Category: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises Opens Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas

2/13/2020

MSC Divina at MSC Cruises Ocean Cay private island in the Bahamas

By John Roberts
Cruise lines have long battled the perception that they are part of the problem when it comes to the environment and conservation.
In decades past, that reputation was well earned.
MSC Cruises, however, has made it a mission to be part of the solution. And the signature project for the world's fastest-growing cruise line is something the entire cruise industry can be proud of -- and should use as a template for responsible development of private cruise destinations.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve features a Lighthouse that has a light show at night. You also can climb the tower for amazing views of the entire island.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is an eco-friendly port that opened in December 2019 after a three-year cleanup and rehabilitation project that transformed a former industrial sand-excavation site in the Bimini Islands chain.
The 95-acre island is located just 65 miles from downtown Miami, and MSC partnered with scientists and engineers to build a gorgeous cruise destination that features soft white sands, mesmerizing blue waters and plenty of watersports activities.

The marine life, such as sharks, rays and tropical fish, is returning to the waters as the coral reef around the cay and the seabed and seagrasses improve. The marine reserve features 64 miles of protected waters, and you won't find swimming pools, ziplines or waterslides at Ocean Cay.
Instead, it's a destination where cruisers can come to embrace the beauty of nature and interact a bit with the marine life in a natural way. Ocean Cay also will have a Conservation Center that will be an active base for resident scientists to study the coral, seagrass and marine creatures. The educators will also interact with passengers to help them learn more about Ocean Cay and marine conservation.

Dr. Owen R. O'Shea, a research scientist at the Centre for Ocean Research & Education (CORE), has worked alongside MSC Cruises on the development of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. I spoke with him at length about the significance of the project and its importance in raising awareness among travelers.
Check out the full interview in my video below:

If you are interested in cruise deals that take you to Ocean Cay and what you can do at this revolutionary new cruise destination, you might also like . . .

Discover Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

We're excited that companies like MSC Cruises are taking a leadership role in educating travelers and creating new experiences that aim to have a positive impact on the environment. What do you think?

Thanks for reading, and remember to always travel happy!
JR

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MSC Cruises Offers Full Menu of Fun Activities for Families

7/17/2019

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Photos courtesy of MSC Cruises

By John Roberts
Fast-growing MSC Cruises has been delivering new ships to the oceans at a rapid clip over the past few years. While doing so, the line with a long-entrenched heritage in Europe has offered more and more sailings from U.S. ports and included features on these shiny new ships designed to attract families.

MSC Cruises has been working hard to appeal to U.S. travelers, and we've discovered a variety of reasons why a voyage on an MSC ship can be the perfect choice for your family cruise. Check out all the interesting things you can try while sailing with your friends, family members and the kiddos.

Cirque du Soleil at Sea
MSC Cruises' industry-first entertainment partnership with Cirque du Soleil brings avant garde performances to the sea exclusively for MSC Cruises. Shows are available on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima, and they also are coming to the new MSC Grandiosa (launching in November 2019).

Cruisers can experience two original and exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows per ship. The partnership offers eight different shows in total, with two original performances on each ship in the line's Meraviglia class.

The Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows come stateside for the first time when MSC Meraviglia arrives to North America for the first time and sails two cruises (October 8 and October 18) from New York on itineraries to Canada and New England just as the fall leaves are changing.

From there, MSC Meraviglia sets off for a voyage to the Caribbean and Miami, where the ship will homeport for its Caribbean sailings.

Longest Ziplines at Sea
On MSC Seaside, you can soar high above the ship and race nearly 345 feet across the lido deck while reaching speeds of nearly 35 mph. Two ziplines (fee) cross the ship and offer incredible birds-eye views of the surrounding sea.

You also might like: My Cruise on MSC Divina Ended Up Being a Non-Stop Party

Chocolate Bar Creations
Onboard MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima, passengers can visit the decadent Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolat and Cafe to sample the acclaimed pastry chef's decadent creations.

Want an even sweeter experience? Cruisers can actually design their own chocolate bars to take home. Visit the iPad stations in the cafe and select the type of chocolate, mix-ins (like almonds) and top the chocolate bar with everything from marshmallows to sea salt and caramel. You can personalize the bar with your name -- and even stamp an image of the ship right on the bar.

Once you finish your design, chocolatiers at the shop create the bar, which you can pick up when it's ready.

Race Car Simulators
MSC Cruises features Formula 1 virtual-reality race car simulators (fee), which are found on MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa.

On these ships, passengers climb into a nearly full-size Formula 1 race car with surrounding screens displaying the race course. You can immerse yourself into the racing experience as you put your driving skills to the test and burn (virtual) rubber. The car vibrates and moves as you zoom around the track.

