Simone Clark's MSC Ocean Cay Experience

Vice President of Global Supply at Iglu Cruise, Simone Clark, had an unforgettable island experience at the stunning Ocean Cay. Find out all about the ultimate getaway in this exclusive review!

After spending a week on MSC Seaside to celebrate the new year, I enjoyed a day on MSC Cruises' newly opened private island, Ocean Cay. Transformed into a flourishing, biodiverse nature reserve with fabulous sandy beaches, this sustainable private paradise is ideal for a day of total relaxation on the beach.

What to expect

Sand, palm trees, beautiful beaches, a lagoon, food stations and bars are just some of the things you'll find here. Since there are no water parks or swimming pools, there is plenty of opportunity to wind down in peace and quiet on sun loungers.

For those looking to be a bit more active on MSC Cruises' private island, hire inflatables and snorkel equipment to discover the vibrant marine life, or even book an excursion on a jet ski or kayak. Finally, there's no better way to end the day than by watching the spectacular light show and enjoying a beach party.

My day on Ocean Cay

We arrived early in port, where many members of the crew disembarked to prepare the island for our arrival. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we arrived onshore at 10am, where the crew greeted us with songs. From there, we were free to explore on foot or by a golf cart which could take you to your preferred spot. It takes no more than 25 minutes to walk from the ship to the furthest point of the island, and with the maps provided, navigation is easy.

There are several beaches to choose from, some more suitable for families and some perfect for those looking for a quieter stay. No matter which you choose, you'll be comforted to know that lifeguards are available at all beaches. The lagoon also makes another fantastic option, providing more shelter. The ship didn’t depart until 11pm so after a laid back dinner onboard, we came back ashore.

Ocean Cay Facilities

Thanks to the numerous bars, food trucks, restaurants and buffet, you can be sure you'll never go hungry during your stay. As well as this, there are toilets and showers available, though you are also able to get back on the ship at any time.

For those looking to truly indulge, there is a small spa where you can book a massage or take part in a serene sunset yoga session. Finally, to pick up some treats to bring back home, stop by the small shopping area near the harbour where you can find souvenirs and local crafts.

The Yacht Club has its own section to the north of the island, home to a separate bar and restaurant which serves a kid’s menu, and a choice of burgers and light seafood bites. There was a separate Yacht Club beach and also quite a few cabanas that could be pre-booked and offered amazing beach views, and butler service.

Ocean Cay is truly beautiful and was certainly my highlight of the holiday, and I heard many others saying the same. It’s only just opened so not all areas are complete yet, and all the plants and trees are new, so I’d love to return in a few years to see how MSC Cruises has transformed this destination.