What is MSC's Yacht Club Ocean Cay cruise experience like?
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While doable, I realized I picked a beach chair further than ideal from nearby bars. The day I visited Ocean Cay was, unfortunately, a lousy beach day. The weather was uncharacteristically gloomy, with cloudy skies, wind, waves and an occasional drizzle. But I still enjoyed relaxing on a lounge chair, and even dozing off for a bit, before grabbing a burger at the centrally located Seakers eatery. If you like snorkeling or paddleboarding in crystal clear water, all the better.
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Sunset Beach differs from other beaches on Ocean Cay in that some of the beach is rocky and not great for swimming. Whereas there are a few sandy beaches on the western side of the island, the majority of this side is better for watching the ocean rather than swimming. To be honest, I did not set my expectations high for lunch at Ocean Cay. Despite the fact that I enjoyed the food onboard my MSC cruise, I wasn’t sure what the food quality would be like on the island. I did not encounter any crew members walking around taking drink orders at Ocean Cay, and this meant I had to walk to the bar whenever I needed a drink.
MSC Cruises private island Ocean Cay (Bahamas)
However, in September 2016, MSC announced that "in order to ensure quality", Ocean Cay will be operational and open to cruise ship passengers in October 2018. Because of the delay, Divina's and Seaside's scheduled visits (December 2017) were substituted with Nassau. Works were then rescheduled for completion in mid-November 2019, with all 4 MSC liners visiting weekly (on different days).
Seafood Shack
But if you thought that MSC simply bought an island and opened it up to passengers, that’s not the case at all. In total the company spent a reported $300 million into renovating Ocean Cay. What began years ago as a former industrial sand excavation site is now a completely new and revitalized island.
You won’t find any 100-foot waterslides, roller coasters, or other theme-park related activities on Ocean Cay. Multiple studies have been done to see what kind of fish and other marine life is currently around the island and how programs can help foster their health. But the calm waters of the lagoons were more than inviting and offered a greater swim area than any pool I know of.
If you like to shop, Ocean Cay Village by the pier features several storefronts selling Bahamian and MSC/Ocean Cay-themed souvenirs and beach necessities. Ocean Cay's longest beach (more than half a mile) faces the ocean. The farthest end of the beach is definitely a trek from the ship.
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We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. If you dream of a destination wedding, getting married onOcean Cay could not be simpler or more romantic. You can go onan inflatable family raft, rent snorkeling equipment and enjoy the MarineReserve inhabitants or go kayaking. Family Lagoon Beach – a special lagoon area with shallow water for safely splashing and playing in the sun. Head to the Smiling Fish where you can find a rainbow of favorite ice cream flavors and colors including a few unique Bahamian specialties. Cruisers who have paid for the exclusive VIP treatment offered as part of MSC Yacht Club amenities will have their own private corner of Paradise on Ocean Cay.
They run between a special tent (with free cold water to sip while you wait) set up just inside the entrance to Ocean Cay and the Ocean House beach and restaurant area. The island is large and walking all day around it is enough to wear anyone out. MSC offers carts hat goes to several spots around the island. The stops are large pavilions that offer some shade while you wait for your ride. Apart from Seakers, there are multiple food trucks around the island.
Beachesshelve very gently into the water and the clear aquamarine sea is warm and crystalclear. You can book a handful of tours for your day on Ocean Cay. The ship's entertainment staff organizes a few activities, including volleyball, bocce and kite competitions (marked as 18+).
That meant that if you were hungry in the late afternoon around 5 p.m., you had to go back to the ship to eat before back coming onshore for events that started at 6 p.m. An alternative is to head to one of several food trucks throughout the island. Some are free and dole out the same items offered on the buffet but with shorter lines. Others sell entirely different menu items — lobster grilled cheese, fried calamari, shrimp with watermelon, Caribbean ceviche and octopus salad — with the cost charged to cruisers' onboard accounts.
MSC Cruises is making improvements at its Ocean Cay private island - Travel Weekly
MSC Cruises is making improvements at its Ocean Cay private island.
Posted: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Visitors can book jet ski tours and outings on the island's catamaran cruiser. A boat ride to a shipwreck for snorkeling is a popular excursion. Certified divers can also book a scuba experience at Ocean Cay. Jet skis are also available to rent to tour the waters around the island.
As they castcolorful lights into the waters, curious fish come looking as you sailalong onyour paddleboard in this surreal ocean experience. Tours can be pre-booked for many excitingwatersports on Ocean Cay or further afield. These include snorkeling, kayaking,catamaran cruising and fishing.
Do you need to have a cabana at Ocean Cay to have a great day? The cabanas do provide a bit of shade which, if you're at South Beach where umbrellas are not provided, is a nice amenity. The lagoon beaches are also easier on your feet, with fewer rocks than you find on the ocean beaches. If you go to the ocean beaches, bring water shoes with you to avoid stubbed toes. To log into the Ocean Cay Wi-Fi, you'll have to log off of the ship's Wi-Fi site and into the Ocean Cay hotspot. We found that the Wi-Fi signal was strong around the island and we were able to easily stay connected.
This beach is exclusive to guests staying in the Yacht Club. It has its own restaurant and bar, as well as butler service and cabanas to rent for an additional fee. If you really want VIP service, cabanas are available, both at the beach and more private ocean view. They look the same as the other cabanas on the island, but do come with a few more amenities.
Now do you need to actually get off the ship to enjoy the light show? You can actually watch the whole thing from the lounges at the front of the ship. You might have a hard time seeing it elsewhere from the ship, however. We also noticed a bank of wheelchairs with wheels designed to handle sand. You'll want to request these with the cruise staff before you get off the ship.
We would estimate that to walk an entire loop around the island, it would take you about 30 minutes at a brisk pace. There are beaches right near the cruise ship so you don’t have to venture far. There is also a free tram that drives guests all around the island. MSC Yacht Club passengers enjoy exclusive access to the island's northwest corner, where is located a spa and wellness complex (including private bungalows and massage huts). Part of the project are also walking and jogging paths around the island. One big advantage to being only 65 miles from Miami is that ships that stop at Ocean Cay are able to stay much later into the night.
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