Latest news with #privateislands
Skift
4 days ago
- Business
- Skift
MSC Cruises Is Reimagining the Private Island Experience Through Conservation
Cruise lines are rethinking what drives guest interest in a destination. Conservation-led private islands investing in ocean health and local communities are creating the kind of differentiation guests increasingly expect and value. This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner. Private islands have become unique opportunities for cruise lines looking to create a memorable guest experience and diversify their brand. At the same time, there's a growing interest in experiences focused on quiet, nature-based engagement. Recent research from the Galápagos Islands found that satisfaction and loyalty are highest in destinations that provide ecological engagement, structured learning, and time for quiet reflection. This shift is happening against a backdrop of timely events, including the most severe coral reef bleaching on record between January 2023 and April 2025, which has left 84% of surveyed reefs pale white due to extreme heat stress. As World Oceans Day and World Reef Awareness Day take place this week, the time is now to take action. Amid these events, private islands' long-term relevance depends on their ability to support conservation and deliver experiences that align with travelers' growing expectations for sustainability while still providing exceptional hospitality. Initiatives that promote ocean health and environmental conservation in tandem with memorable hospitality will be critical differentiators in the competitive Caribbean cruise market. Innovating with Purpose Located in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is an example of this shift. MSC Cruises has transformed this former abandoned industrial site into a destination rooted in conservation and restoration. 'We took a different approach to developing Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve because we wanted to create a destination that provides travelers a deeper connection to nature,' said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. 'We envisioned Ocean Cay as a living example of regeneration and ocean stewardship in line with the growing desire among travelers for destinations that align with their values and contribute to the planet's health.' Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Source: MSC Cruises Before MSC Cruises entered the picture, the island was a sand excavation site left in poor condition after decades of industrial activity. MSC Cruises made significant investments to rehabilitate the neglected island, removing thousands of tons of scrap metal, relocating almost a million cubic yards of sand, and planting 5,000 palm trees and 75,000 native shrubs. The company also replaced the island's industrial scars with native vegetation, installed solar infrastructure to reduce its environmental footprint, and kept shoreline development to a minimum to protect the coastal ecosystem. Integrating Conservation Into the Guest Experience The island experience at Ocean Cay begins with nature and circles back to conserving it: What looks like a tropical escape is one of the Caribbean's most ambitious coral restoration projects. The MSC Foundation (MSC Group's philanthropic arm focused on environmental protection, education, and community support) restores endangered coral species and studies their ability to withstand rising ocean temperatures through its Super Coral Reefs Program. 'Our vision is to turn scientific discovery into real-world impact by combining research with restoration and education. We're not only growing thermally resilient coral but also growing awareness,' said Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation. At the heart of this work, the newly opened Marine Conservation Center houses 22 coral tanks, a fully equipped bio lab, and a lecture hall. The center functions as a base for restoration and research, an educational hub, and a guest-facing venue that integrates regeneration directly into the guest experience. Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center. Source: MSC Cruises The island encourages guests to slow down and engage with the environment. On target to begin in the fall, guests can attend talks from marine conservation experts, watch coral restoration efforts in progress, or join guided eco-excursions that explore the fragility and resilience of the island's surrounding reef. 'These experiences allow guests to deepen their understanding of coral restoration, making them active participants in Ocean Cay's ongoing story of environmental stewardship,' said Torrent. The work extends well beyond what guests see on the island. Populated by five coral species and 13 genotypes, the offshore coral nursery has achieved a 100% survival rate through the 2023 Caribbean marine heatwave. Scaling Impact According to Torrent, the next phase involves outplanting coral fragments for long-term reef restoration efforts. As of April 2025, MSC Foundation has already begun outplanting nursery-grown coral fragments at two reef sites near Ocean Cay in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science. Together, they've planted over 200 fragments across five species, including the critically endangered elkhorn coral, at varying depths based on their maturity and potential for long-term survival. Divers cleaned the seafloor and secured the fragments using marine-safe cement, placing genetically related colonies in proximity to encourage natural fusion and improve reef resilience. Ocean Cay underwater coral nursery. Source: MSC Cruises This conservation-first model has brought Ocean Cay recognition within the global marine science and conservation community. Mission Blue declared the island a Hope Spot, placing it in a global network of over 160 locations that scientists identify as critical to ocean health. Founded by oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue highlights marine areas with the potential for ecological restoration. "Ocean Cay's restoration has been a multidisciplinary effort to re-establish the ecological balance of this limestone island and its surrounding marine estate," said Earle. "It informs thousands of people weekly about the importance of growing and outplanting thermally tolerant corals for marine conservation, ocean health, and human wellbeing." Economic Anchoring and Local Impact in the Bahamas As a fully staffed island destination, Ocean Cay has become a local employer with nearly 300 employees, with Bahamians making up 80% of its workforce. MSC Cruises plans to grow that number to over 500 employees in the next two to four years, increasing Bahamian representation across all services and roles. This investment takes many forms. MSC Cruises has partnered with local institutions to offer scholarships and internships for Bahamian students in marine science and sustainability, with the aim of helping build the country's future conservation workforce. 