Ropes Course
Onboard MSC Meraviglia, the winter-themed Polar Aqua Park includes an exciting ropes course perched high above the aqua park below. The thrilling climb takes you through the park's Himalayan Bridge, nearly 200 feet above the sea.

Interactive Cinema
MSC Cruises offers interactive cinemas on a number of ships, and these facilities offer immersive shows complete with moving seats, wind, mist and more. On MSC Seaside, you can experience the XD cinema with even more interactive elements to make you feel like you're a part of the film's fantasy world.

A Wine Bath
Vinotherapy has become a hot spa trend. MSC Cruises has a partnership with Andrea Bocelli Wines and spa products company LAJATICA to curate vinotherapy treatments in the MSC Aurea Spa onboard MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia.

Strengthened by the anti-aging and firming properties found in grapes, these luxurious facial and body treatments are made with natural extracts from the Bocelli family vineyards and blended with Tuscan plants and essential oils. Known as "nature's antioxidants," grapes contain powerful compounds called polyphenols, which fight free radicals and stimulate the renewal of cells and collagen.

Grapes also contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B1, C, E and K; in addition to magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus.

Content Creation for Your Cruise
MSC Cruises has partnered with vlogger Luciano Spinelli to create a content master class to teach families how to capture their best vacation photos and videos. Participants learn the best ways to tell the stories of their cruises via social media. The class also teaches you how to capture the best memories so that you can relive and share your experience forever.

Also, check out these Kids Programs coming to the new MSC Grandiosa. These activities will keep the youngsters busy and happy while you head to the spa or slip into your wine bath.

Drone Academy
Taking place in MSC Grandiosa's Sportsplex venue, this high-tech and high-energy drone relay race comes to life at night with the glowing drones. Teens are trained to learn drone piloting skills before competing as teams to race through the 4,200-square-foot arena navigating 15 obstacles in the quickest time.

Spy Mission
Young audiences play a central role in this roaming spy experience, a first for MSC Cruises. Blending the lines between reality and fiction, participants are led through a number of different scenarios, taking place throughout the ship to unravel unique storylines. You follow clues to solve the mystery to win a range of prizes.

MSC Dance Crew
Developed in partnership with Fremantle, the production company behind the globally successful TV talent shows including "Idols," "The X Factor" and the "Got Talent" series, this dance competition puts together teams of 12- to 17-year-old cruisers. The dancers then battle it out to win the title of top dance crew.

Thanks for reading and happy family cruising!
JR

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MSC Cruises Makes Splash with Eco-Friendly Reserve in Bahamas

1/18/2019

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Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Reinvents Old Industrial Site as Private Island

MSC Cruises Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas

Images courtesy of MSC Cruises

By John Roberts

MSC Cruises has undertaken an ambitious and large-scale revitalization of a formerly threatened island space in the Bimini chain in the Bahamas.

The result is a recaptured slice of paradise with a mission of ecological preservation that allows cruise visitors to share in the story of responsible tourism.

With Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises is transforming a former industrial sand extraction site into a flourishing marine reserve and private island destination that will exist in harmony with the ecosystem.

Imagine a tranquil morning spent relaxing in a cabana on the beach followed by a snorkel tour to discover the coral and taking in the colorful fish and abundant marine life. The afternoon is spent taking part in beach activities, perhaps a game of beach volleyball or shopping for souvenirs. As the sun starts to set, move to one of the beach bars to sip on a cocktail, taking in the stunning sea views and an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Finally, finish the evening with a movie under the stars before returning to the comfort of your ship.

Ocean Cay has been designed to allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, beaches and lagoons. The vision is to create a sustainable destination with activities giving cruisers the opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edu-tainment programs.

The island is surrounded by 64 square miles of protected waters, and a coral nursery is being established to encourage and sustain the growth of new coral. Plans are underway for a marine laboratory to be situated on Ocean Cay for researching climate change-resistant coral in hopes of providing insights to similar island habitats.

MSC Cruises has been working hand-in-hand with the Bahamian government and ecologists to develop the cay.

"Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will bring something new and unique to our Caribbean itineraries from Miami and is set to become a truly memorable highlight for our guests," MSC Cruises' CEO Gianni Onorato said. "We have created a guest experience that complements the breath-taking natural beauty of this remarkable part of the Caribbean.

"There was no need for us to build extensively on an island that already had the ingredients of a natural paradise. However, we have undertaken extensive work to clean-up the island, removing tons of historic industrial waste and helping to return the beaches, and the entire 64 square miles of protected waters surrounding the island, to their pristine state."

