MSC Cruises has announced major enhancements coming to its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with new amenities, expanded guest capacity, and infrastructure upgrades planned for completion by 2027.
The updates include new family and adults-only areas, additional dining options, and expanded cabana availability. The island is also getting a significant pier expansion designed to accommodate two ships at the same time. Which will make this one of the largest upgrades to Ocean Cay since its debut.
What’s New at Ocean Cay
Seaker’s Cove Family Beach
Seakers Cove is getting some upgrades, including a splash pad, ropes course, and playground.
This addition is designed to give families with younger cruisers a dedicated space while freeing up other beaches across the island.
Paradise Sands – Adults-Only Retreat
MSC will introduce Paradise Sands, a new adults-only area offering a quieter, more relaxed beach experience. This new experience is something many Ocean Cay guests have wanted since the island opened.
Additional Cabanas
More cabanas will be added throughout the island, expanding availability for guests seeking private, shaded beach experiences.
Four New Dining Venues
MSC also confirmed plans for four new dining venues, including at least one specialty restaurant, giving guests more food and beverage options beyond the current offerings. This will also help with lines at the other two main buffets on the island and bring the total of dining venues up to seven. Menus have yet to be announced.
Marine Conservation Experience
Ocean Cay, which opended in 2019 is a fromer industrial site turned private island. Staying true to Ocean Cay’s mission as a marine reserve, MSC will introduce an immersive, hands-on marine conservation experience, allowing guests to learn more about ocean preservation and restoration efforts.
Expansion to Support Two Ships
One of the most significant enhancements is a physical expansion to the pier to allow the island to host two MSC ships simultaneously.
This move supports MSC’s growing fleet and increased North American presence as the MSC World Atlantic debuts from Port Canaveral in 2027!
Why This Matters for Cruisers
These changes could:
- Allow more guests to visit the island
- Offer more distinct spaces for families vs. adults
- Improve dining variety around the island
- Make Ocean Cay more competitive with newer private destinations from other cruise lines, while also staying true to their mission.
For cruisers sailing MSC over the next few years, Ocean Cay is shaping up to be a very different experience by the end of the decade.
Our Take
While Ocean Cay already offers a relaxing beach day, these updates address some of the most common guest feedback —expanded dining options, an adults-only area, and more options for kids!
The addition of capacity of a second-ship signals MSC’s long-term commitment to Ocean Cay as a cornerstone of its Caribbean itineraries.
Planning an MSC cruise with a stop at Ocean Cay? These upcoming changes could be worth factoring into your itinerary, especially if you’re considering future sailings.