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Kimberly Semien knows how to enjoy a day at the beach. Residing in Moore, Oklahoma, she is far from the ocean, so during her trip to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas in May, she made the most of her time.

While on a week-long MSC Cruises journey with her husband Phillip, Semien spent her day lounging under an umbrella, taking beach naps, and swimming. “The water was crystal clear,” she shared. “I could see all the way down to my feet and even check what color my nail polish was.”

She valued the straightforward nature of the locale, which lacks the thrill rides and large water slides found at some other cruise line private islands. “I could go to (Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City) or Frontier City for other activities, but having the ocean is something we don’t have here, so I really embrace that,” said Semien, who works as a switchboard operator for an electrical company.

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The emphasis on nature is quite purposeful. “We lack massive theme parks or water parks,” mentioned Andrew Brett, Managing Director of Ocean Cay. “Our focus is on providing an authentic beach day experience.” However, there’s more to the 103-acre island than meets the eye.

Ocean Cay is also engaged in scientific initiatives aimed at tackling the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. In the upcoming months, the island plans to increase educational programs for visitors, providing more than just fun in the sun.

“Sustainable tourism is the way forward,” Brett stated. “It’s the future, and I believe it’s what our consumers and guests desire.”

How is MSC rejuvenating Ocean Cay?

Previously, the island was used for industrial mining of aragonite sand before it was left abandoned. MSC acquired a long-term lease for the island in 2015, agreeing to undertake conservation efforts and began restoring the area. They removed over 7,000 tons of scrap metal and relocated 400 hard coral colonies from debris on the seabed to safe planting sites for growth.

In 2020, the Bahamian government recognized Ocean Cay and its surrounding waters as a marine reserve.

The MSC Foundation, the charitable branch of the MSC Group, which oversees MSC Cruises, places a strong emphasis on the restoration of coral reefs in the area. Through its Super Coral initiative, the foundation is cultivating critically endangered coral species to plant within a 64-square-mile zone around the island.

“Conservation scientists believe that enhancing coral’s natural selection process is crucial to reversing the rapid decline in coral reefs. This involves establishing resilient species and varieties, known as ‘Super Coral,’ which can endure severe environmental challenges such as extreme heat,” according to the foundation’s website.

In 2023, marine heat waves caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. Although many reefs at Ocean Cay faced challenges, they remained “very healthy” overall, notes Dr. Owen O’Shea, Marine Research Program Manager at the foundation.

These events also yield valuable insights. “We closely observe the reefs to detect signs of bleaching, illnesses, and rising mortality rates as part of our comprehensive marine stewardship. When we identify a reef that has undergone significant bleaching yet still houses healthy coral colonies, we collect fragments from these resilient corals,” he explained.

The nursery corals on the island experienced bleaching as well, but all of them survived. “This provides anecdotal evidence that our selection criteria for nursery specimens is effective and that our concept is validated. We are choosing genetic types that show greater adaptation to rising water temperatures,” he remarked.

MSC has also planted 75,000 plants, shrubs, and 5,000 trees and palms, with 95% being native to the Caribbean, aiming to develop a “natural infrastructure.” These native plants contribute to water conservation, erosion prevention, and offer food and shelter for wildlife.

The team has observed the return of birds and nesting turtles to the island.

“This shows that nature is affirming that MSC’s efforts are sustainable in the long term,” said O’Shea.

In the previous year, the marine conservation organization Mission Blue, led by oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, designated Ocean Cay as a “Hope Spot,” identifying it as critical for ocean health. “It’s a recognition of the extensive restoration efforts and the commitment to preserving marine diversity,” Earle stated in a video announcement.

What Can Guests Experience at Ocean Cay?

At Ocean Cay, MSC allows nature to shine, with many activities centered around the water. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or playing beach volleyball and soccer. They can also ascend a lighthouse for panoramic views and evening light displays. Ships dock at Ocean Cay from early morning until sunset, often extending their stay overnight.

Relaxation is also part of the experience, with options for cabana rentals and lounge chairs. Guests can indulge in Bahamian dishes, sip refreshing drinks, or explore the on-site shopping area.

Semien and her partner spent their time in an area exclusive to Yacht Club guests, MSC’s unique ship-within-a-ship experience, which included access to a private restaurant.

O’Shea mentioned that the island’s walking paths were thoughtfully designed to keep visitors away from delicate areas to blend leisure and conservation seamlessly.

What’s Next for Ocean Cay? ‘We All Have a Role to Play’

MSC has plans to expand its initiatives in the coming months. A marine conservation center on Ocean Cay will feature both active scientists and students, alongside educational prospects for guests, including pavilions, coral exhibition tanks, and a lecture hall. This center is anticipated to welcome cruise visitors in March 2025.

In addition to water activities, guests will soon have access to a new land-based tour where they can learn about the island’s evolution, see wildlife like iguanas, pelicans, and egrets, and gain insights into the marine ecosystem starting later this month (the tour will include a visit to the conservation center once completed). Additionally, Snuba – a blend of scuba diving and snorkeling without the need for certification – will allow guests to explore deeper corals beginning mid-September.

MSC is also undertaking measures to reduce Ocean Cay’s carbon footprint, including the prohibition of single-use plastics on the island and a shift towards solar energy. This year, a third solar farm has been added as part of ongoing enhancements.

While sustainability efforts continue to evolve in the cruise industry, including MSC’s, only the newest, most energy-efficient vessels visit this destination.

When guests visit the island’s management building, Brett enjoys sharing the details of these initiatives and emphasizes, “we all share a responsibility in replenishing the natural world and the environment from which we benefit.”