Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises’ private island, designed exclusively for its passengers. This serene destination in the Bahamas offers an idyllic getaway with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and a variety of activities tailored to provide a perfect island experience.
About Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay is a private island owned by MSC Cruises, located in the Bahamas. It serves as a unique port of call for MSC cruise ships, including MSC Divina, MSC Seaside, and MSC Meraviglia. This island spans approximately 95 acres and was formerly an industrial site that MSC Cruises transformed into a tropical paradise. Ocean Cay is part of the Bimini district of the Bahamas.
A private island like Ocean Cay is dedicated exclusively to the cruise line’s passengers, providing a secluded and controlled environment for a day of relaxation and fun. Since it is not a tender port, passengers can exit immediately onto a short pier. Just a short distance from the ship is an amazing beach with sugar-white sands and turquoise waters. Note that towels are not provided, so be sure to bring yours from the ship. Note that “cay” is pronounced “key”.
Things to do at Ocean Cay
Because Ocean Cay is a private island, there aren’t any third-party excursion options. If you want to partake in an excursion (offerings include a lighthouse climb, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and snorkeling), you’ll need to book it directly through MSC. My recommendation is to save money and enjoy a beach day here. The use of loungers and umbrellas is free for cruise guests.
Ocean Cay Paradise
Ocean Cay is expansive, with many locations and opportunities for snorkeling (I recommend you save money and bring your own gear). You can rent an umbrella or cabana, but I’ve never had a problem finding a shaded spot for free, and there are ample chairs available for cruisers at no cost. If you branch out further from the port, you can escape the crowds, although due to the size of the island, this can be a bit of a hike. MSC does offer tram service, but it’s not particularly fast or efficient, and it does not take cruisers to all corners of the island. There is also a spa on the island if you’re looking for a day of relaxation, but these spots book fast in advance.
Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide.
Wi-Fi at Ocean Cay
MSC does promote that their Wi-Fi works on the island, which would be a nice perk, but it has been spotty at best in my two visits there. If you opt to use MSC Wi-Fi, you’ll need to first disconnect from the ship’s wifi, and reconnect to the island’s Wi-Fi, as they are two separate networks.
Does the Drink Package Work at Ocean Cay?
Yes, the cruise line allows the use of its drink package on Ocean Cay. The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18.
Related: Learn about the pros and cons (and risks) of booking independent excursions.
Language and Currency
The official language of the Bahamas is English, making it easy for most cruisers to communicate. The currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is equivalent to the US Dollar (USD).
However, on a private island like Ocean Cay, currency is often not needed because it’s generally a free beach day and you don’t necessarily need to spend money on anything, which is one of the great things about cruise ship private islands. There are shops selling souvenirs, though, so you may spend money on that.
This map shows all the exciting spots to visit on this beautiful marine reserve in the Bahamas.
Because it’s a private island owned by the cruise line, any purchase here can generally be billed to your stateroom account using your ship card.
Food Options at Ocean Cay
Cruise lines provide a free lunch buffet to their guests on the island. Additional food and drink may also be available for purchase.
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
Climate and What to Wear
Ocean Cay enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging around 75-85°F (24-29°C). Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, along with sun protection such as hats and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring.
Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware
good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions. Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of their departing port, so for sailings off the eastern coast of the US, this is Eastern Standard Time (EST). The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time across all islands. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, The Bahamas recognizes Daylight Saving Time in conjunction with the U.S.
