MSC Cruises to Develop Second Private Island in the Bahamas

Image: MSC Seashore at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (photo courtesy Janeen Christoff)
Image: MSC Seashore at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (photo courtesy Janeen Christoff)
Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 1:45 PM ET, Tue April 22, 2025

A new private cruise ship island is in the works.

MSC Group has confirmed plans to develop an island that will be about one-third the size of Ocean Cay, the cruise line's existing private island.

The new island will be built on what is now a natural sandbank, according to Travel Weekly.

"The as-yet-unnamed island, known internally as Little Cay, presents an opportunity for us to further develop an exclusive luxury experience for our guests," an MSC spokeswoman has said.

"This second island will stay true to the ethos of Ocean Cay, offering an experience that connects guests to nature, pristine beaches, and the beauty of the ocean plus luxury facilities and water features," the spokeswoman added.

MSC's executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, also commented on the new island's development. "This will offer a different experience for the different brands," Vago said.

"We design the island to be an incredible luxury experience. We're very proud and very happy to have developed again something from nothing like this so we don't spoil the existing paradise," Vago added.

There are no additional details about the island available at this time, as the project is still in the very early stages. However, MSC has said it is working with officials and partners in the Bahamas to plan the project.

MSC's existing private island, Ocean Cay, was opened to guests in 2019. The island was created on what was once an industrial san excavation site. Now, all of MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that depart from Miami, Orlando and New York City include a visit to Ocean Cay.

In 2024, the island received a major overhaul during which MSC spent about $100 million adding new,storm and drain management systems, entertainment areas, three new buildings for staff accommodations, a private yacht club, a solar farm and other amenities.

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Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

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