by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 11:00 PM ET, Fri February 10, 2017
Although the opening of MSC Cruises' new private island-Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve-has been delayed from its originally slated date of December 2017 to October 2018, I had the opportunity to interview the company about what can be expected once it does open to tide travelers over.
With so many new private destination experiences emerging from several cruise lines, what will differentiate Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve?
"Ocean Cay will offer our guests the opportunity to experience a natural paradise that is truly the best the Caribbean has to offer with 11,400 feet of beautiful coastline, crystal blue waters and some of the finest aragonite sands in the world. Working in partnership with the Government of The Bahamas, our aim is to bring this unpopulated, uninhabitable island and its surrounding waters back to their original state.
"The island is being built as an extension of MSC's ship experience, with all the same services from the ship -dining, spa and entertainment-also available on shore. As a highlight for our MSC Yacht Club guests, the island will feature an exclusive MSC Yacht Club area so that guests will continue to receive VIP butler service in their own private area of the beach, with exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary and private bungalows and massage huts.
"Ocean Cay will also boast a purpose-built berth that will allow the cruise ships to dock directly at the island, allowing guests to step straight off the ship onto the island instead of tendering to shore. In addition to docking at the pier, we're also changing up the private island experience by staying until midnight. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the beach and a number of family-friendly activities and entertainment during the day-conveniently get back on the ship to freshen up-and then go back to the island dinner and evening entertainment."
[READMORE]READ MORE: Shipyard Preview: MSC Cruises' New MSC Seaside Under Construction[/READMORE]
What can you tell us about the experiences and nature reserve elements that will be available on the island?
"During the day guests will be able to enjoy a variety of water sports and beach games as well as choose from a number of shore excursions including snorkeling in some of the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean. The island will also be very family-friendly, with a family beach and dedicated kids' restaurant, play areas and other useful facilities.
"In the evening guests can enjoy live music and family-friendly entertainment. The island will include a variety of restaurants and bars available throughout the entire day, offering local specialties.
"We will transform the island into a pristine marine reserve populated by thousands of indigenous Caribbean trees, plants and flowers. These waters will once again host local coral and fish species."
What features are MSC most excited about sharing with its guests?
"We are thrilled to create an extension of the MSC Cruises ship onshore in this beautiful destination with all of the features previously detailed. Beyond the offering to our guests, we are pleased to be continuing our already strong partnership with the Bahamas. Our involvement with the Bahamas actually began decades ago as our sister company, MSC Cargo, was the first global shipping line to serve the Bahamas. In recent years, we have extended our partnership to cover our cruise operations, and guest feedback has always been extremely positive about their experiences in the Bahamas. Ocean Cay was an ideal opportunity to expand our presence in the region even further."
[READMORE]READ MORE: MSC Cruises Breaks Ground on Ocean Cay, Opening Scheduled for November 2018[/READMORE]
"The island is currently slated to open in November 2018. The plan is for many of MSC Cruises ships operating in the Caribbean to visit Ocean Cay regularly on their itineraries. This includes the revolutionary MSC Seaside that will become our flagship when it enters into service at the end of this year, which will visit the island on a weekly basis, all year round."
"As we begin development on this paradise island, we will be incorporating a comprehensive landscaping plan that will see more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses flowers and shrubs planted on the island, restoring the island to a lush, natural habitat."
What will the zip-line experience be like?
"We have announced that there will be a zip line on the island. Details are still being worked out and finalized, however. So, unfortunately, we don't any have more details at this time to share."
Are there any additional details you can provide about the private bungalows? Will they be open-air or air-conditioned, for example?
"The bungalows will be Bahamian style huts that will serve as the Spa area, located in the Yacht Club part of the island."
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