A new luxury private Caribbean island is being created for MSC Cruises

MSC Group has unveiled plans for a new private island in the Bahamas for its cruise line guests.

The new destination, Sandy Cay, is located close to the cruise line’s current private island destination Ocean Cay off the coast of Miami. It will be open to visit during Caribbean sailings with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

Few details have been revealed but Sandy Cay has been described as a “luxury private destination”, formed out of a natural sandbank.

It will provide a “more secluded, elemental escape” compared with Ocean Cay, according to MSC Group’s announcement.

Ocean Cay opened in 2019 to passengers from cruise ships such as MSC World America across two miles of pristine beachfront.

Guests can go snorkelling, climb the island’s lighthouse or relax in Seakers Food Court.

New features have been added to Ocean Cay in recent months.

These include new dining venues, games for families, adult-only beaches and expanded relaxation areas.

There are new ways to learn about Ocean Cay’s marine conservation programme in an augmented reality treasure hunt for children.

This involves exploring the island by scanning codes on wooden sculptures that tell “immersive ecological stories.”

There are also Lego-themed activities at the Welcome Pavilion when guests arrive on the island.

Other cruise lines also offer access to their own private islands. Royal Caribbean has its own destination called CocoCay and is planning another in Mexico in 2027. Carnival Cruise Line opened Celebration Key last year, adding to Half Moon Cay which it shares with Holland America Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line has its own private island called Great Stirrup Cay, while Disney Cruise Line has two – Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.

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