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If you’re looking for a relaxing Bahamas cruise that won’t break the bank we have just the cruise for you! MSC Cruises has several Bahamas cruise options that take you to the beautiful turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and incredible food that the Bahamas is known for. Just a short trip from Port Canaveral, Bahamas has become a hot cruise destination and with MSC Cruises you get the chance to visit a private island for a ridiculously good price!
MSC Cruises is the best for Bahamas cruises because it’s the only cruise company that docks at its secluded private island, Ocean Cay. There are great three and four-night options called “Caribbean and Antilles” on the MSC Seashore ship, which start at just $350 per person and makes stops in Nassau and Ocean Cay. Since MSC Cruises owns this private island, you get a private island experience at an incredible price.
Everything you need to know about MSC Bahamas cruise
MSC Cruises has Bahamas cruise options for three and four nights. Or, if you’re looking for a longer holiday, we suggest the seven, 10 and 11-night cruises that visit other countries (such as Mexico and Honduras) after the Bahamas. All of their cruises leave from Port Canaveral, Florida, and prices start at just $350, or $750 for an all-inclusive option which we highly recommend! The cruise docks in Nassau and Ocean Cay so guests can experience the best of both worlds; local Bahamian culture with beautiful beaches and a private island.
Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is a popular port destination in the Bahamas with many beautiful beaches and hotels. There is a lot of local culture and restaurants to enjoy, as well as some great shopping. When the ship docks you can explore Nassau on your own or join a walking tour and get a local guide’s highlights.
Things to do in Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay is a secluded private island only for MSC Cruises guests. There is plenty to do on the island such as turtle nesting sightings (seasonal), behind the scenes tours of Ocean Cay, paddleboarding tours, snorkel tours of the coral reefs at Ocean Cay, a private restaurant and spa.
Things to do aboard MSC Cruises’ Bahamas cruise
Besides the amazing off-ship experiences, this Bahamas cruise ship boasts incredible amenities such as the Aurea Spa which has a thermal cycle. The ship also has waterslides, incredible live music, a stunning infinity pool, live shows in the theatre, restaurants, and more. TIP: Check out the Bridge of Sighs from Deck 16 where you’ll get incredible views of the ocean and deck below!
To be more eco-friendly on your Bahamas Cruise, check out our blog “The Ultimate Eco Travel Packing Check List.”
Everything you need to know about Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Spanning 64 square miles, Ocean Cay is an incredible place to visit with white sandy beaches, clear kayaks, snorkelling (snorkel gear is available), floating pads, a beachfront spa where you can get a massage listening to the sounds of the waves, a buffet restaurant, and more! It’s more than just a marine reserve, it’s a fun and unique place to relax and rejuvenate on your vacation.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve was a former sand and mineral extraction site. Before MSC Cruises started to clean up the site, there was little to no wildlife living on the island and debris everywhere. MSC Cruises made significant efforts to clear the island and the surrounding ocean bed from all discarded debris. 1,500 tons of scrap metal was removed! The clean up alone cost millions of dollars and was all paid for by MSC Cruises and the MSC Foundation.
MSC Cruises couldn’t take on this ambitious project alone, which is why they have over 500 experts, including marine biologists, working hard to maintain and grow this marine reserve. Below are some facts about the restoration of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and the incredible work that has been done to clean up the island so far:
- 75,000 plants and shrubs have been planted so far on Ocean Cay.
- 95% of planted species are native to the Caribbean.
- There are now seasonal turtle nesting sites on the island, and the island is now home to many birds, iguanas, and various marine life.
- Ocean Cay’s Super Coral Program has a goal to plant 20,000 corals per month to improve the health of the coral reef.
- The island is equipped with a solar farm, powering roughly 30% of the island currently. There is only LED lighting on the island and the electricity is managed by a smart grid.
- A zero-impact wastewater system will process wastewater in a closed loop cycle. Water will be reused for watering the vegetation on the island.
- Water will be pumped from a water well on the island and sent for desalination to a reverse osmosis plant that has a capacity to produce 123,000 US gallons of drinkable water per day.
- No single-use plastic water bottles are used on the island, and food trays from the food shack’s are made from compostable materials.
- All products used at the Aurea Spa are biodegradable and eco-friendly!
Ocean Cay’s goal is to become a base for marine biologists to conduct scientific research into coral restoration. Through the MSC Foundation, MSC Cruises will work with local partners to establish a thriving coral nursery in surrounding waters. Read more about its sustainability efforts in the Sustainability Report here.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a proud member of the MSC Foundation and will match any donation that is made! You can make a donation here.
If you love visiting unique islands, check out our post Flamingo Beach Aruba: How To Book This EPIC Experience For FREE.
FAQs
Are MSC Cruises all-inclusive?
MSC Cruises offer all-inclusive beverage packages of varying levels which allows guests to choose a drink package that best suits them.
What is not included in an MSC cruise?
Specialty restaurants, excursions, drinks, VIP pool areas, wifi, spa treatments, therapy areas, gratuities, and some entertainment is now ticketed. We recommend booking the all-inclusive ticket for more inclusions during your cruise!
What is not allowed on MSC Cruises?
Items forbidden on board include outside alcohol and drinks, firearms, sharp objects including scissors, flammable and explosive material, items with heating elements, open flames (e.g. clothing irons, steamers, kettles, hotplates, candles, incense), and drones.
Can I bring a refillable water bottle on an MSC Cruise?
You can’t bring bottled water (or any other beverages) on the ship but you can bring a reusable bottle. We actually recommend bringing your own reusable water bottle on all vacations to eliminate waste created from single use plastic!
Do I need cash on an MSC Cruise?
All on board purchases are made with the personal cruise card so you don’t need to carry cash or credit cards. However, you will need a credit card on file in case you incur any additional costs onboard. You can pay the bill at the end of the trip by either adding your credit card to the MSC For Me app or by scanning your credit card at one of the on-ship payment kiosks.
If you’re looking to take a budget-friendly Bahamas cruise, we highly recommend MSC Cruises for their state-of-the-art ships, and commitment to the environment and restoration of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
If you take a cruise with MSC Cruises be sure to tag us on Instagram @wellnesstravelled so we can follow along your adventures!