'A critical aspect of our Foundation's work are partnerships with universities such as Nova Southeastern, the University of Miami, the University of The Bahamas, and The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) to enable hands-on education and internships, passing on Ocean Cay's coral restoration commitment to the next generation of marine conservation leaders,' said Torrent. 'Our long-term vision is to deepen these collaborations, expand coral outplanting efforts, and scale public education programs.' She continued: 'Over the next decade, the most successful private islands will be those that go beyond scenic beauty and entertainment. They'll offer authentic experiences that deliver real value to nature and local communities.' That model is already taking shape at Ocean Cay. As more travelers seek out destinations with depth and purpose, it may well become the blueprint others follow. To learn more about MSC Cruises, click here. This content was created collaboratively by MSC Cruises and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas
SPLASH OUT We look at existing private islands you can cruise to IT doesn't get more exciting than sailing in style to a paradise Caribbean private island. And even more cruise lines are now going all out to host passengers on their own islands. 4 Royal Caribbean last week announced its second Perfect Day destination off Mexico, opening in 2027, which will include a waterpark with 30 slides, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach clubs and a host of bars and restaurants. Lisa Minot looks at existing private islands you can cruise to. ROYAL CARIBBEAN IT was Royal who upped the ante with the launch of its revamped Perfect Day at Coco Cay in 2019. The £185million transformation of its Bahamas island included a new pier, thrill rides and chill zones. There are seven beaches to laze beside the warm waters and six pools, including Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bar and in-water loungers. The Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides including the tallest in North America while Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon are perfect places for the kids to play. There's complimentary food at four restaurants as well as a host of bars and shops. The adult-only Hideaway Beach opened in January last year and, for an extra charge, over-18s can enjoy a private beach, two pools, seven bars and two restaurants. Also available to book for an extra charge are overwater cabanas, a zipline and tethered hot air balloon as well as kayak tours and snorkelling excursions. GO: A week full-board on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is from £1,064pp, sailing from Miami on November 8 and calling at St Maarten, St Thomas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. See MSC CRUISES WITH its signature stripey lighthouse and two miles of white sand beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships. They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including MSC World America, which made its debut in April. 4 The Italian cruise line has transformed a former sand excavation site in the last ten years, planting more than 75,000 trees and bringing back marine life and birds. A newly-opened conservation centre on the island allows guests to discover their achievements and includes a land-based coral nursery and fully-equipped bio-lab. But cruise guests will also appreciate the island's laid-back vibe with food trucks and restaurants offering Bahamian specialities, barbecue classics, snacks and oodles of ice cream and beach bars serving tropical cocktails. There's a chance to explore the underwater wonders with snorkelling, kayak, paddle board and windsurfing excursions. For a bit of luxury, you can relax in a cabana or take a sunset champagne cruise. GO: Seven nights' full-board on MSC World America is from £649pp. Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. See HOLLAND AMERICA/CARNIVAL ONE of the original private island pioneers, the Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 and it has been expanding its presence there ever since. In summer next year, a major upgrade will see a new beach club and lunch venue on its original facilities on the south of the island's stunning two-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand as well as a new pier at the north end of the beach that will be used by both Holland America and its sister cruise line Carnival. 4 Thrill-seekers can enjoy horseback riding along the shore, snorkelling, jet skiing, and stingray encounters. Families will love the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, while nature enthusiasts can explore eco-tours and birdwatching. Unique experiences include glass-bottom boat tours and a pirate ship-themed bar. With beach sports, shopping and complimentary barbecue lunches, this is a high-end island escape for cruisers. GO: A 14-night full-board Western & Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam is from £1,379pp, departs Miami on November 8 and calls at Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Miami, Bahamas, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos. See MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas. Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line. 4 And last year, they opened Lookout Cay. As you would expect, there is a huge amount of fun activities for kids including kids' clubs for three to 17-year-olds. The family beach features plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks plus tube and float rentals and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Water babies will love Pelican Plunge, a huge floating platform featuring water slides and cannons. Spring-a-Leak is a water play area with freshwater jets. Adults get their own Serenity Bay stretch of pristine sands as well as a restaurant and bar. The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and there are miles of paths to explore on foot or bicycle. Over at Lookout Cay, there's more of a focus on nature and celebrating the island's Bahamian location with a cultural centre where you can learn about traditions and crafts. GO: A four-night full-board cruise on Disney Wish to the Bahamas, including calls at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay is from £920pp, based on two adults and two children sharing. The cruise departs August 17.
