What’s It Like to Work for MSC — and Why It Matters

by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:45 PM ET, Thu April 24, 2025

As media, I expected to report on the architecture, dining, and tech-forward cabins aboard MSC World America’s inaugural journey, and those highlights were all there.

But the most impactful impression I found was on land.

Island Roots

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve isn’t just a stop on the itinerary—it turns out, it's the heartbeat of MSC’s Caribbean operation.

Environmental stewardship is more than a buzzword here.

Once a site used for sand extraction, the island has been transformed into a thriving marine sanctuary.

The cruise line employs only Bahamians here, investing directly in local livelihoods.

Staff are offered comfortable housing, medical care, a private beach, and the opportunity to host visiting family members on the island—something my island tour operator, Greg, says reflects the company’s respect for personal well-being.

Ocean Cay has become a refuge for endangered turtles, whose nesting sites are monitored and protected as part of the island’s conservation mission. As I learned during my visit, construction is even paused during nesting season to ensure the turtles are left undisturbed.

It’s this balance of progress and conservation that defines Ocean Cay.

Here, you won’t find amusement parks or waterslides. Instead, it’s a place of preservation and connection — not just for nature, but for the people who call it home.

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A Tram and a Purpose

Greg Evans is a tram operator, storyteller, and proud Bahamian whose joy for his work is as apparent as the island’s turquoise waters.

But more than that, he’s a perfect lens through which to understand MSC Cruises’ culture—not just for its guests, but for its people.

Greg’s journey at MSC began in kayak rentals. But one day, he came into work to hear, “Greg, we’re buying you a tram.” His passion for sharing the island's history had been noticed—and rewarded.

Greg Evans, Tour Operator, MSC Ocean Cay

“I’ve always loved connecting with people,” he told us as we glided past swaying palms and ocean views that if real life could be photoshopped, I’d be convinced they were. “Now I get to do that every day.”

Greg doesn’t just drive the tram—he narrates a living history. He points out native plants, recalls the island’s transformation, and shares cultural stories with pride. One of his favorites? How Martin Luther King Jr. is said to have written his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from an island in the Bahamas.

When I relayed Greg’s story to MSC’s PR team on board, they smiled knowingly. “That’s not unusual,” they said.

It’s the norm.

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Curated Culture

Ian Patterson, Country Manager for MSC Cruises Canada, echoed this sentiment: “I always get positive feedback about our staff.” MSC understands that the people “make or break the guest experience.”

That philosophy is reflected in everything from how team members are trained and treated, to how they’re empowered to thrive. The result? A sense of purpose that doesn’t just stay behind the scenes—it radiates out to guests.

What’s Next?

MSC recently announced plans to open a second private island experience, reinforcing its commitment to both sustainability and local empowerment. If Ocean Cay is any indication, the next island won’t just be a destination—it’ll be a home for more stories like Greg’s.