MSC Divina at port in Miami. The MSC Cruises ship will have a new Caribbean destination when the line's new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve opens. -- Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises
By John Roberts
MSC Cruises signed a deal with the Bahamas to develop an island into a marine reserve that aims to rehabilitate a cay that had been used as a sand-extraction station.
MSC Cruises inked a 100-year lease to develop the exclusive cruise resort Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which will break ground in March 2016 and be developed over two years. The reserve will be located on a 95-acre island about 20 miles south of Bimini and 65 miles east of Miami. The project envisions a purpose-built cruise pier, 2,000-seat amphitheater, restaurants and bars.
MSC says the development will also focus on conservation in an effort to bolster the ecosystem on the island, which features 11,400 feet of sandy beaches. A landscaping plan will incorporate more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs and mangroves planted around the island. MSC says the facility will offer an "architecturally faithful" Bahamian village, restaurants and bars offering regional specialties, a variety of shops and an arrival center with an island-themed music gazebo.
MSC Cruises signed a deal with the Bahamas to develop an island into a marine reserve that aims to rehabilitate a cay that had been used as a sand-extraction station.
MSC Cruises inked a 100-year lease to develop the exclusive cruise resort Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which will break ground in March 2016 and be developed over two years. The reserve will be located on a 95-acre island about 20 miles south of Bimini and 65 miles east of Miami. The project envisions a purpose-built cruise pier, 2,000-seat amphitheater, restaurants and bars.
MSC says the development will also focus on conservation in an effort to bolster the ecosystem on the island, which features 11,400 feet of sandy beaches. A landscaping plan will incorporate more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs and mangroves planted around the island. MSC says the facility will offer an "architecturally faithful" Bahamian village, restaurants and bars offering regional specialties, a variety of shops and an arrival center with an island-themed music gazebo.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve rendering, courtesy MSC Cruises
For us athletically inclined cruisers, the island will have a network of biking, walking and running paths. Bike rentals will be offered. Other activities include water sports in a lagoon and a zipline.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be the biggest island development by any cruise line in the Caribbean and the only marine reserve island adventure, MSC says.
I look forward to experiencing this destination when it comes online and hope more cruise companies work to help preserve the environment.
Thanks for reading,
JR
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be the biggest island development by any cruise line in the Caribbean and the only marine reserve island adventure, MSC says.
I look forward to experiencing this destination when it comes online and hope more cruise companies work to help preserve the environment.
Thanks for reading,
JR
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