Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas Port Q&A
22 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas traveler questions & answers
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A: There’s an 90 minutes excursion called OCEAN CAY TRAM TOUR : Experience a 90-minute tram tour of Ocean Cay, where four stops highlight our dedication to sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and conservation. Capture photos at each stop and immerse... yourself in the stories behind Ocean Cay's environmental efforts.See More
Answered by Bambinos on October 12, 2024
A: From what I have read and questions answered on other forums. There is a tram around the island to get you from point a to point b. The actual tour is good if you are interested in their sustainability, ecological, & conservation practices.
Answered by jmch0621 on October 16, 2024
A: The times we’ve been there has been no charge to ride the tram around the island unless something has changed recently
Answered by BnCTcruising on October 12, 2024
A: I was there 3 weeks ago and there was no charge for the tram.
Answered by Traveler2711 on October 12, 2024
A: yes we bought our own just for this
Answered by Morphous92 on September 11, 2024
A: Yes, I always have my own equipment, I however do not bring my fins because they weigh too much and I don't need them! I would not even think of using their rented equipment (gross)! I have seen the way they say they clean the snorkels - nope!
Answered by crusin4gramma on September 1, 2024
A: Yes. I always bring my own. I’ve seen families of sting rays over in the cove that is closest to the Spa on the island. You can also swim across the lagoon from South Beach to North Beach, and there are big rocks to swim near. I’ve seen schools of b... ig silver fish there. Don’t expect any coral or anything colorful though. (Unless you take their MSC sponsored snorkel excursion)See More
Answered by NeedToVacation on August 29, 2024
Q: Can anyone tell me what side of the ship is the best view of the lighthouse show and island view? I want to make sure my stateroom is on thr correct side of the ship.
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A: like he said starboard side the right part of the ship, I did it last year and never regret it also a balcony between mid section and mid forward
Answered by Razor78 on May 30, 2024
A: Another way to remember is the cabins are even numbers.
Answered by SRAlbritton on May 30, 2024
A: Starboard side. Which is like the passenger side in a motor vehicle.
Answered by Skooby on May 29, 2024
A: if you miss the lighthouse show you are not missing much. Ocean Cay is beautiful,but the "Show" leaves a lot to be desired
Answered by FJcruiZer on June 4, 2024
A: Front Starboard was best on all our cruises there, Merivglia, and Seaside twice.
Answered by outtoseapatty on May 30, 2024
Q: Hello! Any self guided things we can do at the private island? Rentals? Do they offer excursions? Thanks
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A: There are excursions offered through the ship. The island is small and can be walked or they have shuttles that will take you.
Answered by CelestialWind on May 27, 2024
A: loved ocean cay! lots of area to walk around. didn't feel crowded at all. went to the lighthouse bar and relaxed after walking around. then food truck food.
Answered by sopha on May 27, 2024
A: I like to walk all the way over to the Spa building (looking left from the ship, between Lighthouse Beach and South Beach) You’ll find a wonderful little cove area with an empty beach, plenty of lounge chairs, and a gazebo for photo opportunities. Pl... us, I usually see a family of stingrays swimming around there in the shallow, clear water. Then you can head back towards South Beach, where you can swim in the lagoon-type area, with the floating platforms. You’ll pass by the rental area on the beach: for kayaks, SUP’s, etc. Also it will get you back closer to the Pavilion for lunch. * There are also a couple food trucks if you prefer a burger and fries. *** I absolutely LOVE Ocean Cay!! ***See More
Answered by NeedToVacation on May 27, 2024
A: Lots of great videos on YouTube about Ocean Cay and what it offers.
Answered by Dappel on May 27, 2024
A: Don't miss the lighthouse laser show at night. It's really nice.
Answered by CelestialWind on May 27, 2024
Q: Is dinner offered on the private island, or only lunch? All tips are appreciated…thank you!
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A: I believe the food options on the island shut down before the evening hours. However, the light show happens in the evening. If you have a balcony cabin on the starboard side of the ship you can watch it from your balcony, or any deck on that side... at night. If you booked the Yacht Club, they have a private restaurant on the island.See More
Answered by Skooby on April 28, 2024
A: There is a very good buffet.Offered on the island complimentary and some food trucks
Answered by cbyron3 on April 28, 2024
A: Only lunch. the ship is so close by, it's easy to get on and off several times, especially if your ship stays over night there.
Answered by outtoseapatty on April 30, 2024
A: Lunch only via Seekers buffet and food trucks.
Answered by exUPSman on April 28, 2024
A: reserve umbrella via the msc appa on your booking or in the ship but it can cost even moresthe chairs are in the Lighthouse beach buy they're limited
Answered by Razor78 on January 29, 2024
A: Yes and No. Ocean Cay has many beaches. The beaches with lounge chairs available will be the Lighthouse Beach by the ship and The Cove Beach.
Answered by XtraviX on January 19, 2024
A: Yes. And it would be best to reserve an umbrella. It was 14 dollars when we went last year.
Answered by SissyRicky on January 28, 2024
Q: Interested in snorkeling opportunities at a man made former polluted dump site that is MSC ocean key. (Look it up!) Anything to see?
