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I have had a lot of interesting reactions to my series of posts about my first ever MSC cruise including questions like “why I even booked this when all you have to do is Google and see how bad MSC is“! Well I really did not expect things to be “that bad” as using a golf comparison a bad day on the course is always better than a good day at work so it was going to be a cruise in the middle of winter and I would have a chance to start my MSC journey as a top elite.
Another reason I booked the cruise I did with MSC was a chance to visit their private island because that I did Google and it looked amazing and much less of a tropical zip line water slide lazy river “theme park” like other islands are becoming – I like the idea of a nature reserve. So how was it?
First up, unlike my HAL cruise just a month before, you do not have to tender in to the island. That really is a big plus at any port let alone a cruise lines private island. This also makes getting supplies off the ship so much simpler and it showed.
There is only room for one MSC ship at a time to dock and thus the island, for it’s size, is vast and if you are willing to walk a bit you can find a spot with very few guests (if privacy is what you are looking for).
Most guests pour in around the very calm and clear lagoon in the middle of the island. Seats are ample but do note you have to pay to rent an umbrella for the day ($15) and it is listed as a shore excursion. The rental covers use of the umbrella only. You have to pick it up and then find open chairs with the base to anchor it in yourself. We returned the umbrella on our way back to the ship, but there was no check in or anything so you could likely just leave it for them to collect if you chose to. Also if you have a drink package it does not work on the island but food is still free and was decent and that is saying something considering how bad MSC food overall is.
I snorkeled across the lagoon that is like a giant sea water pool and then walked up and over and out along the beach on the other side of the island. In both locations the water was warm. Not surprisingly I found the sea life was more impressive outside the lagoon than inside.
Overall the island did not disappoint from a nature perspective. The fenced off bay just past the dock gave you the chance to see rays and sea turtles and warm clear waters without fear of larger sea life (think sharks) getting too close for comfort. Cruisehive has a good point by point post about the island that covers just what is available including if you are booked in Yacht Club. If you are going on an MSC cruise (not that I would recommend them) be sure you pick one that stops at the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve! – René
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Quote: “Also if you have a drink package it does not work on the island but food is still free and was decent and that is saying something considering how bad MSC food overall is.”
The drink package(s) work on the island.
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/on-board/dining-drinks/drinks-packages?utm_campaign=usa-en-sem-brand_experiences&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=msc+drink+packages&utm_content=branded&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAWsVLrL1bUj73_lwdlBxRhPGyuydhS5gEIYZpKc_4Nh7hTneqhoJTxoCuPAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
FAQ:
Can drinks packages be used on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve?
Yes, all drink packages can be consumed in Ocean Cay island and on Sir Bani Yas in Emirates. The islands beverage offering may not include the full onboard beverage selection.
@Lee – All I can tell you is we were directly told they would not work on the island in Jan 2024! Then again the bar staff is not the greatest so…
@Rene – Too bad you were misinformed and missed out on that island perk! I’ve been there three times with the latest being Feb. 2024, I can assure your readers their (alcohol) packages work even the lowest “Easy” package works. Maybe their non-alcohol packages don’t but I’ve never looked into that.
@Lee – Thanks! Unless I am Yacht Club I doubt I will sail with MSC again but gosh the island is amazing and such a draw.
but every time I’ve been on the island there is 1 bartender per 1000 guest- long line wait in tropical sun
@al – LOL really? Maybe I am happy I did not go for a drink after all! 😉