In the competitive world of cruise travel, companies like MSC Cruises are constantly looking for ways to enhance the guest experience. One way they are achieving this is by investing in their very own private islands, where they can have more control over every aspect of their passengers’ vacation.
With nearly 13 million tourists embarking on Caribbean cruises in 2013, the demand for new and unique destinations has never been higher. Traditional ports like Nassau are becoming overcrowded, prompting cruise lines to seek out alternative options. This is where islands like Ocean Cay in the Bahamas come into play.
In a recent video by WSJ Booked, the transformation of Ocean Cay from an industrial wasteland to a paradise for MSC Cruises passengers is explored in detail. The company invested a staggering $500 million in reshaping the island, turning what was once a dredging site into a luxurious destination for their guests.
From creating pristine beaches to building state-of-the-art facilities, MSC Cruises spared no expense in making Ocean Cay a top-notch destination. The island is not only a beautiful spot for passengers to enjoy, but it also serves as a key component in MSC’s strategy to offer something unique and exclusive to their guests.
The video also touches on the operational side of running such an island, showcasing the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making sure everything runs smoothly for passengers. From logistics to service, every detail is carefully considered to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.
As the demand for private island destinations continues to grow, MSC Cruises has big expansion plans for Ocean Cay in the future. The company sees the island as a valuable asset in providing their guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that sets them apart from other cruise lines.
Overall, the transformation of Ocean Cay by MSC Cruises is a testament to the evolving landscape of the cruise industry. As companies seek to offer more unique and exclusive experiences for their passengers, private islands like Ocean Cay will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of cruise travel.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “How MSC Cruises Turned an Industrial Wasteland Into an Island Paradise | WSJ Booked” was uploaded on 01/02/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal
Issue with the Bahamas is the people
I have sailed MSC multiple times, the most recent was MSC Eurebia an LNG powered ship up into the Norwegian fjords. I'm looking forward to my March trip on MSC World Europa also another LNG powered ship with the most advanced technologies for environmental protection. Miami will soon be welcoming MSC World America which will set a new standard for Caribbean cruising.
MSC THE BEST
Cruises, one of the biggest contributors to climate change tries to hide behind fixing islands, to change focus from how they are the ones who will be the reason those islands disappear in a few years.
There needs to be more foliage…. much more foliage!
MSC 10× better than RC, will never use another cruise line again
I spent a lot of time near that island as a kid coming in and out for Miami. So I slated in so beautiful. It was shocking to see the industrial machinery just sitting there idle. The most critical part of that Port was its deep water. It could handle large ships from when it was built back in the '60s. Very smart for MSC to redevelop it. Especially since it's entirely isolated and at a beautiful location. Just south of it is a beautiful little key. Probably not man-made since it is made of coral. Mostly. Caught a lot of fish on that key. Spent some time with my wife there when we were dating. Just beautiful.
The reason the Bahamas are a popular cruise destination is because it is right off the coast of Florida, and not part of the United States so non US-Based ships are allowed to transport passangers to and from it without US law and labor regulations applying, specifically the Jones Act.
Island Paradise the new destination with big challenge cruise lines.hip MSC.ay
So apparently, Cay is pronounced Key. Hmm, didn't know that.
They had me at “industrial wasteland”
The cruise ship is almost the same size as the island! I’m glad I visited the Caribbean when few people went there. Nassau was empty when I went in 1972 as a kid. Wow. I never would take a cruise.
Cruise ships build those islands to save money on port fees.
It still smells like sewage a tiny bit in certain parts though lol but it’s beautiful and chill.
I would love to work on the island
Impressive transformation, MSC Cruises! 🏝️💪
There was footage of MSC Cruises staff dumping garbage straight into the ocean. While I'm glad they're taking some steps for the environment, it pales in comparison to the larger impact they have.
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It'll never work in America … we put profit before people and the environment.
was there in 2020 – 2 weeks before Covid shutdown – nice place
Clean up the environmentally destructive industry of cruises before highlighting a green-washing piece or you are complicit.
Well now if I were a pirate….. just sayn 🤔
Yay MSC! So impressed with what MSC did to this place. The island is picturesque. Wonderful transformation ❤.
Giving a profit incentive for companies to actually be environmental conscious. I love this
Impressive
Hello from Bucharest, Romania – a huge underrated city in Europe:)
What an awesome video. I love videos concerning construction and what humans can develop! Amazing
I visited this island in November 24 and loved it!
Is this an ad? And is there any requirement to tell us?
this is crazy
Wow
Treasure island 🏝️ 🎉😂
anything's possible if a profit can be found
Massif pollution from those mega ships. Climate unfriendly 😢
The narrator refers to the islands as keys however, in the writing, we see the word cay. for example, at the 34 second mark, we see a sign that says ocean cay, but he pronounces it as key. what is the proper pronunciation?
Europe’s luxury cruise ships emit as much toxic sulphur as 1 billion cars (source transport environment). Just ban them.
Why Disney is plowing cash into a cruise line expansion: https://on.wsj.com/403FMJR