Onorato continued, "For the guest services on the island we have kept it authentic and designed an experience that will allow guests to simply enjoy nature at its best. The ship is an integral part of the experience as we have built a pier so that guests can go easily back and forth between the ship throughout the day making full use of both the ashore and onboard facilities."

Ocean Cay is scheduled to welcome its first cruise visitors on November 9, 2019.

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

UNINTERRUPTED SUN, SAND, SEA AND SKY
With more than two miles of beautiful white sandy beach shore formed from the world's best aragonite sand, you will be spoiled for choices -- with seven distinct beach areas, beach games and water sports.

Sun beds will be available on all beaches, and some beaches will offer cabanas that can be rented for the day. The Great Lagoon's shallow crystal-clear water is perfect for protected swimming and water sports, while the smaller family lagoon is designed for youngsters to enjoy, offering calm water and plenty of games. At over a half-mile long, the Great Bimini Beach is the largest stretch of beach on the island, as well as the place to go to enjoy a variety of water sports.

DISCOVER AND EXPLORE
Ocean Cay excursions allow visitors to experience the waters around the island through snorkel safaris, kayak tours and paddle boarding. The Family Explorer club will also offer fun activities for the entire family.

You also will be able to rent a smaller island close to the main body of land for the day. This experience will include the following: a boat that will take your group to the island and remain for your private use; sun beds and loungers; and food and drinks. Near the island is an old shipwreck, making it a wonderful spot for snorkeling.

In addition to the excursions, passengers can participate in a wide range of entertainment activities including sports games and tournaments, dance lessons as well activities for the entire family.

One of the key highlights of Ocean Cay is that the ship will remain in port into the evening. The island is conveniently located just 65 miles south of Miami, allowing for a range of incredible evening experiences. Once the sun goes down, you can enjoy night-time activities such as stargazing on the beach or romantic sunset catamaran tours. Entertainment on the island will focus around the iconic lighthouse with breathtaking sunsets and with live music or DJs and a special visual show.

FOOD AND DRINK
As part of the commitment to ensure that the island is sustainable and to minimize waste, there is a select number of dining options on Ocean Cay. The ship will also be fully operational while docked at the island, and the furthest point from the ship is only a 20-minute walk. Electric carts also will transport visitors around the island.

The choice of options for food and drink ashore will include:

Buffet -- Located near the family lagoon, freshly prepared meals from a variety of international culinary traditions, including American classics and authentic Bahamian flavors.

Food cart -- If you don't prefer a sit-down meal, food carts with casual street food will be available, including a taco truck, conch fitter truck and other options. The trucks will be stationary during the day around the beaches and will move to the marina area at night, creating a food festival-style feel.

Food and beverage services will be offered at an additional cost with upgrades available to the beverage package. As the ship is easily accessible, passengers are able to walk on and off at their leisure, allowing them to also be able to dine onboard as they choose.

A range of different bars with varying atmospheres and ambiences are spread across the island. These include:

A Bahamian Bar: Located in the marina, this venue offers cocktails and drinks in an authentic Bahamian style.

Lighthouse Bar: This Hemingway-style cocktail bar offers an ample selection of rums, spirits and delicious cocktails, all with incredible sea views.

Beach Bars: Seven beach bars are spread across the island, each with its own personality and special look and feel.

Ice Cream Parlour and Coffee Bar: At the marina, this sweet spot offers all varieties of ice cream, from classic flavors to more innovative concoctions. The coffee bar serves freshly brewed whole bean and ground coffee, espressos and cappuccinos.

SHOPPING
A specially designed retail concept reflects the overall vision of the island. Across four distinct shopping areas, you have the opportunity to take home unique souvenirs or find vacation essentials.

The Bahamian Shop & Market hosts authentic arts and crafts created by artisans and Bahamian companies to perfectly complement the spirit of the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the Ocean Cay Trading Post offers a wide selection of exclusive Ocean Cay branded souvenirs and logo wear.

SPA AND SAND
Looking to relax and rejuvenate on the island? Spa services are provided by the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa, with a selection of relaxing body and facial treatments. All the beauty products used on the island are bio-degradable and eco-friendly.

Sounds like an amazing new private island experience. Plus, it's a wonderful thing to be able to rejuvenate and restore such a special place in the world to a more pristine and sustainable state.

What do you think about this bold new cruise destination created by MSC Cruises?
JR

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MSC Cruises Opens Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas

MSC Cruises Offers Full Menu of Fun Activities for Families

MSC Cruises Makes Splash with Eco-Friendly Reserve in Bahamas

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