MSC Cruises breaks ground on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

MSC Cruises has broken ground on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, an island that will become an exclusive destination to MSC Cruises’ guests beginning in Nov. 2018. MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago was joined by Perry Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, at the official ceremony along with other Bahaman ministers and government officials.

The development is part of MSC Cruises’ $10.2 billion investment plan, which also includes the building of up to 11 next-generation smart ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026. The first phase of development of the marine reserve is due to begin, with the island being cleared of its existing industrial infrastructure.

“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,” commented Vago. “In doing so, we will substantially grow our Group’s already strong investment in the Bahamian economy, offering long-term employment opportunities to the local population.”

“Located merely 65 miles east of Miami, Florida, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has 11,400 feet of beautiful coastline and crystal blue waters teeming 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,” added MSC Cruises head of global port development and shore side activities Gianluca Suprani. “It will become a truly exclusive destination for MSC Cruises guests to experience the best the Caribbean has to offer.”

Further information about itineraries that will call at this destination is available at www.msccruisesusa.com.