The Cruise Division of the MSC Group has celebrated the official start of construction on Sandy Cay, the Company’s new luxury private destination in the Bahamas, which is scheduled to open in 2028. The ceremony marks another milestone in the development of the project, with construction and site preparation activities already underway.
The event was attended by representatives of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division, members of the Government of the Bahamas, and key partners involved in the development of the project. Among those in attendance were Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division, and the Hon. Philip Davis, KC, MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the Company’s long-term commitment to developing its destinations in the Bahamas, a strategic market for the growth of the Caribbean offering of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
Located in the immediate vicinity of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Sandy Cay was unveiled in April 2026 and is being developed to complement the existing destination with a different experience—one that is more intimate and immersive, with a focus on luxury.
The new island will be reserved for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys and will be designed for those seeking wellness, relaxation, and an opportunity to discover the natural environment. Sandy Cay will offer a secluded retreat featuring pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, while preserving the spirit of Ocean Cay and its connection to the beauty of nature and the authentic rhythms of the ocean. The experience will be enhanced by a range of carefully curated services and offerings, including a high-end culinary experience, dedicated relaxation areas, private retreats, and attentive, personalized hospitality.
The project forms part of the broader vision of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division to develop world-class destinations capable of showcasing the natural beauty, culture, and identity of the Bahamas, while creating new experiences for guests.
Alongside the development of Sandy Cay, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is also preparing to introduce new experiences designed to further enhance guests’ stays. The destination, now one of the most distinctive stops on Caribbean itineraries, will see the introduction of new restaurants, new beach concepts for families and adults, expanded relaxation areas, and new immersive experiences focused on marine conservation and environmental awareness.
These initiatives are designed to ensure that Ocean Cay continues to evolve, expanding the experiences available to guests while preserving the natural environment that helps make the Bahamas such a distinctive destination.
With the arrival of Sandy Cay, guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys will have access to two private destinations with distinct characteristics. On the one hand, Ocean Cay, with its established identity and focus on nature and marine conservation; on the other, Sandy Cay, conceived as a more intimate retreat centered on relaxation and a luxury experience.
Guests will therefore be able to choose from different experiences, from spending time on pristine beaches and discovering the natural environment to enjoying moments with family or indulging in wellness and luxury. What the two destinations will share is a commitment to environmental protection, authenticity, and a high standard of hospitality.
With Sandy Cay, the MSC Group’s Cruise Division is adding a new element to its development strategy in the Bahamas. The goal is to create an increasingly seamless connection between the experience onboard and the experiences enjoyed ashore, through destinations capable of expanding and complementing the overall travel experience.
The opening of Sandy Cay, scheduled for 2028, will therefore mark a new chapter for the Caribbean offering of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, complementing the established Ocean Cay with a new private destination designed to provide guests with an even more diverse experience of the Bahamas.
Giorgia Lombardo