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A: I can honestly say that their Private Island is beautiful and one of the prettiest of Islands. The water is crystal clear and they have spent millions on cleaning it up and bringing back the coral reef and marine life. We were there all day and excep... t for eating lunch, I snorkeled all day. I saw many types of fish and swam over a sea turtle. You will love it. We will be there again next month and will be spending two days there. I would rather spend my time there than some of the ports. You will not be disappointed. If you check my photos you will see my pictures from there.See More
Answered by JWWorldCrusin on November 10, 2023
A: Everyone knows the history of Ocean Cay - we also know how extremely beautiful it is and how thankful we are to MSC for sinking millions of dollars into fixing a bad situation. The snorkeling is amazing.
Answered by WorldCrusinJW on November 10, 2023
A: Yes lots of diffrent fish barracuda stingrays turtles etc.
Answered by smokey55555 on November 10, 2023
A: book the snorkeling tour it is worth it, MSC did a awesome job recovering the island from the bad shape it was.is still in construction they're gonna bring some stuff beginning the next year
Answered by Razor78 on November 10, 2023
A: Yes, because MSC spent millions to reclaim the island. It is quite the achievement that they restored the island back to its apparent original state.
Answered by TheVegasSphere on November 10, 2023
Q: I'm reading about the light show on the island is there a specific time they do it, and is it shown on the daily cruise iteinary
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A: Yes it is on the cruise itinerary. When we were there in July they had shows around 9: 00 and 10: 00. Each of the shows is different.
Answered by linda9033 on August 31, 2023
A: The times are listed on the app and daily itinerary. It’s at night of course and can be seen from the ship or you can go on the island to see it.
Answered by J678 on September 1, 2023
Q: Has anyone attended the Star Gazing activity? Do you recall what time it began? Thank you.
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Answer QuestionA: No, there is no good snorkeling here. Whenever the water has that pretty turquoise color, the snorkeling is bad because there is only sand on the bottom. It is an underwater dessert. Pretty color but void of plant and coral. Therefore, fish don't fr... equent the area. At the mouth of the central lagoon is a bunch of rocks where you can see limited fish.See More
Answered by willwork4cruz on February 20, 2023
A: I haven’t been but I see they have an excursion that takes you to a ship wreck to snorkel, it’s on msc website under excursions.
Answered by Miredls on March 3, 2023
A: the lagoon is calm but still murky. I think there is usually too much wind for the seas to be calm/clear enough
Answered by jalockw on March 3, 2023
A: I'm on the cruise now and I snorkeled at the beach to the left near the lighthouse and there is tons of marine life to see while snorkeling. especially tons and tons near the swimming net.
Answered by jasonnjamer on March 3, 2023
A: I watched. barracuda from our balcony! It stayed right next to the ship, swimming back & fourth for at least 30 minutes. Passengers are NOT allowed in the water near the ship
Answered by 41pearl on April 30, 2023
A: I didn’t snorkel but I did bring googles and I saw sting rays! I also saw some little fish. I was on the beach past the lagoon, I forget what it’s called (on the end of the island by the chapel and yacht club area). There was no coral or plant life t... hough. I overheard people throughout the day say they saw sea turtles, but I wasn’t that lucky!See More
Answered by SavannahL on April 30, 2023
Q: When docked overnight on Ocean Cay, what’s the rule about being back on ship? If I packed a portable two person hammock for my girlfriend and me, could we throw it up and sleep on the beach if we wanted?
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A: There is an all aboard time that is usually late into the night. You cannot sleep on the island overnight. As for hammock - be careful hanging it up on your balcony. Crew can confiscate them. Especially if it’s hung where it could damage the ship.
Answered by MrCodieJoe on February 9, 2023
A: we had to be aboard by 11:30pm this past December
Answered by 41pearl on February 7, 2023
A: However lovely that sounds...no sleeping on the beach.
Answered by cruzancarroll on February 7, 2023
A: You can use the hammock on your balcony! I've seen lots of pictures of people doing that. I ordered one from Amazon but unfortunately it was way too long to fit on our balcony.
Answered by Dappel on February 7, 2023
A: I think I remember you have to be on board by midnight.
Answered by drnoah36 on February 7, 2023
A: You should be able to purchase from the app, the boat, and on the island. We just walked up to the kayaks and did it there.
Answered by GriffFamily on January 30, 2023
A: ya you should be able to do it on app if not then on the ship by guest services that's the best way or you can walk to it we prefer to use app
Answered by valen on January 30, 2023
A: If you don't manage to do this before you sail, once you arrive at OC and disembark, there is a red building to the right at the transportation stop which sells excursions and equipment for the island that you can hire - kayaks, boards etc
Answered by traveldoc2013 on February 5, 2023
A: under setting clear your cache and lig in again to the app. this will refresh the app this was helpful to me.
Answered by scoutmom5213 on February 4, 2023
A: Have you logged into MSC's website using your booking number?I can see the excursions under the day of the itinerary.
Answered by MatchGame72 on February 1, 2023
Q: which beach has fewer jellyfish? I love to snorkel but terrified of getting stung by jellyfish.
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A: Yes, because sharks know you are on a cruise and they are targeting you!!!!! Wow! As for the jellyfish, it completely depends on the tide. They migrate and don't really stay in any one area. We have never really encountered any there, but they cou... ld potentally be anywhere.See More
Answered by crusin4gramma on September 16, 2022
A: I didn’t see any jellyfish when I visited in June and July.
Answered by SavannahL on April 30, 2023
A: She went on a private excursion in Nassau
Answered by JMcgo79 on September 16, 2022
A: Be careful. A lady got killed by a shark. Snorkeling almost 2 weeks ago. She was on a Cruise. Sharks are coming in closer
Answered by karen070 on September 16, 2022
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