Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve — Local services in Bimini

Don't pay much attention to the extremely negative reviews. Many of them are very exaggerated. Ive cruised with MSC several times and of course there are going to be some things that come up because let's be honest, is any service perfect? Absolutely not! They do let you know that they will be cleaning your windows and or balcony but it's not a big deal, if you're out there when they come around just go inside, it takes five minutes and they are done....imagine the complaints if they didn't clean them!! People would be irate if they couldn't see out their windows or balconies were dirty. They focus highly on cleanliness and good service. I have never in my life experiences service where every single employee was genuinely kind and helpful. I was shocked. Not one rude employee. Also, if you don't get the premium beverage package there is always fresh juice (which I personally didn't like because I like a lot of sugar lol) but there are several stations to get juice, coffee, water and soda without a problem whatsoever. There has never been an instance in which any of these items weren't available in several different options at that!! They don't discriminate against latinas whatsoever, all countries have different laws regarding refunds and it's all explained when booking the cruise, you just have to take a moment to read it, but if you don't then that's on you ! Not the cruise ! The buffet was decent, lots of options, not perfect but it was decent, but you have to keep in mind that they are catering to many many many different preferences, allergies, etc so they have to be mindful of that and go somewhere down the middle when it comes to what they serve, spices used, flavors used etc etc and if you don't like the buffet, you have the option to go to a sit down restaurant with some really high quality food each night, you just have to make sure you go at your daily scheduled time that you selected when booking the cruise. This is included. And then there's some higher tier options that aren't included in your package but can pay for out of pocket if you would like. Keep in mind the buffet is a BUFFET!! It's not going to be five star food! It's just not possible ! On our recent trip we had to reroute to Nassau instead of Ocean Cay for one of our two scheduled days at Ocean Cay because of the wind. It was further away but the captain is keeping safety in mind at all times. The boats are absolutely beautiful!! With staircases made of Swarovski crystals , marble everywhere and beautiful elegant decor. I was amazed at the details of their ships. So don't pay too much attention to reviews that are just multiple negative complaints because I truly believe they are very embellished and exaggerated and leave out...

I had a chance to visit this island as one of the stops on the MSC Seascape Cruise. We arrived at 8 a.m. and left around 8 p.m. Overall, I enjoyed my time there. The island is very small, you can walk all around it within an hour, which I did. The island is still under development, with a lot of construction work going on. But for now, it already has all the necessary amenities, like a couple of small souvenir shops, restaurants, private villas you can rent for the day, and a few beaches with sun chairs and umbrellas free to use. For lunch, we could use only one restaurant for free, and it was buffet-style. The food was tasty, but the selection was small and repetitive. I was also disappointed with the desserts - there weren’t many options, and most of them were just fruits. The weather that day was fantastic, perfect for the beach. There was a small sand-rocky lagoon beach inside the island, where many people from the cruise gathered. I tried it for a while, but later I moved to the main beach, which was more sandy and less rocky. I had a fantastic nap there! The water was a good temperature for swimming, slightly chilly, and the color was crystal-clear blue. I could see fish swimming at the bottom. There were options to rent things like small boats or jet skis. I wanted to rent a jet ski, but they had a frustrating rule - you couldn’t go far from the island. The riding area was strictly limited and seemed boring, so I decided not to do it. The island had plenty of showers and restrooms, and they were smartly organized for visitors’ convenience. The men’s restrooms were clean and well-maintained. The island also has a nice lighthouse. As for animals, I only saw lizards, big iguanas, and a few birds, so the fauna on the island is super boring. The flora wasn’t impressive either. I’m pretty sure all the plants were brought in from elsewhere. Honestly, the whole island felt like a fake Disneyland facility. That’s not necessarily bad, though they’ve done a great job making the island visitor-friendly. I enjoyed my day on the island - it felt like paradise. I’m sure that in a few years, when all the construction work is done, it will be even nicer and perfectly peaceful. Great job...

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – A Slice of Paradise

Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, is nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this eco-conscious marine reserve is a true jewel of natural beauty, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches, and lush greenery that make it feel like a secluded paradise.

From the moment you step off the ship, you're greeted by vibrant colors, tropical plants, and a laid-back island vibe that instantly sets the tone for a perfect beach day. The water is among the most beautiful in the entire Caribbean—calm, clear, and shimmering under the sun—ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating your worries away.

Nature lovers will appreciate how well-preserved the environment is. MSC has gone to great lengths to ensure Ocean Cay remains an eco-friendly destination, restoring marine habitats and planting thousands of native trees and plants. Walking around the island, you’ll notice the effort to maintain its natural charm while still offering the comforts of a resort-style escape.

The bars on the island are a highlight in their own right. Whether you’re sipping a tropical cocktail at the Hemingway-style lighthouse bar or enjoying a drink with your toes in the sand at one of the beachside lounges, the atmosphere is always relaxed, friendly, and fun.

For anyone looking for a beach day that combines nature, luxury, and fun, Ocean Cay delivers. It's more than just a stop on the cruise—it's an experience, and easily one of the most beautiful and well-designed private islands in the Caribbean. Whether you're there to explore, relax, or party with a drink in hand, Ocean Cay...