DESTINATIONS CRUISE |OCEAN CAY
ISLAND ACTIVITIES CHILL
E Spice up your sunbathing by hiring a cabana, a floating beach mat or an inflatable raft.
E Cruise around with minimum effort on an electric pedalo, or take a boozy boat trip on a rum-soaked catamaran excursion.
E In the evening, book a sunset beach picnic or champagne cruise, then finish up with a beachside stargazing session.
THRILL
E See how the environment has bounced back with a snorkelling trip in the marine reserve, where you glide over a sunken shipwreck populated by tropical fish, endangered corals, stingrays and a resident pod of dolphins.
E Take a guided trip by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or rent equipment and go it alone.
E Scale the 165 steps to the top of the candy-striped lighthouse for the ultimate sea view.
E The action doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down – rent a special stand-up paddleboard fitted with LED lights and you can glide around the lagoon under the stars.
and resurrected it, to the benefit of both. And with cruise operations suspended for the best part of a year, the ecosystem around Ocean Cay has had even more time to rebound, ready for visitors to see it at its best. Environmentally, the process isn’t over. An on-island
research centre is being developed that will give scientists and students a permanent base from which to work, monitoring local marine populations and undertaking a study into ‘supercorals’ – tougher strains that can survive the effects of climate change.
LIFE’S A BEACH While Ocean Cay’s environmental credentials are key for MSC Cruises, guests can choose how much attention they wish to pay to the green agenda. On the island, drinks are served in reusable glasses, straws are biodegradable, and reef-friendly sunscreen is encouraged, but beyond that, visitors won’t find sustainability shoved in their faces. The main focus is relaxation. There are eight beaches, including one dedicated to families, a secluded stretch of sand near the spa, and a private beach with butler service for Yacht Club guests, alongside their own stylish clubhouse. Food trucks and bars on almost every beach mean sustenance is always just a few steps away, though there’s a lively main bar and a central buffet for more choice and a buzzier atmosphere. Active guests will love the watersports on offer, from
42 21 JANUARY 2021
33As the sun sets, a Junkanoo Parade with costumed dancers stretches from the main bar to Ocean Cay’s striking lighthouse
kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to snorkelling and scuba diving. As the sun sets, a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo Parade with costumed dancers stretches around from the main bar to Ocean Cay’s striking red and white lighthouse. When it’s fully dark, there’s a spectacular light show – the tower itself flaring up, illuminated by 23,000 bulbs. They’re energy-efficient LEDs, of course…
TW BOOK IT
All MSC Cruises ships sailing from Miami and Port Canaveral will call at Ocean Cay as part of their Caribbean itineraries. In winter 2021-22, this includes MSC vessels Armonia, Divina, Meraviglia and Seashore, and for summer 2022, Divina and Seashore. Prices start from £369 for a seven-night sailing (cruise-only).
msccruises.co.uk
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURED: Scenes from Ocean Cay, including The Spa, snorkellers and an aerial view of the Bahamian island PICTURES: MSC Rights/Michel Verdure, Conrad Schutt, AP Images
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