MSC Cruises embarks on a transformative journey with its private island, Ocean Cay, located in the Bahamas. This bold initiative is an investment in both environmental sustainability and local community enhancement.
- The project promises significant economic benefits for the Bahamian economy by creating jobs and improving infrastructure.
- Environmental and operational improvements will ensure the island’s sustainability, aligning with MSC’s zero-emissions goal.
- Guests at Ocean Cay can look forward to new facilities, including excursion centres for watersports, food outlets, and educational pavilions.
- A new era begins for Ocean Cay with the development of a Marine Conservation Centre to foster ecological research and education.
MSC Cruises has set ambitious plans to transform its private island, Ocean Cay, located in the Bahamas. The development programme is designed to drive significant long-term benefits, with a keen focus on environmental and community enrichment. Notably, the initiative is expected to substantially boost the Bahamian economy by generating construction and long-term operational jobs, thus reinforcing the cruise line’s commitment to a positive local impact.
Enhancements on Ocean Cay will include new guest facilities and amenities, carefully planned to elevate the visitor experience. The island will soon boast state-of-the-art excursion centres to support watersport activities and island tours, alongside a diving and snorkelling centre. Additionally, various new food and beverage outlets are planned to enrich the culinary offerings for visitors, thereby enhancing their overall experience.
A cornerstone of this development is the establishment of the MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre. This centre will serve as a pivotal base for biologists, coral reef experts, and students, fostering vital ecological research and offering educational opportunities for visitors. It will feature interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, and coral exhibition tanks, underscoring MSC Cruises’ dedication to marine conservation and passenger education.
In its drive towards equitable sustainability, MSC Cruises is installing a third solar farm on Ocean Cay. This step is crucial to its broader goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions for the island. The addition of an advanced wastewater treatment plant, alongside a strategic landscaping plan utilising native flora, aims to further support the island’s ecosystem health.
Furthermore, new accommodation facilities are set to enhance living conditions for island staff, with numbers expected to rise from 150 to 280. This boost in infrastructure not only supports the staff’s well-being but also ensures the efficient running of island operations, thereby contributing to the overall development objectives.
MSC Cruises’ redevelopment of Ocean Cay is a significant step towards sustainable tourism and community engagement.
