has two miles of white sand beaches, split across eight areas, and features seven bars, a food court, food trucks, and water activities around the island. Rather than a splashy waterslide tower or massive sandcastle that other cruise lines have, the biggest signature feature on Ocean Cay is its lighthouse, which can come alive at night using projection mapping.
Ocean Cay 2027 Enhancements
Extended Pier
Ocean Cay has a pier so ships can dock and guests can walk directly onto the island without having to wait for a tender. Currently, Ocean Cay can only handle one ship at a time. MSC is now working to extend the pier so it can accommodate two ships.
This increase can double the number of guests on the island. If two World Class ships dock, there could be an additional 6,700 people onshore. As a result, MSC is making several improvements to be able to handle that increase.
More Dining Venues
MSC will add four new dining experiences to the island, giving guests seven restaurants to choose from. They will introduce one new “signature specialty restaurant” along with new buffet and food market options.
Seakers Cove Family Beach
The quiet lagoon of Seakers Cove will receive a family-friendly upgrade. MSC will add a new kids playground, a splash pad, and a ropes course with water elements. The area will also feature family-friendly activities like ping pong and foosball.
Adult Only Area
MSC will also add an adult-only area called Paradise Sands. Guests can relax on the beach during the day, and later it will transform into a great place to grab a drink while watching the sunset. MSC did not indicate if this would be an additional charge in the press release.
More Cabanas
MSC will add more cabanas available to rent. They will introduce a variety of different types, giving guests who want to pay more for a more private experience additional options.
Marine Conservation Experience
Ocean Cay will get a new conservation experience called “Shifting Perspective.” It will feature immersive, hands-on experiences focused on conservation in the area, including topics like coral restoration and exploration of ocean ecosystems.
Second Private Island Destination
MSC is also continuing work on a second private destination next to Ocean Cay. It has not been officially named yet, but internally it is referred to as “Little Cay.” This destination will offer a more luxurious and exclusive experience compared to Ocean Cay.
My Take: Useful Upgrades, But What Is the Cost?
The upgrades MSC is making to Ocean Cay should enhance the guest experience without turning it into a floating theme park. The focus still appears to be on the natural aspects of the island. There is no massive waterpark or concrete pool, and the emphasis remains on the beaches and the ocean.
The larger pier, with the ability to host an additional ship, essentially mandated these changes. Guests already complain that the existing buffet can feel overcrowded. Adding another 6,000 or more guests could completely overwhelm the island’s facilities if upgrades were not made.
The biggest question is cost. The press release does not mention whether the adult-only area will cost extra. Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean all charge extra for their adult-only beach areas, so it remains to be seen if MSC will follow suit. As for the additional restaurants, it is also unclear how many will be included or which venues may come with an extra charge.
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