MSC Cruises is developing a new private island in the Bahamas called Sandy Cay, driven by the popularity of Ocean Cay and the cruise line’s growth in North America.
MSC World America: The most American cruise ship ever
MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC World America, features 19 restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, and more.
MSC Cruises’ Bahamas has a new neighbor.
The cruise line this week revealed the first look at Sandy Cay, a new private island adjacent to the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The destination will welcome guests from both MSC and Explorer Journeys from 2028 (both cruise lines are part of the MSC Group).
Lynn Trent, president of MSC Cruises North America, said the expansion was driven by consistently strong “guest satisfaction and demand” at Ocean Cay. The existing island has beach access, dining and shore excursions, and is also a hub for scientific research aimed at addressing the effects of climate change on marine habitats.
“The success of Ocean Cay helped validate our long-term vision for a civilian destination and ultimately led to the development of Sandy Cay,” Trent told USA TODAY. “So, as MSC Cruises continues to grow in North America and expand our capacity from our U.S. homeports, the addition of Sandy Cay will allow us to expand our capacity while offering our guests a more diverse and more customized experience in line with our brand.”
The island is surrounded by the same turquoise waters as its predecessor, offering a “more secluded natural respite,” according to a news release. Details of specific amenities have not yet been announced.
“It has something of a soul and DNA of its own, a blend of elegance and an authentic Bahamian spirit that maintains the very relaxed and authentic atmosphere of Ocean Cay that our guests love, but is really an extension of that,” Trent said.
The news comes as MSC expands its land-based portfolio in other ways as well.
CTL Maritime, a subsidiary of MSC Group, announced this month that it will acquire a portion of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama Island and develop it into a beach club for MSC and Explorer Journeys passengers. MSC also shared plans for enhancements to Ocean Cay in January, including new dining options, an expanded pier that can accommodate two vessels at a time, an adults-only beach, and hands-on marine conservation experiences for guests.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
