If you’re looking for a relaxing Bahamas cruise that won’t break the bank, our cruise is just for you! MSC Cruises has multiple Bahamas Cruise Options Taking you to the beautiful turquoise waters, white sand beaches and incredible food the Bahamas is famous for. Just a short distance from Port Canaveral, the Bahamas has become a popular cruise destination, and with MSC, you have the opportunity to visit a private island at a fantastic price!
MSC Cruises is your best choice Bahamas Cruises Because it’s the only cruise line to dock at the secluded private island of Ocean Cay, the largest marine protected area in the Bahamas. Their oceanfront cruises offer 3- and 4-night accommodation options called the Caribbean and Antilles, starting at just $350 per person, with stops in Nassau and Ocean Cay. Since MSC owns this private island, you can get a private island experience at an incredible price.
Everything you need to know about MSC Bahamas Cruises
MSC Cruises offers 3-night and 4-night cruise options in the Bahamas. Alternatively, if you are looking for a longer vacation, we recommend 7-night, 10-night and 11-night cruises to other countries after the Bahamas (such as Mexico and Honduras). All of their cruises depart from Port Canaveral, Florida and start at just $350, with all-inclusive packages starting at $750, which we highly recommend! The cruise ships dock in Nassau and Ocean Key, allowing guests to experience the best of both worlds; local Bahamian culture with beautiful beaches and private islands.
Nassau, Bahamas Attractions
Nassau is a popular port destination in the Bahamas with many beautiful beaches and hotels. There’s plenty of local culture and restaurants to enjoy, as well as some great shopping. While the ship is docked, explore Nassau on your own or join a walking tour and learn the highlights from a local guide.
Ocean Island Attractions
Ocean Cay is a secluded private island available only to MSC guests. There are many activities on the island such as sea turtle nesting viewing (seasonal), behind-the-scenes tours of Ocean Cay, paddleboard tours, Ocean Cay reef snorkeling tours, private restaurants and spas. Best of all, it’s the largest marine protected area in the Bahamas!
Activities on MSC Bahamas Cruises
In addition to the amazing off-ship experience, this Bahamas cruise ship also features incredible amenities such as the Aurea Spa with thermal circuit. The ship also features water slides, incredible live music, live entertainment in a stunning infinity pool, theatres, restaurants and more. Tip: View the Bridge of Sighs from deck 16 and you’ll enjoy incredible views of the ocean and decks below!
To make your Bahamas cruise more eco-friendly, check out our blog”The Ultimate Eco Travel Packing Checklist“.
Everything you need to know about Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay is not only a private island owned by MSC Cruises, it is also the largest marine protected area in the Bahamas, covering an area of 64 square miles. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Sanctuary is a private island like no other.
The island is an incredible tourist destination with white sandy beaches, crystal clear kayaking, snorkeling (snorkeling gear provided), floating pads, a beachfront spa where you can get a massage and listen to the sound of the waves ), cafeteria and more! More than just a marine sanctuary, it’s a fun and unique getaway to relax and rejuvenate.
The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a former sand and mineral mining site. Before MSC Cruises began cleaning up the site, there was almost no wildlife on the island and debris was everywhere. MSC Cruises made a huge effort to remove all derelict debris from the island and surrounding seabed. Removed 1,500 tons of scrap metal! The cleanup alone cost millions of dollars, all paid for by MSC Cruises and the MSC Foundation.
MSC cannot take on this ambitious project alone, which is why they have more than 500 experts, including marine biologists, working to maintain and develop this marine reserve. Here are some facts about restoring the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Sanctuary and the incredible work that has been done so far to clean up the island:
- To date, Ocean Cay has planted 75,000 plants and shrubs.
- 95% of the species grown are native to the Caribbean.
- There are now seasonal sea turtle nesting sites on the island, and the island is now home to many species of birds, iguanas, and a variety of marine life.
- Ocean Cay’s Super Coral program aims to plant 20,000 corals per month to improve the health of the reef.
- There is a solar power plant on the island, which currently supplies power to about 30% of the island. There are only LED lighting on the island, and electricity is managed by a smart grid.
- A zero-impact wastewater system will treat wastewater in a closed-loop cycle. The water will be reused to water vegetation on the island.
- Water will be pumped from a well on the island and sent to a reverse osmosis plant for desalination, which will produce 123,000 US gallons of drinking water per day.
- No single-use plastic water bottles are used on the island, and the food shed’s food trays are made from compostable materials.
- All products used at Aurea Spa are biodegradable and environmentally friendly!
Ocean Cay aims to be a base for marine biologists to conduct scientific research on coral restoration. Through the MSC Foundation, MSC Cruises will work with local partners to establish a thriving coral nursery in the surrounding waters. Learn more about their sustainability efforts Sustainability report here.
Ocean Cay is a proud member of the MSC Foundation and will match any donation! you can Donate here.
If you enjoy visiting unique islands, check out our post Aruba Flamingo Beach: How to book this epic experience for free.
FAQ
Are MSC cruises all-inclusive?
MSC Cruises offers all-inclusive beverage packages at different levels, allowing guests to choose the beverage package that best suits them.
What’s not included on an MSC cruise?
Tickets are now available for specialty restaurants, excursions, beverages, VIP pool area, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, therapy areas, gratuities and some entertainment. We recommend booking an all-inclusive ticket to get even more savings on your cruise!
What is not allowed on MSC cruises?
Items prohibited on board include outside alcohol and drinks, guns, scissors and other sharp items, flammable and explosive items, items with heating elements, open flames (such as irons, steamers, kettles, electric stoves, candles, incense ) and drones.
Can I bring a refillable water bottle on an MSC cruise?
You cannot bring bottled water (or any other beverage) on board, but you can bring reusable bottles. In fact, we recommend bringing your own reusable water bottle on all vacations to eliminate the waste created by single-use plastic!
Do I need cash to travel on an MSC cruise?
All onboard purchases are made with a personal cruise card, so you don’t need to carry cash or credit cards. However, you will need to have a credit card on file in case you incur any additional charges while on board. You can pay your bill at the end of your journey by adding your credit card to the MSC app or scanning it at any of the payment kiosks on board.
If you’re looking for an affordable Bahamas cruise, we highly recommend MSC Cruises because of their state-of-the-art ships and commitment to protecting the environment and restoring the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Sanctuary.
If you are traveling on an MSC cruise, be sure to Tag us on Instagram @wellnesstravelled This way we can follow you on your adventures!
