MSC Cruises broke ground earlier this week on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s new private island destination. 

Located south of Bimini in The Bahamas, the island is set to become a “natural paradise exclusive” to MSC Cruises guests as of November 2018.

The Right Honourable Perry Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas joined Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, at the official Groundbreaking Ceremony along with other Bahamian ministers and government officials. 

The development of the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is part of MSC Cruises’ €9 billion investment plan, according to a statement, which includes the building of up to 11 next-generation smart ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026. 

Speaking at the Groundbreaking Ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, commented: “Working in partnership with the Government of The Bahamas, our aim is to turn an industrial wasteland into a thriving environment for man and nature alike, bringing the island and its surrounding waters back to their original state. In so doing, we will substantially grow our Group’s already strong investment in the Bahamian economy, offering long-term employment opportunities to the local population.

“Bearing testament to our ability to innovate, a purpose-built berth and pier will allow our cruise ships to dock directly at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Thus the island will de facto become an extension of the ship.”

Gianluca Suprani, Head of Global Port Development and Shore Side Activities at MSC Cruises, added: “Located merely 65 miles east of Miami, Florida, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has 11,400 feet of beautiful coastline and crystal blue waters teaming with unique marine life. The island has some of the finest aragonite sands in the world and once the work is completed, its surrounding waters will be home again to beautiful corals and rich aquatic life. It will become a truly exclusive destination for MSC Cruises guests to experience the best the Caribbean has to offer.”

A comprehensive landscaping plan will see more than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs, planted on the island, returning to their lush natural habitat.